How Are "Point of Sale" (POS) Systems Different From a Cash Register?
Point of sale (POS) is a technology for financial transactions at retail establishments, for example, at a supermarket. A POS system includes the hardware and software used for checkouts, the computer-age equivalent of a cash register. The most significant difference between a POS system and a cash register is communication. When a customer processes a transaction at the supermarket, automated response includes an update of inventory. If necessary, a reorder to replace the item is processed, the tax record is maintained, and the store management system is informed.