5 Reasons to Switch to a Cloud-Based POS System

A unified platform known as a cloud POS system gives its users access to cutting-edge flexibility and features. Your competitors are more likely to switch to a cloud-based point-of-sale system in the next year or two, which could cause issues for your business since a cloud-based POS is known to help retailers improve the customer experience and manage numerous channels. According to research, 55% of retail businesses will replace their existing POS with a cloud-based POS system within three years, and 30% are planning to do so within the following year. It’s the best time to change how you manage your point of sale and move to a more flexible point of sale system.

One of the key benefits of switching from legacy POS systems to cloud POS software is their lack of lag time. Legacy software can often be outdated and burdensome, not only in terms of its functionality but also because updates take too long! Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, offer almost instant access with little hassle or risk of downtime during upgrades, which means you won’t miss out on business while your system gets spruced up.

With a cloud-based POS system, you’ll no longer have to deal with complicated, hours-long upgrades. Moreover, while updating the legacy POS, power outages can immediately result in data loss, and you may have to start over, rendering your POS operations. However, with a cloud POS system, each store’s data can be backed up automatically during an update, so there’s never any lost data, time, or sales. Plus, these cloud-based systems come equipped with features like remote monitoring tools that let you know how your business is doing at any given moment. There are endless benefits to cloud-based POS systems, which is why businesses are increasingly shifting towards technologies based on the cloud.

The Benefits of Choosing a Cloud-Based POS System

POS systems are becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly is a cloud-based point of sale system? A cloud POS operates on the basis of cloud hosting, which means that your software and data are hosted remotely on highly secure servers in an encrypted format, accessible only to the authorized end-user via the web from any location. Cloud-based POS systems enable you to work from any location that has an internet connection. Let’s discuss the benefits.

1. 24*7 Remote Accessibility

   The cloud offers simplicity and flexibility in how you access back-office features. This data was only available from terminals that were on-site with a legacy POS system, which restricted its utility in cases where inventory or vendor issues might need to be handled right away. Everything is remotely accessible with a modern cloud-based POS system using only an internet connection! It’s a guarantee that you can effectively manage your point of sale operations and business operations from any location.

   The cloud storage space offers a safe haven for all your data, and you can take advantage of it on the go! You’ll be able to access what has been stored in the last instance without worrying about missing any vital information. Plus, with mobile compatibility, you can be on the floor with your employees and interact with customers to handle their issues and get feedback instantly. Just bring your laptop to the floor and stop being glued to your office chair.

2. Get Empowered with a Mobile POS Through Cloud

   Just imagine a scenario. Your store is packed on Black Friday or any holiday sale, and you’re running low on active POS terminals. Your associates are working as quickly as possible to check everyone out, but there are only two POS terminals available for use. During these situations, having more mobile terminals like employees with a mobile POS in their hands with cloud-based systems could make life easier for you, your business, and your employees, as the other employees can help customers check out using a mobile POS. This will save time for your customers and make them feel valued, which will have a positive impact on them. For your customers, you’ll be a store with exceptionally excellent customer service, even during the busiest holiday seasons.

3. Scalability

   Consider taking on a larger space and upping your inventory offerings! A cloud-based POS system will empower you to collate and update the critical data quickly so that when it comes time to expand or buy out another store to grow, it will be a cakewalk for you as far as data transfer and management is concerned. If you’re considering opening a second location, having your cloud-based point of sale system will save time and money. The best part is that it enables access from any computer or smartphone because there’s no need to open the software on the device on that particular store. You can monitor all the store locations, collate data, and track sales, an employee’s performance, pricing inventory, etc., from one screen. While it’s true that cloud-based point of sale systems are usually easier to integrate with other technologies, like QuickBooks, you could also use integrated software to track your inventory and sales data while increasing customer engagement through coupons or digital marketing campaigns across all social media channels.

4. Easy to Manage and Maintain

   Cloud-based POS systems are a godsend to retailers. Not only do they eliminate the maintenance headache, but you can update your entire chain of stores at once with one installation! The downside? During installations, there’s always some sort of software outage, so make sure everyone has their backup plan ready just in case the software doesn’t function for some time. With a cloud-based POS system, you won’t ever have to worry about your terminals falling out of sync. All updates and changes made in the company’s online portal apply instantly across all associated hardware, such as registers or checkout counters, ensuring that everyone working for this business stays on the same page with their work tasks at hand! Moving your point of sale system to the cloud allows you to get remote technical support for it when needed. This means that instead of waiting for costly technician visits to your store for maintenance, you can just manage the health of your cloud-based pos system remotely across locations.

5. Cost-Efficient

   In many ways, a cloud-based POS system can come across as more expensive than legacy software. You’ll need to pay monthly for the services, whereas some old-fashioned legacy POS software can be purchased all at once. However, you can’t go wrong with a cloud-based POS system. You’ll enjoy lower upfront costs and easier installation. Your software vendor will also provide remote support for maintenance, which means you won’t need to employ any specialized staff or bring technicians into your store, saving money in both cases (and allowing you more time to spend on other aspects of the business).

Conclusion

No business can instantly shift from a legacy POS to a cloud-based POS system; it takes time, money, and energy. Also, at the same time, most businesses are shifting from on-site POS systems to cloud POS software if you consider the statistics provided at the start of this blog. Thus, delaying in deciding to transform can hamper your growth.

Feeling apprehensive before deciding on a change is quite common. Nonetheless, the cloud-based POS system’s flexibility makes the process much more comfortable. On top of that, if you have a solution provider like FTx Global, that’s just the ingredients of a seamless transition. FTx Global has been in the industry for more than a decade, has experience in developing legacy and cloud-based POS systems, and has helped many businesses upgrade their point of sale from on-site to cloud-based.