POS system

What it means

A POS system, or point-of-sale system, is a solution for a physical shop that combines sales registration, card payments, stock records and often a loyalty programme. It consists of hardware, such as the till, scanner, printer and card terminal, and the software connecting them.

In Slovakia a POS system that records cash and card takings must be connected to the eKasa system. With every sale the receipt data go to the Financial Administration and the customer receives a receipt with a unique identifier. An online cash register or a certified solution is used.

Modern POS systems often run in the cloud on a tablet or computer. The owner sees takings from several outlets in real time, the system automatically deducts sold goods from stock and links customer data with the CRM or online shop.

How it works in practice

When choosing, check whether the system meets eKasa requirements, which payment methods it supports, how it connects to accounting and stock, and what happens when the internet goes down. An offline mode that sends receipts later is essential for any shop.

Integration with accounting saves a lot of time. Daily closings and takings by VAT rate and payment method can flow automatically into the accounting software instead of being retyped. Card payments are then matched with the amounts credited by the terminal provider.

POS data help run the shop: which products sell at what time, the average basket size, which staff sell best. On that basis the range, opening hours and shift planning can be adjusted.

What to watch out for

Failing to record takings in eKasa, issuing an incorrect receipt or using an unconnected till brings heavy fines and, if repeated, closure of the premises. Staff must know what to do in an outage or error and must never process sales outside the system.

A POS system is connected to the internet and handles payment data, which makes it a target for attacks. Software must be updated regularly, default passwords changed, the till network separated from public Wi-Fi and certified terminals used.