Sure, it’s great to implement a shiny new POS system with exciting new features and hardware to fit your processes. It’s a vital addition to your operations, cutting down on the piles of paperwork in your business office for you and increasing productivity and sales for your staff. That makes your business already ahead of the game, right?
Certainly. But are you really getting all you can out of your investment? The following are some practical tips you can use to take your POS system to the next level:
1. Save reports
Every business owner or manager has a set of “go-to” reports they use often. Perhaps you generate custom reports each day or every week. Instead of going through all of the steps to create the report each time, build a “saved reports” list and add it to your “favorites” if your software allows. This eliminates clicks and provides you with easy access to your preferred reports. Every minute counts!
2. Update hardware
This seems easy enough, but it’s something that business owners often overlook. Make sure your POS system is running the recommended requirements for the best performance. It’s a smart idea to create a maintenance/upgrade schedule to keep your hardware and software running effectively, speeding up daily operations.
Not to mention, technology is constantly changing. Stay in contact with your hardware vendor so you are aware of the most recent advancements in printers, mobile POS, touch screens, cash drawers and other important peripherals that will help business thrive.
3. Stay organized
For restaurants: The last thing you want is for employees to charge the wrong amount for an order or allow a customer to order something that’s no longer on the menu. Updating your menu on a regular basis if fine, but it could lead to confusion – especially if menu copies aren’t organized. It’s a smart idea to keep previous menus on file for reference, but even smarter to archive them so they are not visible or accessible to staff as they are working.
For retail: POS systems have unused pay screen options, which can also lead to problems at check out. Hold ups at the cash register are nothing but annoying for customers. So, make it easier on your staff by cleaning up the POS screen – featuring only the most used options. This will make life less confusing for employees and keep your lines flowing.
4. Take shortcuts
In business, the term “shortcut” could have derogatory connotations. But in these cases it will definitely help you become more efficient.
For a restaurant with multiple locations using the same settings, menu, promotions, etc., try to create and apply packages within the POS system that will update multiple settings at once. This is a definite time saver!
For retail managers, see if your POS can do double duty in payroll and sales functions. For example, most of your staff’s responsibilities will center around the POS system, anyway. So why not have them clock in on the POS system, too? If you combine employee functions on the same system, it’s more likely they will clock in only when they’re actually ready to work. You’ll save money when they aren’t shooting the breeze with other employees at the time clock in the back of the store — on your dime.
When you utilize a POS system into your operations, you want to get the most bang for your buck! Once implemented, you’ll naturally start noticing the ways in which it streamlines your business. But it’s always valuable to know a few extra secrets to help you become even more productive and profitable.
