POS terminals: what it is, how it works, how to connect, how to use it
In the realities of modern trade, a POS terminal is becoming indispensable, but what is it? This is a special equipment that helps to optimize trading systems. With its help, customers will be able to pay for purchases at any time, and business owners will receive funds directly to their current account. This greatly simplifies the work process and reduces the amount of cash at the store's checkout. But these are not all the functions that technology has. This is a multifunctional device that is used in various fields of business. Let's take a closer look at how it works and how their implementation will benefit the organization.
Pos-terminal: what is it
This is a special equipment that helps to optimize trading systems. With its help, customers will be able to pay for purchases at any time, and business owners will receive funds directly to their current account. This greatly simplifies the work process and reduces the amount of cash at the store's checkout. But these are not all the functions that technology has. This is a multifunctional device that is used in various fields of business. Let's take a closer look at how it works and how their implementation will benefit the organization.
This is the name of accessories that are actively used in trade and other areas of activity. Often this is a bank card reader - it helps customers to pay for purchases by bank transfer.
This is also the name of the complex, which will include:
- computer with appropriate programs;
- scanning equipment for checking codes;
- a printer to print receipts;
- card reader.
Often there is another variation that will be used constantly - POS systems. Everything is presented in them in the form of separate parts, which will be separately connected to one control unit - reading equipment, a part for entering a password. The payment terminal can look like a candy bar or as separate parts of a whole.
Definition of concepts
In stores, any visitor met with these varieties of Pos terminal. In the first meaning, this is a pin-pad or acquiring - a device to which a bank card is attached for payment. They can read any kind of plastic:
- chip;
- magnetic;
- contactless.
In addition, special equipment with the NFC function - smartphones, watches and rings - will also be able to connect and pay for purchases.
The second variety is considered a broader concept. In this case, it includes a cash program, a part with a built-in fiscal registrar, a scanner and other additions. It will help you:
- to form checks;
- payment is accepted;
- calculate the change if necessary;
- reports generated.
POS terminals and systems: the main differences
The system variety is a fairly common concept. It is a collection of parts that together form a complete work area that performs all pre-sales and post-sales tasks. These include:
- cash register keyboard;
- pin-pad (for processing cards and entering a password);
- monitor;
- CPU;
- module for sending checks to the Federal Tax Service;
- technique for scanning individual codes.
The main difference between the two types of cash register equipment is the place where the FR module will function. If you use the first option, then it will be located in the computer case, so the software and the PC are purchased simultaneously with the pin-pad. In addition, the software is to be entered into the state register of the KKT.
The system has no such complexities. This module will be located directly in the FR.
Why do you need POS terminals
With their help, you can significantly simplify most of the trading operations - accept payments, calculate the amount of non-cash payments, control their safety and reduce cash at the checkout.
Such equipment must be configured by all companies that sell goods and services to individuals and other organizations. They are required to openly maintain a checking account.
Among the advantages:
- People can pay for purchases without cash, it is also allowed to cancel the operation if the buyer changes his mind;
- All data on payments made will be stored in memory - so it will be possible to track profits, generate reports.
- Special identifiers are embedded - each employee has his own username and password to communicate with the device, this eliminates shortages, surpluses or other deception on the part of employees.
With this item, you can take into account the sales volume and the remaining stock. It simplifies recalculation and obtaining information on balances.
The principle of operation and functionality of the POS terminal
This technique copes with the broad responsibilities that are required for the smooth functioning of any outlet:
- At the time of purchase, the employee with a special device reads the individual code from the label of the sold sample.
- If the code is not recognized for some reason or is damaged, you can enter the name on the keyboard.
- The name, the quantity to be sold and the balance in the warehouse should be displayed on the screen.
- The buyer can pay by credit card or in cash at will.
- When using a POS system, making a return becomes easy - just scan the check and return the money for the product.
- If the goods are paid for in cash, the cashier can find change, if necessary, in the cash drawer - it opens after entering the amount that the client will give.
- Cashless refunds are also possible - after scanning the check, you must follow the instructions on the screen and attach the card to the terminal at the right time.
- The equipment works with a bonus and discount program - this allows you to provide regular visitors with a discount in accordance with their loyalty cards.
- Using this technique, cash register shifts are opened and closed, and reports are generated.
It takes a little time to connect the Pos terminal. The device itself, without a system, performs a limited number of actions:
- acceptance of payments;
- printout of receipts;
- registration of a return;
- creation of a bank transfer report.
It should be understood that in the absence of an agreement with a banking structure, the presence of pin-pads is useless.
