Point-of-sale (POS) is a computerized cash register that allows businesses to accept credit cards, debit cards, and other forms of payment. The device also keeps track of inventory and can print out customer receipts.
POS systems have evolved into sophisticated, cloud-based solutions that can perform various functions. However, migrating your business from one system to another may be challenging if you do not plan properly or lack the resources and expertise to manage the transition seamlessly. It’s therefore essential to work with IT support services to ensure the installation and upgrades of the POS system are done correctly.
Here’s a list of ways IT support can help you
- Ensure Minimal Downtime
If you’re upgrading or installing a new POS system, it’s common to experience downtime. However, if you have an IT professional on board, they can help ensure that this downtime doesn’t last too long. They can test your new system before they go into production. It is to ensure that any bugs can be ironed out. Once it’s ready for use, your IT support also helps with any troubleshooting issues that may occur during the transition phase.
If something goes wrong with your new POS system and it causes downtime for your business, it’s best to have a plan in place for recovering quickly and minimizing losses. An IT professional will know how to get everything back up and running as soon as possible so that the problem doesn’t put your business at risk. It could mean setting up a backup server temporarily while you wait for repairs or upgrades to be completed. Click here for IT services in Toronto and learn more about how IT support providers can help fix any issues.
- Data Backup And Recovery
When installing a new POS system, it is essential to have a backup plan. If the POS system goes down, your business operations will be affected. So, it’s best to ensure that you have a backup plan in place so that if there is a problem with your new system, you will not lose any data or have to spend time restoring old data.
When you have IT support, data backup and recovery during installation or upgrading are often taken care of. The service providers will ensure a proper system audit to determine what systems and data may be affected, then back them up to a secure place. Doing this will ensure your business is up and running as soon as the installation is completed.
- IT Security Review And Risk Assessment
An IT support team can help review your security protocols and conduct risk assessments during the installation and the upgrade. It will help ensure that the POS will not form an entry point for cyberattacks as it is connected to your business’s database. Moreover, they can also review the performance and efficiency of the whole system after the POS is installed. It will ensure that no system is lagging or affected by the upgrade or new installation.
Additionally, the support providers can ensure that your payment processor has adequate security measures. For example, if they’re not Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant or if you’re using outdated encryption methods, you have a higher chance of being hacked by criminals. They will help you identify and correct these vulnerabilities before deploying the POS.
- Proper System Configuration And Installation
Getting IT support during the installation phase can also help with installing and configuring the system. Here are some of the tasks they can handle:
- System Configuration: A good POS integrator will configure the software of your new system or upgrade to meet the needs of your business. It includes setting up users, creating items and categories, and configuring accounting settings.
- Installation: An expert will set up each device with its barcode scanner, cash drawer, printer, and other necessary hardware components. The person will also connect each device to a network hub so they can communicate through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology.
- Testing: Once all devices are installed and configured, they need testing to ensure they work properly together. It can include scanning items at checkout or printing customer receipts before they leave the store. After testing is complete, you’ll receive a report that details any issues found during testing so you can correct them before opening for business.
- Hardware and Software Support
POS hardware and software support is crucial for ensuring your POS system runs smoothly and efficiently. The POS hardware can be complicated and delicate, making it a good idea to have a team of experts on hand when you need help with your system. Hardware support may include troubleshooting issues with the hardware itself and repairing broken equipment.
After installing your POS software, you must continue using software support to keep up with any updates or patches that may come out. Software support also ensures that your POS data is backed up correctly so that you won’t lose any valuable information or data files if anything happens to your system.
- Load Users’ Data Into The System
It may be something you’ve done by hand in the past, but with a new POS system, it needs to be done automatically. If you don’t have customer data loaded into your new system when it is installed, there’s a chance that everything will be out of sync, which means your employees won’t know what they’re selling or what they’re supposed to charge customers.
Additionally, IT support will set up employee profiles and permissions. It is another step that can be time-consuming. Employees must have access only to the information they need while working at the register. This way, they don’t waste time looking at things they don’t need access to.
- Provide Access To The Latest Technologies
Most IT support providers always have access to the latest technologies and software. It includes tools essential to your POS system, such as payment processors, and cybersecurity resources, among others. When you get the support of the providers during installation or upgrading, you’ll be sure to access those tools.
It will mean that your POS uses up-to-date software, is ahead of any security threats, and has the most recent designs. It will also work efficiently and as expected, support your business needs, and ensure that users have an easy time using the system.
Conclusion
POS installation and upgrade is a process that takes time, effort, and money, and you cannot do it over the weekend or even in a week. For this reason, POS system installation should be handled by professionals with the knowledge and expertise to ensure everything goes smoothly.
