All-in-one POS systems—systems comprised entirely of hardware peripherals from the same vendor—are becoming increasingly popular among retailers and restaurateurs. Given their advantages, it’s no wonder. These advantages include:
1. Convenience: All-in-one POS systems provide merchants with pretty much everything they need in a POS, bundled together in one smartly designed configuration. Specific components vary, but these systems generally incorporate a touch screen, receipt printer, cash drawer, and magnetic stripe reader. Manufacturers typically up the convenience ante by offering additional peripherals that allow the functionality of all-in-one POS systems to expand as business needs evolve. Such peripherals include (but aren’t limited to) rear pole displays and barcode scanners.
The fact that the hardware components of all-in-one POS systems come from one vendor also makes them more convenient to use than other types of POS systems. When something goes wrong, there’s no question as to which manufacturer to contact—a single call does it all.
2. Superior ergonomics: Many retail establishments and restaurants have limited front counter space, but with all-in-one POS systems, this doesn’t matter because the all-in-ones feature a smaller ergonomic footprint than their non-all-in-one counterparts. In addition to saving space, a small ergonomic footprint paves the way for a more aesthetically pleasing front counter that doesn’t look cluttered—and has room for appealing displays of impulse items.
What’s more, the ergonomic footprint of all-in-one POS systems increases employee comfort at the POS. Operating multiple POS peripherals that have been crammed into a tight space on the counter can be difficult. The higher the degree of discomfort employees feel, the greater their potential for errors and for providing sub-standard customer service.
3. Ease of use by employees: In addition to being more comfortable to use from a space standpoint, all-in-one systems are simply easier to operate all around. The unparalleled compatibility of peripherals manufactured by a single vendor has much to do with this particular benefit. So, too, does the fact that vendors keep ease of use top of mind when designing all-in-one POS systems.
4. Lower long-term cost: At the outset, all-in-one POS systems may—depending upon the extent of their capabilities and peripheral components—require a higher initial investment than POS systems whose components have been sourced from multiple vendors. However, the long-term cost of these systems is typically lower than the price tag on other types of POS configurations. Why? For one thing, a single vendor holds responsibility for maintenance—no matter the peripheral. Receiving maintenance services from just one manufacturer—rather than from one touchscreen vendor or one receipt printer vendor—saves a significant sum of money over the lifecycle of the entire all-in-one POS systems.
Additionally, while customizing POS systems made up of disparate peripherals from disparate vendors can be difficult and costly, the opposite is true of all-in-one POS systems. The compatibility of peripheral components from one source allows “adjustments” to be initiated with minimal effort—and at a lower price.
Replacing an all-in-one POS system generally costs less than replacing peripherals piece-by-piece. This is because prices set for individual hardware components are typically higher than those set by vendors when they bundle together several different peripherals to create a complete POS configuration.
As if that weren’t enough, the life expectancy of systems often exceeds that of other systems because all components are of uniform durability. This means replacement may not need to occur as frequently as it otherwise would. When replacement does need to occur, if you’ve chosen your vendor wisely, field serviceability may be an option at no additional cost.
The advantages of all-in one POS systems are compelling for any retailer or restaurant operator looking to get the most bang—and the fewest hassles—for the hardware buck.
