After you’ve selected a new POS system, the work isn’t over. It’s time to prepare for the install, so are you ready?

Here are some things to consider:

Set realistic goals: Your business will be the only one that suffers if you go live before everyone is prepared. Give yourself and your staff enough time to be trained thoroughly on the system. A proper amount of training, even if it means an extra day before you start ringing sales, can save a lot of frustration in the long run.

Be ready: It’s a buzzkill to have the technicians arrive and find that the install space is either inappropriate or improperly prepared. Before the install team arrives, make sure you are ready and the equipment has a functional spot in your store or restaurant. POS terminals need to be kept away from excessive heat, moisture and—if the system has a cooling fan for ventilation—allow space for airflow.

Power protection is important: Murphy’s Law dictates that if the system is going to suffer a power-related issue, it will happen during peak hours, the holiday season or right before a big event. Most surge protectors are only designed to protect your equipment from catastrophic events like lightening strikes. Make sure that your power protection device is designed to protect against smaller attacks as well, such as surges, swells, spikes and line noise.