What is a cloud POS System?

A cloud POS is a point of sale system which has its backend settings and data hosted in the cloud and allows brick and mortar business operators to view reports, data and make backend settings remotely through a cloud portal, granting more flexibility and scalability.

What is Cloud?

Cloud is a data centre full of servers that are connected to the Internet, performing a service. In this case, the cloud would be a server connected to the internet where your POS system data and backend settings are stored. The server is traditionally located in your outlet but with the technological advancements of today, there is no need to dedicate a space in your shop for a local server, saving you space.

How does a cloud POS look like?

There is a common misconception that a cloud POS can only be a tablet based POS. Although most tablet POS are cloud-based, cloud POS are not limited to tablets. It can take the form of a traditional POS terminal, laptop or even a desktop-based POS system. As long as the POS system’s data and backend settings are editable and accessible through the cloud, it is a cloud POS.

Cloud POS for Retail

Retail operations are heavily dependent on inventory management. Retail operators can waste lots of time going through the inventory to generate out a list of low stock items and manage stock ins and outs. A cloud POS allows retail operators to pull out inventory reports on low stock items, and perform stock ins and outs ease from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.

Cloud POS for F&B

F&B businesses with multiple outlets can greatly benefit from using cloud POS. A cloud POS allows F&B operators to update and sync their POS menus, promotions, member settings and backend system settings across all their outlets remotely through the cloud POS. F&B operators can eliminate outlet by outlet manual POS updating whenever a new promotion comes up, ensuring efficiency and accurate during such updates. 

Why should you use a cloud POS?

Connectivity

A cloud POS allows business owners or management to access your business data and make backend changes from anywhere at any time. This unlocks a new level of connectivity, boosting operational efficiency and allows business owners and managers to focus more time and attention on revenue-boosting activities like developing strategies that sell more.

Security

Ever wondered what happens when your legacy POS terminal breaks down after many years of usage? If luck is on your side you may still be able to retrieve your business data on the hard drive. However, in many cases the hard drive is damaged beyond repair and years of your business data will be lost.

A cloud POS prevents this loss of data as all your business data and settings are backed up in the cloud servers. In the event of a POS terminal breakdown, not only will your data still be intact, but you will be able to download your previous POS terminal’s backend settings on your new POS terminal with a click of a button. Less fuss and better security.

Versatility

Cloud POS systems are mostly highly integratable with third party productivity boosting solutions. Take for example, MEGAPOS cloud POS is integratable with accounting softwares like Xero, QR ordering solutions like iMakan, online ordering solutions like iMakan and Tabsquare, and self ordering kiosks, kitchen display solutions, TV numbering solutions, and many more!

A highly integratable POS, makes it easy to incorporate productivity boosting solutions of your choice, and link them up to operate as one, with the cloud POS being the centre of your operations. 

Accuracy

A cloud POS gives your the ability to link up all your outlet’s POS systems with ease. Menu updates, inventory updates, backend setting updates etc., can be performed remotely from a cloud portal, ensuring accurate updating to every outlet.

Businesses with single outlets will also enjoy the benefit of accurate update. Updates can be performed remotely through the POS cloud based backend portal, eliminating the need to pass instruction down to staff to assist with the editing which may result in human error.

Conclusion

A cloud-based POS system brings about huge upsides to your brick and mortar business. If you are interested in upgrading your traditional POS system to a cloud-based POS like the ones we have at MEGAPOS, do drop us your contact details and we will be happy to arrange a free demo session for you!