The equipment needed to properly operate a point of sale (POS) system, irregardless of kind of the business being run, can be grouped into three categories: the essentials, hardware (input devices); and hardware (peripherals).

For a POS system to function properly, you need to have a computer, steady power, and a versatile software system. You need the computer as this is the brain or the central component of the POS – without the computer, your POS system will not work. You also need a steady supply of power – you cannot afford to have power fluctuations, caused either by the power source or because of all the other machines or equipment in your shop as these can damage not only your computer, but the POS software itself. Finally, you should have a POS system that can run on any computer platform and not one that is has been designed to function with a specific server.

Apart from the essentials (computer, power supply and a versatile system), you will need what are called input devices. These are equipment you will use to plug in data – yours and the customers’ as well. Standard input devices include keyboards and touch screens. These two serve the same purpose but most businesses prefer to use the touch screen, despite being slightly more expensive, because these last longer, and takes up less space. Other input devices include scanners (charge-coupled device or laser), and handheld wireless terminals. Though most of these input devices can be used for retail and hospitality businesses, handheld terminals are more favored by those in the hospitality industry, particularly those running restaurants.

To complete your POS system, you need additional hardware generally called peripherals. Peripherals include printers, which you need to print credit card slips, receipts, orders and other proofs of purchases. You will also need sturdy cash registers and/or cash drawers for you to keep money, as well as gift cheques, and receipts. If you accept credit card payments, you will need magnetic stripe readers, that is, if this feature is not incorporated into the keyboard and / or the handheld terminals. Other peripherals you can purchase include customer displays (pole displays), check readers and, for security purposes, fingerprint IDs, though the fingerprint ID is not a necessity.

Most POS providers recommend that you purchase a complete bundle (which includes the computer) primarily because set up, installation and support are easier when the seller is familiar with the machine.

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