Every retailer and foodservice operator considers factors such as software and hardware capabilities when shopping for a new POS system. However, there’s an important angle that’s often overlooked, and that angle is ergonomics. Even if you’re buying one of the new, smaller all-in-one POS systems, ergonomics is a major consideration—especially for retail, restaurant, and food truck environments where space is limited. Here are three ergonomics-related rules to follow in evaluating any all-in-one POS option:
1. Bigger is NOT better. Choosing an all-in-one POS system with an ergonomic footprint, rather than one that’s of a more substantial size, will almost always prove to be your best bet. One reason this is true is because it’s always easier to fill space than it is to create extra space. An all-in-one POS with a small footprint will fit pretty much anywhere, and there will always be room to display merchandise in an organized and aesthetically pleasing manner. Having the freedom of extra space is a luxury whereas trying to make extra space for a product or sign is a nightmare.
Additionally, think about the comfort of your employees. Using an all-in-one POS system with a large footprint in an area where counter space is limited may be awkward for them. The more uncomfortable they are, the more prone they may be to making mistakes.
What’s more, even if counter space is not in especially short supply in your establishment, remember that customers don’t want to look an oversized POS terminal or a counter that’s strewn with cables and peripherals. Leaving empty space on the counter around an ergonomically sound, smaller-footprint all-in-one POS system is preferable to jamming up that counter with a large all-in-one POS system.
2. Cable management is important. A cable management system is a must-have for all-in-one POS systems. Why? Consider this: as mentioned in point #1, one of the biggest benefits of many all-in-one POS systems is that the small footprint enables better use of precious counter space. Maintaining a haphazard arrangement of cables that clutter up your counters almost defeats the purpose of opting for an all-in-one POS configuration.
Just as significantly, retail stores, restaurants, and food trucks are all very busy places. You certainly don’t want cables to get in the way of orders or transactions. When cables are not properly managed and organized, someone is bound to accidentally disconnect one – possibly leading to lost sales and information. In addition, organized cables make it much easier to repair peripherals or find the source of a problem.
3. Other space-saving options can also be valuable. The advantages of the small footprint offered by all-in-one POS systems can be taken a few steps further if you’re careful about the peripherals you choose to use. Instead of separate POS peripherals, choose integrated POS hardware, including receipt printers (a universal printer base is your best bet), scanners, and magnetic stripe readers. The amount of additional space you can save this way can be significant.
There’s no denying that all-in-one POS systems can benefit retailers, restaurateurs and food truck operators in many ways. Careful selection of these systems is essential for the best results, and ergonomic considerations and criteria should always be a part of the evaluation process.
