10 Winner POS Systems for Businesses that Thrive

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |POS System|10 Winner POS Systems for Businesses that ThriveThe Point-of-Sale system, popularly known as POS, is one of the must-have tools of business owners who want their businesses to thrive. 54% of businesses now use POS to process transactions, and the total number of POS users is expected to reach 85.6m by 2025.

Why is POS the current most sought-after tool for many business owners? What advantage can POS have on your business? And what are the top POS systems to use?

This article answers all these questions in detail.

What is a POS system?

A POS system is an electronic device used by business owners to accept credit card payments and complete business transactions. A POS system is equipped with a POS terminal and software that enables sales transactions to take place.

How can a POS system improve sales for your business?

As a business owner, your ultimate goal is to reach your sales goals. And the way to go about it is to ensure you create a seamless experience for your customers and perform business transactions efficiently.

The good news is that a POS helps you achieve this and much more. Let’s check out the different ways a POS system can help grow your business.

Increased productivity

A POS system helps you get more things done.

Rather than checking balances and accounts for business transactions with manual documentation, you can easily automate all these activities with a POS system.

This means you won’t have to spend so much time trying to document daily transactions because your POS system does all the work for you.

Through this, you have enough time to focus on other aspects of your business that matter.

You will give more attention to your customers during purchases and satisfy them with top-notch customer service. The result of this? A great customer experience that paves the way for high customer retention.

Provides you with actionable data

One of the invaluable assets a business owner can have is access to vital data.

Besides providing you with your customer data, a reliable POS system gives you insights into what you have in stock and the items running out of stock.

This means you will never run out of stock on any purchase unaware, making you a dependable business owner for all your customers.

Your customers can always count on you when they need you, which increases your chances of getting high returning customers.

What’s more? You can work with the stock data your POS system provides you with to know what goods are doing well and what goods are not.

With this, you know what item to stock more and what things to put on hold. This reduces the rate of damaged goods and ensures you don’t run at a loss in your business.

Keeps your customers updated

A POS system isn’t just a medium for you to complete sales transactions with your customers. You can maximize the POS functions to impact your business by making it an effective marketing tool.

To make this happen, you can install the capture feature on your POS device to keep your customers abreast of the latest offers and promotions or new products available.

With this strategy, you can guarantee your customers will never miss a thing on your offerings and products. This simple technique can contribute to increasing sales for your business.

StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |POS System|10 Winner POS Systems for Businesses that Thrive10 Highly sought-after POS systems for your business in 2021

When purchasing a POS system for your business, it’s important to opt for one that provides you with all the functions your business needs to excel. Below are the ten most coveted Point of Sale systems for 2021 to consider.

1. Lightspeed

Lightspeed is one of the best Point of Sale systems for businesses that manage large and complex inventories.

Lightspeed helps you create several product bundles, put multiple variants in different sections, and run numerous orders from a centralized catalog.

Lightspeed gives you detailed analytics on items’ costs and items running out of stock so you can stock up before things run out.

You can access reports from any location and track your inventory from anywhere. Lightspeed offers the convenience that makes trading easy for small and large businesses.

What’s more? Lightspeed comes with an easy-to-use platform that makes transactions easy, and you won’t have to break a sweat to train your staff to sell and take payments anywhere.

2. Square POS

Square POS is one of the most prominent POS systems used worldwide. One of the main reasons Square POS is among the top list of the best POS systems is its flexibility.

Its flexibility allows you to accept payments en-route or through standup terminals.

Whether you own a coffee shop, grocery store, or you run an online business, Square POS allows you to complete your sales transactions in the most convenient way for you.

You don’t have to purchase POS hardware if you don’t want to; you can convert your phone to your POS solution. There are also several options to choose from to suit your needs if you want a POS hardware system.

3. Helcim

Helcim Card Reader is famous for its multi-functionality.

It doesn’t only allow you to make online transactions wirelessly; it allows you to create and design your store online.
With easy-to-use templates and interfaces, you don’t have to be a designer or web developer to set up your website in minutes.

Helcim also enables you to make and accept payments from all your devices.

This means you don’t have to always be on your desktop or in your store to take and complete payments; you can make sales transactions while you are on the go, on your tablet, or mobile phone.

4. PayCafe

PayCafe is among the best POS systems to use if you plan to run your online store simultaneously with your physical store.
It enables you to complete your sales transactions from one place by allowing you to make and receive payments from online transactions and physical transactions.

PayCafe also provides you with reliable data to work with. It gives you insights on your customers’ transactions, and how well your store is doing so you can make changes and devise new strategies for what works and what doesn’t.

5. Shopify

Shopify is among the most common POS Systems among business owners who accept payment transactions across multiple channels.

Shopify POS integrates your business transactions in one place so you can take and make payments seamlessly on any platform.

Shopify POS offers inventory management and detailed analytics. It comes with features that let you sell on social media while you are on the go and also on third-party market platforms.

Due to the effective integration Shopify POS offers for your online store and in-person store, your customers can make payments online and pick up, exchange or return purchased items from your physical store.

6. ShopKeep

Shopkeep is one of the most common POS systems used by small business owners to facilitate business transactions.

ShopKeep is easy and straightforward to use, which gives you and your customers an enjoyable user experience.