Who needs a Pos-terminal and what violations exist
In accordance with the law, companies with an annual turnover of more than 40 million rubles, or 5 million per outlet, must be forced to establish acquiring. Most small companies were free to choose whether to install.
In 2017, FZ-88 obliges to provide the buyer with a choice - to pay for the purchase in cash or by bank transfer. Only organizations that operate far from Internet lines, religious companies and points of sale of printed materials are exempted from this obligation.
For violation of the law, a fine from 40 to 100% of the minimum wage is provided. For refusal to accept cards, the institution can be fined in the amount of 30 to 50 thousand rubles. The sanctions have been introduced since 1 January 2015.
Sellers will also be fined. If a sales outlet has the ability to accept payment, but the employee refuses to do so to the client, then he can be fined, like an official - from 15 to 30 thousand rubles.
Setting up a POS terminal: operation and device of the device
After the buyer has expressed a desire to pay with plastic for the purchase of products, you need to give him this opportunity. It should be noted that some models do not accept all types of cards. This is clear from the stickers indicating payment systems. For the operation to be successful, the client must check the availability of the required amount on the account.
The number is read or entered into the computer manually or automatically using software. The total appears on the screen. After reading the barcodes and entering the number of all items in the purchase, the seller announces the value of the entire basket.
How to use the post-terminal, the algorithm of actions:
- The price to be paid is displayed.
- A bank card is inserted, swiped or applied.
- The connection is established, the request is sent to the bank.
- Authorization is carried out, the cost of purchased products is reserved.
- If everything went well, the message "Thank you" appears on the pin-pad screen.
The equipment can connect and then refuse to carry out the operation. This happens if there is not enough money in the buyer's account, if the PIN code is entered incorrectly several times in a row, or if there is a suspicion that the plastic has been stolen.
After the purchase, the device issues two checks - one seller keeps and files them in the daily financial statements for the accounting department. The second is given to the client. The data that the payment has been made is transmitted to the tax office through the operator.
Types of equipment: where it is used
Several subspecies are actively functioning. If there is direct contact between the seller and the buyer, a simple POS terminal is usually set up and the corresponding agreement is concluded. It is suitable for any type of shops, chain establishments and catering establishments. It is the most common; it is not difficult to train employees. Among the minuses - consumables are required - a receipt tape, as well as a stable Internet connection and energy saving.
The second type is Internet acquiring. It is used when there is no direct contact between the parties. They are installed more often in areas where remote payment via the website of an online store prevails. To buy a product, the client enters the card details and confirms the payment by entering the code from SMS or from the back of the plastic.
The last type is mobile terminals. Created them recently, they are synchronized with cell phones through applications. They are used where it is necessary to accept payment away from the point of sale or at the exit. Relevant for courier services, field repair shops or taxi organizations.
Software
They can only work with specialized cash register programs. It is worth choosing them after the detailed requirements for the work of a particular enterprise have been formed. This is necessary for the equipment to work properly in conjunction with the business. For this, the appropriate software is selected and additionally configured, if possible.
In order not to make mistakes and not get software that will function with errors, you should contact with support. Employees of the company know which software will best cope with the tasks of your particular business.
What should be the cash register software
It often looks like air - while it is working, no one notices it. But as soon as it breaks down or functions slowly, the work of the entire store stops.
The most important rule is to choose software that fits your format. Don't buy software for a grocery store if you're selling clothes. Because he will not cope with the tasks assigned, and useful abilities will be idle just like that.
Several varieties:
- Food.
- DIY.
- Cafe.
- Fast food.
- Trade.
- Fashion retail.
In addition, it is important to think about further possible changes in work, increasing the scale of the network. There are types of light, standard and optimum.
How does cash register software differ from logistics
The first type of equipment deals with accounting and removal of products from the database. This software is compatible with the EGAIS system, allows you to sell and remove the sold alcohol leftovers. With its help, it becomes possible to create reports for the day or on one separate cash register, print and launch sales checks, and generate invoices.
Logistic software is distinguished primarily by its interface and the fact that it is difficult to apply it to the checkout area. Its main goal is to optimize processes in the warehouse and in the organization as a whole. You can arrange a mini-recount and complete inventory, track where and in what quantity the desired product is located.
Pros of using a POS system and the rules for choosing it
There are several main advantages of this technique:
- Increases the profit of the enterprise. When a client can pay in cash or by bank transfer at his choice, then the probability of a sale is much higher than if there is only cash. This helps to attract people who are used to paying for services with cards and expands the circle of potential visitors.
