Choosing The Most Favourable EPoS System

An EPoS system predominantly benefits organisations with a big throughput of goods to a huge customer foundation. The bigger the company the more sophisticated the EPoS system should be, but it may not be essential for smaller organisations to invest in multifaceted technology.

Stand-alone EPoS systems
£5000 is the average cost of one of these systems. For your money you get a specialised EPoS terminal, software, a printer and a networked back office PC. With integrated XML or EDL links, you can connect your EPoS terminal with your website and physical stores. Highly beneficial if the company has more than one location such as hotels and department stores.

Software-based solutions
Your existing PC system might be able to run an EPOS application from it already, and the software costs around £350. There are many other features available that can simply be plugged in including printers, card readers and customer displays.

EPoS/Accounting systems
You can get a system with accounting packages on for £500. If you need to boost your back office system you can also add on electronic funds transfer software and label printing for example. This can be a cheaper and more flexible way to buying EPoS software although your supplier will need to consult you on all of the modules and extras you will require.

Contract out EPoS to a third party specialist
This concept is relatively new in the UK. You can rent software from an Application service Provider (ASP) who will secure your link through the internet and help you manage the system. Any technical problems that you come across will be solved by the ASP. For this to be right for you it is necessary to have a broadband connection.

Customised EPOS solutions
Consultants and software experts can tailor-make and design an EPOS solution and integrate it with existing hardware and software and also your web site. It will however cost you in excess of £10,000 as you are paying for labour and software but this price will change depending on your personal needs. This is the best EPoS system for large retailers and hospitality outlets like department stores, hotel chains etc.