POS 101: A NEWBIE’S GUIDE TO POS SYSTEMS

Many retailers and restaurant owners are doing away with cash registers and replacing them with point-of-sale systems. This is a direct result of the ensuing struggle to keep up with recent technological advancements in the competitive field of business. At first, considering the installation of a brand-new POS (point-of-sale) system may seem expensive and complicated. This view is negated by the useful nature of the POS in regards to business record management. Basically, POS systems are computer networked cash registers. Various uses may include inventory checking, management of financial transactions and invoice processing. POS systems exist in two major types: hotels and restaurant systems (hospitality category) and retail store systems. Differences between the two types lie within the software design. POS systems have a variety of uses within their respective establishments. They include:

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1.   Inventory tracking

POS systems such as the Clover Station 2018 have hardware with inbuilt QR scanners and cameras which keep a record of each transacted item. An analysis of goods remaining in the inventory is then carried out with the goal to determine those in danger of running out through comparison of sales patterns for each item. Business managers are then alerted of which goods to restock by use of a stock alert. This monitoring is always in progress, in order to ensure that goods are always on stock for continued customer satisfaction.

2.   Payment processing

POS systems allow acceptance of NFC, chip cards, debit cards and credit cards as a means of payment. Clover merchant services offer clover POS system which is equipped with an end-to-end encrypted network, coupled with single-use hardware that facilitates fast processing of these transactions. As a result, POS systems are a useful treasure when it comes to fast service at establishments such as festivals and food trucks where customers are lined up.

3.   Management of enterprises

iPad POS system integrates features that enable management of multiple business branches at different locations. This is due to its computer networking ability which allows remote employee payroll, schedule management and item regulation from one central point. In addition, high accuracy of information obtained is experienced due to state of the art calculation and bookkeeping software that processes highly complex calculations with ease, yielding accurate results.

4.   Online order management

Online order features of POS systems allow for remote customer interactions. An item menu is displayed online, displaying product categories together with prices, product variations and a number of items in stock. To make purchases, a customer is allowed to select their items of choice and through POS systems, Financial transactions are made with ease and security. The result is an increased customer base as remote customers also receive high-quality service.

5.   Loyalty discount programs

POS systems have a price control feature which enables price reduction on selected goods for purposes of creation of discounts for customers depending on loyalty point obtained from a number of purchases done by each customer. This serves as a purchase stimulant as customers make more purchases with the aim to increase their loyalty points for added discounts.

POS systems facilitate a smooth and secure flow of business transactions, therefore a necessary tool for any establishment within the revolutionized business world.

Simple Home Project Ideas to Welcome the New Season

It's a nice idea to switch things up and enhance the look of your home each season. As you prepare to transition to the new season, you can add new accessories and changes to make your home look good on a consistent basis. This will also help you remain proactive in the upkeep of your property.

1. Outdoor Decorations

It's a nice idea to include outdoor decorations in your curb appeal. No, this doesn't mean that you need to pull out the Christmas lights and string them along the outside of the home. Instead, outdoor decorations like potted plants, decorative seating and wind chimes are beautiful accents. You can choose to add corten steel gates. You can even decide that you'd like to add solar-powered lights to line the front yard. A typical idea involves hanging a wreath to decorate the front door. Some of these options involve a few hours of work. Others are simple quick fixes that will only take a few minutes. All of these options will make a big difference in the way your curb appeal comes across.

2. A Fresh Coat of Paint

If you want to make a major impact in one of your rooms, consider using a fresh coat of paint to make the difference. You can choose to paint all of the walls in that one specific room. You can also choose to paint one wall and make it a statement wall. Statement walls are typically painted in bold colors. It's also a great idea to consider painting the ceiling of one of the major rooms in your home. If most people tend to congregate in the living room, choose that room as the one that you paint.

3. New Flooring

If you have a foyer in your home, consider replacing the floor in that area. If you have carpet in most of the home, it might be a nice change to add hardwood floors in the foyer. The same concept applies to the bathroom floors or the kitchen floors. Choose a smaller room to change the flooring because it tends to be cheaper to do smaller spaces. Over time, you can decide if you want to transform all of the floors in your home. However, if you want to just make one change for the fall, choose one main space. You can add berber carpet, faux wooden tiles or another beautiful option.

How to Adjust to a New City After Moving

Life is made of bitter and sweet moments. One of the most bitter-sweet experiences that most of us go through is moving to new cities. It is never good to resist a good adventure. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in a situation that demands your immigration into a totally new town or city, you should embrace the adventure. To do so and remain yourself, you will need deliberate mental effort and some of the following tips.