- Reduces the time spent servicing one customer. Making a purchase by bank transfer is easier than taking money from a person, finding and counting change to him to the ruble.
- Profit is safe. If there is less money in the cash register and more on the account, the likelihood of theft decreases. Cash collection will not be needed so often.
- Fewer counterfeit bills, especially large denominations.
You should not install equipment that is not compatible with other devices. In this case, if an update is required due to an increase in the flow of buyers, it will be necessary to update the entire fleet completely.
How to choose a post terminal: photo
Searching is recommended depending on the size of the business, its tasks and scope of work. A small store needs software that is fundamentally different from a large restaurant chain. If it is difficult to choose a technique on your own or there is no time to study all the nuances of various programs and devices. Employees of the company will help you choose the software that will cope with the tasks of optimizing your organization.
What to look for
When choosing parts for a store, it is worth considering the nuances:
- The keyboard must be made of quality material to withstand continuous use for many hours.
- The monitor should be bought so that it is comfortable for the eyes, with adjustable brightness and contrast settings, so that it does not go out and can withstand up to 24 hours of continuous use.
- It is important to devote time to setting up the software, to train staff to interact with the program.
Criteria's of choice
When choosing, it is worth starting from several key features of the device:
- The connection will be wired or wireless.
- Autonomous work or through an accessible connection to the checkout.
- How many transactions will take place per day - you need to take into account the prevailing load and choose the one that will cope with the volume of work.
- The number of ports - there should be enough of them to connect a variety of peripheral parts.
- A monoblock terminal or a system of separate parts - depending on how organized the workplace is and whether there is enough free space.
Most popular models
Among the proven techniques are:
- Spark-TT-2015. Small, budget, can cope with significant amounts of information thanks to the built-in memory of 1 GB. Compared to others, it weighs a little - 4 kg. The monitor can be adjusted. Additional trade equipment is easily connected.
- Atol Optima. High performance, 4/2 GB RAM. Weighs 1.6 kg and can be connected to peripheral devices. Battery powered, syncs with Wi-Fi.
- ATOL VIVA Smart 4 GB. RAM 4 GB, weighs 6.3 kg. Corresponds to any product. Contacts with add. equipment. Supports up to 5 USB.
Features of connection and settings
First you need to find and prepare a place in which the equipment will stand. There it is necessary to ensure the availability of an outlet and a stable Internet. Usually specialists of the company from which the equipment was purchased come to set up.
Then you have to register with the civil service, which controls the activities of individual entrepreneurs and other organizations. This must be done in order to operate in accordance with the law. To register it, you have to take with you a special agreement concluded with the terminal seller.
POS terminal without a current account in the acquiring bank
It is theoretically allowed to use the equipment without open calculation. But in most domestic banks, upon receipt of the device, the presence is a prerequisite for the contract. This avoids fraudulent activities.
Instructions for POS terminals
In this short article, we have collected for you instructions for use for the most popular POS terminals on the Russian market.
You could find all these instructions and manuals on the Internet yourself, but it is much more convenient when everything has already been found and collected in one place, isn't it? Moreover, a Russian person remembers the instructions only when something went wrong and there is no time left for a long search
Even if you did not see the instructions from your bank here, still look at the ones that are. It is likely that you will find answers to your questions, since the instructions are not very different from each other.
POS-terminals and remote keyboards (pin-pads) Ingenico
Instructions for working with terminals Ingenico iCT220 / iCT250 from ATOL -
Download
Installation instructions for Ingenico terminals -
Download
Instruction manual Ingenico iCT220 from the Russian Agricultural Bank -
Download
Instruction manual Ingenico iCT220 from Stroylesbank -
Download
Ingenico iCT220 / iCT250 User Manual -
Download
Ingenico iPP2xx User Manual -
Download
Ingenico iPP3xx User Manual -
Download
Ingenico iWL2xx User Manual -
Download
Operating instructions from the Russian Agricultural Bank Ingenico iWL220 -
Download
Instructions for using Ingenico iWL220 from Stroylesbank -
Download
POS-terminals and remote keyboards (pin-pads) Verifone
Instructions for working with payment terminals Verifone -
Download
Verifone 5xxx / Vx5xx / Vx6xx Installation Guide -
Download
Verifone Vx680 Installation Guide -
Download
POS terminals PAX
PAX S90 User Manual (EN) -
Download
The article will be updated with new instructions. Keep for updates.
Thanks for attention. Hope you found what you were looking for. Good luck in your business!
