The design of the software application can be hosted locally or it can be a cloud based solution. Hosted Locally, most traditional POS systems operate on a PC with a Windows operating system. Each POS terminal is usually PC based while many POS solutions require a back office PC to network and control the individual terminals at each store. Cloud Based, tablet based POS systems do not require a PC based POS terminal or a back office PC. The back office functionality is available from anywhere via an Internet connection.

POS hardware for a retail application can include a credit card reader, pin pad, cash drawer, receipt printer, bar code or UPC scanner, integrated scale, finger print reader, change dispenser, and customer display which are all connected to the POS terminal or tablet. POS hardware for a hospitality application can also include remote order printers and or kitchen video displays to send the customer's food and beverage orders to the kitchen and or bar preparation areas

Each POS system has its own unique set of features and functions that change on a regular basis. It is important that the end user verifies that all the needed features and functions needed to operate their business are included in the selected POS system.

Software Support is typically provided by the developer as an optional program or by the authorized reseller with the developer backing up the reseller. It is important to know who is providing what level of ongoing software support. Also, what are the costs for software support based on time of day and day of the week? What are the costs of a software support agreement and what is included?

Hardware Support is handled by the hardware manufacturer, the developer, the authorized reseller or a third party. The hardware service is either onsite or on a depot basis. Again, it is important to understand what is and isn't included and at what cost. Hardware support agreements are usually available and the costs are based on response time and coverage times.

Software Upgrades are provided by the developer and typically include a limited time warranty. A software upgrade requirement based on feature and function enhancements or required system changes often happens after you have owned your system for a period of time. An example would be the recent upgrades required for credit card PCI compliance.

Some of these areas overlap and can be shared by both the developer and resellers such as sales and marketing, and programming and training. Sales and marketing may be handled by the developer with their own sales force or the product may be sold by authorized resellers. In some cases, the developer will maintain a direct sales force as well as authorized resellers to sell his system. In some cases there can be multiple authorized resellers and the developer's direct sales force all competing for the same account with the same solution. The same applies to programming and training; they can be handled by both the developer and the reseller depending on the situation and contract. In many cases programming and training are functions that are handled remotely.

I hope this gives you some insight into understanding the who, what and where's of point of sale distribution to restaurants. There are many factors to take into consideration. We try to make it easy for you with our 3-Step Restaurant POS Purchase Guide. It all revolves around your restaurant operations and your POS system. The restaurant POS system is the critical control point of your operation. Make sure you have the right restaurant POS system steering your future! Our POS Reseller Progam offers complete point of sale solutions for restaurant and retail businesses.