1. Research the city's culture and history.

Prior to moving, it will be very beneficial to research the culture and history of your new home. Different cities and towns can have different cultures and ways of living. This can be true for cities in the same state, and even more so if you are moving long distance to another region of the country. Through researching about a city's culture, you can know how friendly a place is and the norms to which people abide. You do not have to change your way of life, but understanding your residing city's culture puts you at an immense advantage.

2. Locate necessities.

When you finally move into the new city, make time to survey it physically. When you are out exploring, make sure that you locate the necessities that are closest to your home and work. Some of the necessities may include local groceries, post offices, malls and medical facilities like pharmacies, clinics and hospitals.

3. Read local blogs and newspapers.

In addition to researching your new home’s culture and history, when you arrive you should find local blogs and newspapers to read. This will provide you additional information about the city from a resident’s perspective. Local blogs and newspapers will inform you about the city's local commerce and politics. Moreover, you can learn about special events and other opportunities to explore your new home and meet new people.

4. Continue hobbies and social activities in the new city.

A great way to feel more comfortable and possibly meet new people is to continue doing your favorite hobbies in your new city. Whether your hobby is exercising, reading, sewing,or volunteering, continuing your favorite hobbies will make you truly feel and home.If for some reason your new city isn’t equipped for your favorite hobby, for example skiing in Texas, this presents an opportunity for you to try and learn a new hobby. You may surprise yourself and find a new favorite hobby.

5. Ask coworkers and neighbors for recommendations.

Life is going to be different, and the locals definitely understand the city better than you. Your first point of contact will most likely be your new neighbors or coworkers, and they can serve as your local experts. Ask them about their favorite local stores, activities, restaurants, clubs and bars, sports clubs and health facilities.

6. Invite family and friends.

If you are having trouble getting out on your own, invite some friends or family to spend a weekend with you. You will be able to spend time your loved ones again and explore your new home with someone you are comfortable with.

British Solomon is a contributing writer and media specialist for North American Van Lines Canada. She regularly produces content for a variety of travel and expat lifestyle blogs.

Slope Roofs vs Flat Roofs: What’s Better for Commercial Buildings

When constructing a commercial building, your first concern is going to be its longevity. To make a solid return on your investment, the building has to stay strong for as long as possible. Its longevity has a lot to do with the construction of its roof. You only have two options when it comes to its design: a sloped roof or a flat roof. According to a Garland roofing company to figure out which design is the right one for you, you must weigh the pros and cons. Then, you’ll be able to make a smart and informed decision about your roof.

Slope Roofs

Sloped roofs are often used with residential buildings, but it doesn’t mean that commercial buildings can’t benefit as well.

          Pros: Having a sloped roof will definitely set you apart from other buildings in your area. Since it draws the eye so distinctly, it may lead to more customers in the long run. Installing a sloped roof also costs less than a flat roof upfront. Sloped roofs can take hours to install, while flat roofs can take days. Also, you won’t have to install a drainage system on your roof, saving you thousands of dollars.

          Cons: When choosing a sloped roof, it brings a lot more risk. They end up requiring a lot more maintenance than flat roofs due to the debris that bounces off the roof. It becomes harder for roofing contractors to go out and make repairs since the roof is so sloped. Also, even though the roof doesn’t need a drainage system, the gutters and drain slopes that are in its place need to be cleaned out regularly.

Flat Roofs

Despite the name, no roof is completely flat. They have to be sloped in some way for water to run off of the building. Commercial buildings benefit in many different ways from having a flat roof.

          Pros: Flat roofs can last a very long time, depending on the materials that you use. For example, flat roofs with metal roofing can last upwards of 40 years. Due to the roof not having much slope, it won’t be affected much by heavy storms. Flat roofs also rarely require maintenance due to their construction. It is even more true for buildings that have proper drainage systems and devices installed. It may be several years before you’d need to repair the building in some way. When your roof does need maintenance, it’ll be easier to repair since it isn’t as sloped.

          Cons: They aren’t attractive, and definitely won’t make you stand out. If you have a flat roof installed, then you’re going to need to install some type of drainage system as well. If you don’t, the rain will gather more easily since the roof isn’t as sloped. Additionally, installing a flat roof is going to cost more upfront than a sloped roof would.

When choosing between a flat roof and a sloped roof, it’s best to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of each. On one hand, flat roofs are built to withstand the test of time but need more of an upfront cost to do so. On the other hand, sloped roofs are more eye-catching but require more maintenance. It all depends on what you prefer from your building, and what you’d like to do to make it happen.