Cloud POS vs. Traditional POS: What’s best?

Let’s take a wild guess; you’re here because you’re looking for ways to upgrade your point of sale.

For starters, cloud POS is an advanced management system powered by cloud tech. Its remote capabilities and real-time processing are phenomenal. As a logical solution, cloud POS is your safest bet.

But what gives it the “ X “ factor over other POS systems? Enough with the speculations. It’s time to clear the fog on cloud POS vs. traditional POS with some expert analysis.

Let’s take a closer look.

Brief on POS 

POS or point of sale is the digitalized system used for complete retail transactions. Merchants use POS softwares to calculate the money owed by customers and bill them effectively. 

Pros and Cons of POS

Point-of-sale (POS) systems have their ups and downs. Even though there are problems with the POS system, the positive outweighs the negatives exponentially. But taking a closer look will help us in the long run. 

Pros:

• Improved efficiency: POS systems can help streamline sales and checkout processes, reducing the time it takes to complete transactions.

• Accurate record-keeping: POS systems can automatically track sales and inventory, which can help reduce errors and improve record-keeping.

• Enhanced customer experience: POS systems can provide additional features, such as the ability to process credit card payments or to offer loyalty programs, which can improve the customer experience.

• Better decision-making: POS systems can provide real-time data and analytics, which can help businesses make more informed decisions about their operations.

Cons:

• Upfront costs: Implementing a POS system can be expensive, as it requires the purchase of hardware and software and training costs.

• Maintenance costs: POS systems require regular maintenance and updates, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

• Dependence on technology: POS systems rely on technology, which can be vulnerable to glitches, outages, and other problems. This can disrupt business operations and lead to lost sales.

• Security risks: POS systems process sensitive customer data, such as credit card numbers, which can risk being hacked or compromised. Businesses must be diligent in protecting this data to avoid damaging their reputation and potentially facing legal consequences.

• Complexity: Some POS systems can be complex and may require a steep learning curve for employees to master. This can be a barrier to adoption and lead to frustration and reduced productivity.

What is cloud POS?

A cloud-based POS system typically consists of hardware devices (such as cash registers, barcode scanners, and payment terminals) connected to a central server through the internet. This server is hosted in a remote data center rather than being located on-site. 

When a sales transaction is processed, the data is sent from the hardware devices to the server in real-time, where it is stored and processed—allowing the system to provide various features, such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and sales reporting. 

The system can be accessed and managed from any device with an internet connection, using a web browser or a mobile app, helping retailers manage their sales operations remotely and scale their business on the go.

Why cloud pos?

So what’s so special about cloud-based pos softwares? im

1. Accessibility: A cloud-based POS system can be accessed from any device with an internet connection so that you can run your business from anywhere. This is especially useful for businesses with multiple locations or needing to process transactions outside their brick-and-mortar store. For example, you might use a cloud-based POS system to process transactions at a trade show or farmers’ market.

2. Scalability: Cloud-based POS systems can easily scale up or down to meet the changing needs of your business. This is useful for businesses that experience fluctuations in customer traffic or that need to add new locations quickly. For example, if your business is a seasonal store, you might need to scale up your POS system during peak season and scale it down during slower periods.

3. Cost-effective: Cloud-based POS systems typically have lower upfront costs than traditional on-premises systems. This is because you don’t need to purchase and maintain expensive hardware like servers and workstations. Cloud-based POS systems also have lower ongoing costs, as you don’t need to worry about hardware maintenance or IT support.

4. Security: Cloud-based POS systems typically have robust security measures to protect your data. This is especially important for businesses that process sensitive customer information, such as credit card numbers. Cloud-based POS providers often use encryption, secure servers, and other measures to keep your data safe.

5. Automatic updates: Cloud-based POS systems are automatically updated by the provider, so you don’t need to worry about keeping your system updated. This can save time and resources for your business, as you don’t need to manually install updates or worry about compatibility issues.

6. Integration with other business tools: Cloud-based POS systems can easily integrate with other business tools, such as accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This can help streamline your business processes and make your data more actionable. For example, you might use a cloud-based POS system to update your customer database automatically or to track inventory levels.

What is traditional POS?

A traditional POS system is a physical system installed on-premises at a business. This means that the hardware and software are owned and operated by the business rather than accessed via the cloud.

Even something simple as a cash register can be considered a legacy POS. Twenty years ago, this streamlined version of the point-of-sale system was an effective management solution.

Why do people prefer legacy pos?

Legacy POS has been around for quite some time & many small businesses are accustomed to working with it. But that’s not the only reason to choose it; here are a few benefits of using a traditional POS system.

Compatibility: A legacy POS system may be compatible with older hardware and software, which can be important if the business is not ready or able to upgrade its technology.

Integration: A legacy POS system may be integrated with other business systems, such as accounting software or inventory management systems. This integration may be difficult or costly to replicate in a newer system, leading the business to continue using the legacy system.

Customization: Some legacy POS systems may have been customized to fit the business’s specific needs. This could include custom reports, specialized functionality, or integration with proprietary systems. Recreating these customizations in a new system may be difficult or expensive.

Upfront costs: Upgrading to a new POS system can be expensive, especially if the business has invested a lot of money in its current system. The cost of purchasing new hardware, and software and training employees on the new system can be a barrier to upgrading.

Limited options: In some cases, a business may not have access to modern POS systems due to geographic or technological constraints. For example, a business located in a remote area may not have access to high-speed internet or may not have access to a range of POS system options.

Complexity: Some legacy POS systems may have a steep learning curve or can be difficult to use. This can be a barrier to upgrading, as employees may resist learning a new system.

Now that you have an overview, let’s look at the difference between cloud POS and traditional POS.

The final Breakdown: Difference between cloud POS and traditional POS

When we take a microscopic approach, the benefits of cloud POS and traditional POS are visible. Though cloud-based pos solutions provide a more updated approach to modern problems, the traditional pos system is still a key component for many businesses. 

Conclusion

Did you find the perfect POS solution for you?

Not to show any bias, but the scales of Cloud POS vs. traditional POS clearly point toward Cloud-based POS solutions. 

Being one of the pioneers of cloud tech, NEOITO experts strongly recommend that you choose professionals to build your POS solutions. Security takes predominance when it comes to softwares like POS. 
If you need help, call us for a tailored solution.