For retailers, the true ‘mobile POS’ revolution is in the tablet
As retail business models have advanced, they have turned to sophisticated systems to support their business needs. While mPOS systems have enabled them to mobilize their business and conduct transactions more quickly, they are in need of an upgrade. In this article by PaymentSource, learn how tablet POS systems have entered the space to enhance the retail industry.
Traditionally, mobile point of sale (mPOS) solutions were aimed at micromerchants and smaller businesses with limited resources. These businesses needed a payment acceptance option that was not only cost-effective but gave them the mobility to do business outside of a brick-and-mortar location.
However, due to enterprise-class businesses showing interest in this type of solution, mPOS has gone through some significant changes over the last few years. Many merchants are now looking to combine a mobile card reader with a tablet device instead of a smartphone. This is because a tablet POS solution provides a larger user interface to run applications while still giving them the mobility they prefer.
In addition to providing a larger user interface, a tablet POS system allows the merchant to do more than just accept payments.
For example, it allows merchants to run powerful business applications that are more robust and can perform many critical functions better on a tablet than a smartphone. As one example, these applications can enable staff to check product information or availability and help upsell other items that complement what the shopper is already buying. Alternately, the tablet can also be used to run applications that help merchants manage employee schedules, check product inventory, analyze sales reports and manage many other aspects of their operations.
Compared to smartphone-based mPOS solutions, tablet POS solutions can address a broader range of market segments, industries, verticals and use cases – from small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) to major enterprises. From fixed tablet POS or line busting in a retail store to pay-at-the-table in a restaurant or performing hotel check-ins, tablet POS solutions allow businesses to better engage with their customers and create many opportunities for upselling their products and services.
There are many benefits of a tablet POS for independent software vendors, including the following core advantages:
Versatile hardware: Tablet POS hardware is versatile in nature and can be used across different verticals and use cases. This provides flexibility to ISVs that are developing powerful business applications and may want to cater to different use cases with a single piece of hardware.
Familiar platform: Most tablet POS systems use a mobile tablet device built on a platform that is familiar to most developers, such as iOS or Android. These standard platforms make it easy for ISVs and developers to design and develop apps for merchants.
App distribution: Today, most applications are distributed to tablet devices through an app store. These app stores provide ISVs an easier and faster way to get their business applications and inevitable updates pushed out to their customers’ devices.
SaaS model: The software as a service (SaaS) model is commonly used in tablet POS systems and allows ISVs to generate recurring revenue by charging monthly fees for the application/service and sometimes for add-ons to their applications.
Tablet POS systems have many merchant benefits as well:
Enhanced customer experience: A tablet POS system allows merchants to provide their customers with a personalized and convenient payment experience wherever they may be. From in-aisle checkouts in a retail store, to providing check-in services anywhere on a hotel property, a tablet POS system is always ready in a fixed or mobile environment. It gives businesses the opportunity to engage their customers anywhere and provide additional value such as product/service information and upselling options on a larger, easy-to-read screen.
Software and application choice: With the flexibility of tablet POS systems, merchants can choose from a myriad of app store apps to cater to their business needs. Merchants can easily download and install business applications that help them manage product inventory, check product availability and shipping options, manage staffing and time sheets, gather customer feedback and much more.
Easy employee onboarding/training: Learning how to correctly use an electronic cash register (ECR) or a PC-based POS system can be complicated for a merchant’s staff and can take a lot of time. However, tablets are very intuitive and easy to use and learn. Many staff members are already familiar with tablet devices and use them at home, so the time required for onboarding and training them is often reduced significantly.
Simple updates and maintenance: Tablet POS systems allow for easy software updates, just like updating a consumer tablet device, updates are typically delivered through a connected app store. Merchants can also take advantage of these cloud-based systems to easily manage and maintain their data without the IT headache of on-premise systems.
Brand image: Tablet POS solutions are lightweight, sleek and professional looking. They take up less space on a fixed counter and offer mobility when needed. With a tablet POS, merchants can give customers a unique experience and create positive interactions that lead to greater brand loyalty and more repeat business, while portraying their brand as tech-savvy and innovative.
Tablet POS solutions provide all of these benefits while helping merchants provide new experiences for their customers, create additional touchpoints and accept all forms of electronic payment, including magstripe, EMV and NFC/contactless. Adoption of tablet POS solutions is increasing dramatically, and it’s fast becoming an important competitive consideration for merchants across all industries.
This article was written by Ben Wagner from PaymentsSource and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
