If your point of sale (POS) system seems to have slowed down, it probably has. This is typically felt more during the peak time, depending on the type of operation. A restaurant operation feels it more during lunch specially if it is QSR (quick service restaurant) requiring fast paced processing. A frozen yogurt shop, where the product is melting, are in even more heat to get customers check out.
The following are the most common characteristics associated with POS slow downs:
1. 1-Terminal Operation Only – As an example, most locations operate on two terminals and the total workload is typically split 70%/30% between the two terminals. One-terminal operations place an unproportionate amount of workload on a single POS system. It is similar to having a single employee running a store and not expecting them to tire out or eventually burn out and quit. Aside from this, a second POS is just a good insurance policy.
2. Usage – Another common complaint about slowing down arises from operations where usage is high. The more transaction, the more usage. There is however strong consensus among those who experience POS slowdown due to high usage. “It is better to have high usage of POS due to successful operation rather than an unused POS.” Over 70% of the high usage locations which experience slow downs also have one terminal.
3. POS Processor – This is a phenomenon anyone who has ever purchased a personal computer is familiar with. One of the most important components of a computer is the quality of its processor. Just visit Dell’s or Lenovo’s site and see how price of computers change with the quality of processor. Many of us have heard the words Celeron, Atom, 2.0GHz Dual Core or a 3.0GHz Single Core. These terms apply to the quality and speed of processors. Even though computer and component prices have decreased over the years, one still has to pay for high speed and good quality. Just look up Dell’s Alienware line of desktop computers (or Lenovo’s ThinkPad T-series) and see how much one has o pay for high caliber desktop. POS systems with lower quality/speed processors will experience slow downs much more quickly.
rare, but they are an everyday occurrence specially in businesses with equipment requiring high amounts of power (refrigerators, compressors, etc.). Most places that experience surges in electrical power are certified and have passed inspection, but a power surge can occur regardless and are common in most electrical systems. Power surges are daily occurrence in restaurants and frozen yogurt locations because of the continuous usage of high-power equipment including frozen yogurt machines which require increased energy to turn on/off components like compressors. This switching action leads to demands for power which disrupts the stable flow of power in the electrical system. While these surges can be server enough to damages component within the system immediately, many times it is the gradual tear on the equipment that eventually leads to failure. The gradual wear and tear typically shows itself in under performance or slowing down of the system. A simple solution is a high quality batter back up and surge protector with at least a 350 joules rating such as the APC Back-UPS Pro 1000 Battery Backup System. Each POS system requires one these and a simple surge protector is not sufficient.2. Restart your POS one an daily basis. You can also do this during the day after a peak in traffic.
3. Get your software upgraded to the newest version. This will help to a certain point, but remember that the main issue is the hardware.
4. Take this opportunity to equip your locaiton with 2 terminals. Obtain a high quality POS terminal and make this your terminal 1 and the existing one your terminal 2. The majority of POS dependent operation such as frozen yogurt shops, pizzerias, bakery, or produce market, then you should have at least two terminals.
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