Useful Features at an Affordable Price
Choosing the right cloud-based POS system is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make to help their business thrive and grow. The right software is one of the most critical components of a good POS system. It used to be that PC based software was the only game in town and it required a major financial commitment just to get started. Nowadays, business owners have more affordable options and more to choose from than ever before.
But now new technology offers a variety of useful features at a price point every small business can afford. Of course, I’m talking about cloud-based software. More and more businesses are choosing this new tech option and this trend will likely continue based on the success of those who have already switched over.
So, what exactly is cloud based POS software? While still using traditional POS station hardware, it no longer requires data to be stored and accessed from a local server (or one workstation functioning as the server). Primary data is stored in the cloud and each workstation connects directly to that data. Cloud based point of sale software has no single point of failure. If the “data server” hardware fails in a legacy system you would be down at all stations. This system configuration generates new possibilities for data storage and security as well as unprecedented access to important business information.
If all of this still a little, well, cloudy to you then check out our list of benefits associated with using cloud-based technology for your business.
Top 5 Benefits of Cloud-Based POS Software
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Software As A Subscription (SaaS)
With a cloud-based software, you won’t have huge upfront fees for software licenses. Your monthly subscription fee covers the software including perpetual version updates, perpetual backups and usually some level of service option. Legacy software licenses cannot be sold or transferred so that once you pay that upfront license fee, all of that $ value instantly evaporates as soon as you no longer choose to use the software. SaaS model software is a subscription that can be canceled at any time if needed.
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Remote Data Access
You’ll be amazed at the increased visibility of your data when you opt for a cloud-based software. You can access a variety of important functions and reports from any device that’s connected to the internet. This means you can be anywhere in the world and still monitor what’s going on in your store. Things like sales, inventory, even employee timekeeping, are readily available to you 24/7.
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Instant Updates
Good software is like a plant that is continually growing, adding new functions and features as industry changes require it and as developer programming time is continuously invested in improving the software. Rather than periodically paying for and having to install software version updates, SaaS software automatically checks the cloud for updates each time the software is opened up. New functions and features appear instantly without any downtime or expense. All devices are updated at the same time and the entire process is seamless. These updates in no way interfere with your daily operations. You’ll continuously be on the newest version of the software, all with no additional software update fees. Future proofed!.
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Data Access For Multiple Locations
Cloud-based POS software allows access to data in real time across locations. Any authorized person can see sales and inventory for all stores. Again, all of this can be accessed remotely so it doesn’t matter where you are as long as you’re connected to the internet. You’ll no longer be limited to having to be onsite at each individual location to see how you’re doing and what you’ve got in stock.
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Data Security
Your crucial business information is always safe on the cloud. Data is synced and stored electronically. If the unthinkable happens, data can easily be restored. You won’t even lose data in the event of a power or internet outage or with a hardware malfunction. Cloud-based POS software protects against viruses and breaches by using advanced encryptions of sensitive data.
Given all of the features and benefits of converting to a cloud-based point of sale software, it’s not hard to understand why all the buzz about it. Converting to a cloud-based software doesn’t mean that you will necessarily need to replace all of your existing hardware with handheld devices. You can have those if you want them but some cloud based POS software will work with your existing equipment, depending on what you already have.
For more information about cloud-based software, contact a POS system dealer or a POS software business itself. Any respectable company will happily give you a demo and talk to you about features and pricing.
As always, we are here to help. Let us know if you have any questions.
Total Merchant Supply is a POS Dealer based in NC & SC.