Point of Sale Software in ERP – Improving Customer’s Purchasing Experiences

The Point of Sale (POS) software in ERP is a very efficient solution for enhancing business growth and customers’ purchasing experiences. It enables users to generate orders and receive payments from clients using POS terminals. Additionally, it allows users to create orders and process payments on the backend when receiving orders through email, phone, or other channels. While operating as a wholesale firm, if you just service the occasional walk-in customer, it may not be necessary to have a complete point of sale (POS) system with all its features. Alternatively, staff can input an order straight into the ERP system and subsequently handle payment using methods such as check, on-account, invoice, or credit card.

To determine the appropriate system for your needs, it is important to analyse the proportion of sales generated by consumers who physically visit your establishment and the methods they use to make payments and collect their purchases.

Features of POS Software in ERP System:

 

Some major features of POS software in ERP systems are discussed below: 

 

1. POS Solution integrated with ERP System:  

To thrive in the present retail environment, having access to data is crucial. Therefore, if you have not already done so, you must transition your business operations to the ERP solution. This implies that all the data you observe in your retail point of sale (POS) system, including reports, customer details, and product availability, will be updated instantaneously.
The available data at the store level should encompass total sales, backfill reports, and daily budgets, enabling you to make prompt and well-informed decisions. 

2. Levels of Visibility and Authorization: 

This encompasses the option to determine the amount of visibility and authorization. For instance, which specific data should associates have the ability to retrieve and utilise?
Chain stores often do not impose any limitations on the visibility of products and pricing, meaning that the same information is accessible in all of their stores. However, it is logical for franchisees to desire exclusive access to the items, pricing list, and information relevant to their location.
Similarly, your internal security protocols can limit staff members’ access to specific responsibilities. For instance, you may establish that only store managers have the authority to provide customer discounts and refunds. Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) must be utilised to carry out specific duties. You require a retail Point of Sale (POS) system that aligns precisely with your established regulations and operational procedures. 

3. Serve as an integral part of the Comprehensive Business Management Software Solution: 

Instead of using a POS system on its own, the POS system must be completely connected with a comprehensive back-end ERP (enterprise resource planning) system.
Although a point-of-sale system offers functionalities at the store level, store workers would also have the ability to utilise the complete range of back-office operations provided by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to enhance sales. This encompasses the provision of restocking, and the ability to view up-to-the-minute data that detail sales and inventory-related actions.
Additionally, it equips the head office and management teams with advanced technology and business insights to enhance customer retention and acquisition, ensuring the success and growth of your brand.
ERP integration encompasses the rapid deployment of new items in retail outlets, sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM), consumer segmentation, electronic direct mail (EDM) campaigns, pricing strategies, promotions, and loyalty programs. 

4. Continue Generating Sales even when not connected to the Internet: 

Certain cloud-based point of sale (POS) systems restrict transactions to online mode, meaning that if you experience a loss of internet connection, you will be unable to conduct any trades. Consider the scenario if an event occurs during a significant marketing campaign or a high-demand period such as the Christmas shopping season. It is essential to have a retail POS solution that can function without an internet connection. This ensures that you can continue making sales even without an internet connection. Once your internet connection is restored, the sales made offline will be synchronised with the inventory management system (ERP). 

Features for Optimising Checkout Efficiency: 

1. User-friendly POS System:

 
You require a POS system that can be easily grasped by sales assistants in a short period. The design and user interface should be uncomplicated and easily understood. This will facilitate a seamless transfer to the POS system. Additionally, it will decrease staff dissatisfaction and minimise training requirements. The latest POS systems have a touch-screen interface, allowing for effortless navigation and straightforward access to all functionalities. In addition, store personnel is not required to utilise a mouse and keyboard. This results in saved counter space and a tidy environment. 

2. Rapid Selection Buttons:  

Having quick-choose buttons on the main POS screen is quite advantageous as it allows for instant selection of certain products during a transaction. Some examples of products you may consider include high-demand items or products that do not have barcodes. You require the ability to customise the arrangement of categories and their respective items according to your preferences, including the option to select color codes of your choosing.
Furthermore, an ideal multi-store retail POS system should offer businesses, including franchisees, the ability to customise the fast-choose buttons at each store as needed. Simultaneously, it should enable the head office to maintain a certain level of control and consistency across all stores. 

3. Suspend Multiple Transactions: 

This feature of POS integrated with ERP enables the user to temporarily pause one or many sales transactions. Especially beneficial when clients desire to continue browsing the store. When a sales transaction is put on hold, you can initiate a new transaction and subsequently recover the ‘parked’ transaction to complete it. Minimizing friction is beneficial for ensuring a smooth checkout experience. 

 

Conclusion:

 

Point-of-sale software in ERP systems provides a lot of benefits for retail and hospitality businesses. It has many powerful features that help companies to gain and retain customers. You can use this software to manage your sales operations, and promotional offers, enhance customer experience, and much more. If you are looking to integrate ERP with a POS system, then you should choose CherryBerry ERP. We have many affordable solutions for start-ups and running businesses.