What is a POS system?
Point of sales (POS) is the instance where the buyer or consumer is prompted to pay for the product or service he or she is availing of. Consequently, a POS system is a business structure that offers a convenient way for customers to make a payment.
In most cases, POS systems use product barcodes to determine the price they have to pay for every item. Barcodes are indeed helpful in many retail businesses, however, there are situations when a cashier would still need to enter the weight of the product for the POS machine to compute the cost of purchase.
This is where a POS system with scale capabilities is most advantageous. It helps businesses, especially those in the field of retailing to create UPC labels for items sold by weight. Some of these units also come with a receipt printer for an automated checkout procedure.
You may consider the steps below if you plan to connect your scale to a POS system.
How to Set Up a POS System with Scale Capabilities
1. Choose Your Hardware
Decide whether you would go for a single or multi-hardware POS system. A single-hardware POS involves all the components together in one item including a processing unit, printer, LCD and platform scale. In this case, you may want to try the trade-approved CAS price computing scale.
A multi-hardware POS, on the other hand, entails several separate components that are connected with cables. In some cases, a digital weighing scale with advanced features may only need a printer to complete the system.
You may also choose to connect your counting scale to a laptop, computer or tablet and download a POS application. When opting for a multi-hardware or computer-enabled system, make sure that all components are compatible with each other.
If you are unsure of the unit’s compatibility, you may ask a reliable scale provider near you, so they can recommend the unit that best suits your needs.
2. Connect Appropriate Hardware
For multi-hardware or computer-enabled POS systems, make sure to use the appropriate ports and plugs when connecting the cables from one device to another. Generally, the ports and plugs of every cable are different from each other, so there’s no reason to get mixed up with the connectivities.
3. Configure and Calibrate the Scale
If you are in a grocery or supermarket business, you may need a database to store all the information needed for your POS system. Some advanced computing scales like the CAS price computing scale have PLU programming structure that supports data storage, sales report, label editor and so much more.
After an onsite calibration with your provider, make sure to configure the scale according to the requirements of your business. This may include connecting to your database for a centralised information and pricing system.
4. Configure the POS Machine and Printer
If you are using a separate POS machine and printer, make sure to have your tech support team configure them according to your business needs. If you are using a scale printer, you may ask your provider to help you with the configuration.
5. Integrate the Scale Configuration with the System
Both the scale and the POS machine should be configured to work together and produce the necessary output that you intend and expect.
For this reason, you need to ensure that all devices are perfectly working before deploying them to your sales area and checkout counters. In the same manner, your POS system should be prepared and running at least an hour before business hours.
6. Test Run
Lastly, it is important to make a test run to address any and all problems or system glitches before using the POS system. If you troubleshoot system failures during business hours, it can create delay and loss of sales.
Other Considerations for Retail Businesses
In these modern times, cashless payments have become a trend in many retail businesses. In this case, your POS-enabled scales would also be compatible with debit and credit card processors.
The great thing about the CAS price computing scale is that it has an RS-232c port ready for a debit or credit card reader to connect to the POS system.
The primary purpose of a POS system with scale capabilities is to provide an easier and more expedient way of processing payments for customers. This is why you should choose a system with features that will make buyers and consumers continue doing business with you.
By using a POS system that lets you manage your database, you can use the information to know what sell the most on particular days and in varying times of the day. This can help you control the flow of stocks and their availability on a day-to-day basis, especially for perishable products.
It also helps to have a POS system with reliable and durable components. So, make sure to find a scale provider that that deliver what your business needs.
Contact Meltrons Australia for the most efficient POS-ready weighing scales.