An Overview of Point of Sale Hardware
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Posted On :
May-21-2010
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Article Word Count :
556
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This article provides an overview of the core components of the modern point of sale configuration. The overview includes a brief examination of how they interoperate.
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The point of sale or checkout is the location where the transaction occurs. In its most basic form, the point of sale terminal is the electronic cash register that the cashier uses to ring up the customer and produce the receipt. However, many modern point of sale configurations are much more elaborate than a single electronic cash register. Here is an overview of many of the core components of today's point of sale systems.
Computer Workstation
The computer workstation has taken the place of the electronic cash register, and this is the core component of most contemporary point of sale systems. It houses all of the software and functionality needed for a single point of sale terminal, it processes all the data needed to complete a transaction, and it powers all of the other devices and peripherals that the terminal employs.
Server
Today, even the smallest point of sale systems are networks, and at least one server is at the center of that network. In its simplest form, the server is a repository of all the information that the computer workstations much share, such as the inventory and current discounts.
Monitor
Electronic cash registers of the past had small, on-board displays. Since today's point of sale terminals are computers, they make use of a monitor to display their information. The advantage to using a monitor is that the system can provide a great deal more information to the cashier, and there is enough screen real estate to make information visible to the client. Recently, businesses have begun incorporating touch screen technology into their POS configurations. This simplifies the process further by offering screen, keyboard and mouse function in an intuitive blend.
Bar Code Scanner
Today, nearly every product sold in a retail outlet has a universal product code (UPC) somewhere on its packaging. The bar code scanner equipment interprets that UPC label as the cashier swipes it over its sensors. The bar code scanner then converts the scanned information into data that the workstation and the server can use. The bar code scanner is a key component that has contributed to the speed and efficiency of the modern POS systems.
Credit Card Swipe
The credit/debit card swipe serves two purposes. The first is to read information off a credit/debit card that the customer or cashier swipes through or over its reading mechanism, very similar to how the bar code scanner works. The device then sends that information to the appropriate bank or credit card company for approval. Once the equipment receives the return of information, it then sends it on to the workstation.
Receipt Printer
Receipt printers print a record of the transaction for use by the client. Of all point of sale equipment, receipt printers have changed the least since the days of the electronic cash register. However, the one key difference is critical. Today's equipment prints much more quickly therefore paying great dividends over a large number of clients.
Cash Drawer
The cash drawer is the box where the cashier collects the money and other valuable items such as checks and money orders. Like the receipt printer, today's cash drawer is fundamentally the same as those used in years past. However, modern technology allows for a much more secure drawer.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_An Overview of Point of Sale Hardware_19608.aspx
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Author Resource :
For more help with a pos system, please visit retail POS system.
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Keywords :
cash register, bar code, point of sale, systems,
Category :
Business
:
Sales
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