While electronic cash registers (ECRs) once sufficed as a way for retailers to process transactions, increased competition and, just as significantly, a need to conduct day-to-day operations in the most efficient way possible has turned the tides. Today’s merchants need point-of-sale systems that are not only computerized, but extremely rich in useful “extra” features.

Some of these essential features tie into basic transaction processing tasks. Take, for example, a multi-functional login screen that not only allows employees to clock in at the store for the day and securely log on to the point-of-sale system, but can also be used to access back-office functions, like reporting. This saves time and enables management to remain on the floor assisting customers, while simultaneously handling other duties. The end result: better use of managers’ time, but not at customers’ expense.

Other features are well worth having because they enhance transaction accuracy while further boosting customer throughput. With such capabilities in place, sale pricing and any applicable taxes are automatically calculated and displayed in a real-time running total.  “Hot keys” for common dollar amounts eliminate guesswork, although cash amounts can be quickly typed in.

Just as valuable—and functional—is a feature that, in addition to letting cashiers ring up customers’ purchases by simply scanning the barcode(s) on the product(s) bought, permits them to easily add any item that does not have a barcode to the transaction. Instead of proceeding through a series of complex steps that can add time to transactions, make a poor impression on customers and open the door to mistakes, employees only need to tap an icon depicting the non-barcoded merchandise on the point-of-sale system’s touch screen.

Cash Register Express™ from pcAmerica offers all of these features, and more. For more information, visit www.pcamerica.com.

Next up: More key point-of-sale solution features.