Cash Registers

Traditional “box” cash registers are standalone hardware-based retail appliances  primarily used to assist with over-the-counter transaction workflow in simple retail and restaurant businesses. Their core function is to record sales, calculate sales tax, provide the cashier and customer a total, track how it was paid, and calculate the change due. They often include basic peripherals  such as a cash drawer, receipt printer and financial journal, customer pole display, and yes, it all comes together working right out of the box. While they are cost-effective and straightforward, they lack advanced features like inventory management and customer data collection.

On the other hand, a POS (Point of Sale) system combines both hardware and POS software to provide comprehensive business management solutions for retail or restaurant. POS systems are often integrated to other systems like credit & debit processors, gift cards, and offer key features like real-time inventory tracking, scales, and customer data management. They can also integrate with other services such as  online ordering, mobile solutions, and self-checkout systems, making them more productive and versatile than traditional cash registers.

No. Typically, users of traditional “box” cash registers use a separate credit and debit device.  If you are looking to connect your cash register to a credit and debit processor you will need a software-based solution like POS (point of sale). To assist you in finding the credit card processor that’s best for your business, just let our representative know and they will help you with that when choosing your cash register. 

No. These days, gift cards are like credit & debit processing. If you are looking to connect your cash register to a gift card system you will need a software-based solution like point of sale (POS). If you are looking for a gift card solution, our team can help you with that as well.

Traditional cash registers have limited capabilities for tracking inventory. In fact, they typically don’t track inventory – they track item-movement. In other words, they track what is sold, not what was purchased, also known as “stock”. Because they mainly record sales transactions and track payments, stock tracking requires manual calculations to understand what stock was purchased – what stock was sold = stock on hand.  Businesses typically need to review stock levels manually or use separate systems to manage supplies. In contrast, POS systems automate inventory management by updating stock levels in real-time as items are purchased and sold, providing more accurate data collection.

Cash registers are suitable for small businesses that need a simple and economical solution for managing over-the-counter transaction workflow, and don’t require a lot of “bells and whistles”. They are particularly beneficial for businesses with straightforward checkout processes, such as those that primarily handle cash or operate in environments where advanced digital solutions may not be practical or required. Their lower costs make them an attractive option for startups or small stores looking to manage expenses effectively.

Yes, many small businesses start with traditional cash registers and later upgrade to full POS systems as their needs expand. Upgrading allows businesses to explore advanced features such as real-time inventory tracking, comprehensive sales analytics, and enhanced customer relationship management. This transition can improve operational efficiency by integrating to other systems such as scanners, scales, accounting, payments, labor scheduling, and other solutions  that manage data more effectively and provide valuable insights into customer behavior and sales trends.