ShopKeep also comes with a Mobile App that keeps you updated about your business metrics so you can keep tabs on your business wherever you are.

7. TorchBistro

TorchBistro is a functional POS system for business owners in the food industry. So, if you run a restaurant, club, or bar, TorchBistro is your go-to POS system.

It comes with several functions such as table management, staff management, inventory management, data analytics, and much more.

TorchBistro lets you take orders online with your POS hardware or software. You can also purchase both and use them simultaneously for the success of your business.

8. Revel

Revel is one of the best POS transactions for businesses that run transactions from several platforms.
It offers a centralized system that enables you to take and make payments from different platforms from one comprehensive place.

A unique feature of the Revel app is its ability to enable you to perform transactions even when you don’t have a connection, as it makes use of both the cloud and your local network to store your data.

9. Toast POS System

Toast POS system is one of the ideal POS systems for restaurants as it was explicitly customized for food-based businesses.
It comes with all the functions to facilitate sales for your restaurant business. Such as table mapping, inventory management for ingredients in store, and the feature enables you to take online orders.

Toast offers other features that let you manage your staff effectively. Such as automated payroll and labor reports features.

10. POS Nation

POS Nation is designed to be one of the best POS systems for liquor and convenience stores.

It comes with functional features like actionable analytics on sales and employees—inventory management on carton packs, purchase orders, stock details, and many more.

POS Nation doesn’t only allow you to complete sales transactions and keep track of business activities; it is equipped with built-in ID scanning and age verification features that guide you through selling to the right people.

Conclusion

A POS system is an essential tool to facilitate your business success as it offers flexible payment methods and business analytics. This article discussed the top 10 POS systems you can employ to build a thriving business. Before you proceed to choose your POS system, be sure to check out each review to help you make spot-on decisions.

3 Ways Online Auction Software Can Help Your Business

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Online Auction Software|3 Ways Online Auction Software Can Help Your BusinessDue to the current economy and the recent pandemic, many people’s lives are currently in an uproar. Instead of people going out to shop and work, more people are doing most of their daily activities from home. This goes for people who previously enjoyed selling items at public auctions and customers who now only attend online auctions. Instead of leaving their homes, many auction-goers now choose to sell items or purchase items online through online auction sites.

The Opportunity to Boost Business

In the past, resellers and antique dealers likely sold their treasures at in-person auctions. People no longer attend in-person functions, so sellers have had to turn to online auctions to run their businesses. How are sellers boosting their online auction sales? Online sellers are using Maxanet to manage their online auctions and give them the sales numbers they need.

Through this online auction software, a person can do everything from listing items for sale to accepting and managing online payments. Online auction software gives sellers solid and proven reliability and greater control of their online auction processes. Many people will be driven to the auction, and the online seller will experience a nice boost in their listing views and sales. This software includes tools that can help potential bidders find the items online, ending in higher selling prices and bigger profits for online auction sellers.

Better Record Keeping

Say goodbye to inaccurate bookkeeping and hello to easy to sort online records. A huge benefit of online auction software is the software does all of the math. A seller can see their sales numbers with a click of a button.

When tax time rolls around, a lot of the information the business owner will need for their business taxes will be available to them in the software. This also comes in handy when trying to turn in sales tax, as the online auction software can calculate what a buyer owes in taxes and collect the tax amount along with the customer’s online payment. A business owner will no longer spend an afternoon with a calculator adding up their quarterly sales to pay their sales taxes accurately.

Say Goodbye to Expensive Travel Costs

Traveling to in-person auctions can be expensive. Hauling merchandise back and forth uses a lot of time and gas. Moving to online auctions and auction software will save time, money, and travel costs. A seller can spend their time listing items for sale online through the software instead of driving back and forth to sell items at in-person auctions. Moving to auction software offers huge benefits to those running a resale business.

Other Benefits of Online Auction Software

There are many additional ways that online auction software can help an online business owner. This type of software streamlines the listing process, helps drive traffic to the auction, allows winning bidders to pay for their items, and does a great job of making recordkeeping for the business simple. Business owners who are on the fence about trying this type of software should give it a go. Some online auction software companies will even set sellers up with their own online blog or website.

In conclusion, switching to online auctions is smart for sellers trying to survive and thrive in the current economy. Make things simple by giving online auction software a try. Moving to online sales means that everyone across the globe has the opportunity to bid on and purchase a seller’s items instead of just the small handful of people who would show up at an in-person auction.

Effective Ways To Cut Transportation Costs For Your Logistics Business

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Logistics Business|Effective Ways To Cut Transportation Costs For Your Logistics BusinessBusinesses in every industry are constantly faced with the ongoing challenge of reducing costs to boost profits. However, the key is to lower your expenses without hindering service quality. So, when it comes to dropping transportation costs for your logistics business, you should avoid any approach that will negatively impact your services’ quality. Therefore, you should avoid cutting salaries, opting for cheaper vehicles, or increasing delivery times. To help you minimize your costs without harming your business, we have listed a few practical approaches for you to consider.

Buy Bulk Fuel

Suppose your fleet has been filling up at gas stations while making deliveries. In this case, your fuel expense is a lot higher than it could be. Instead of filling up the traditional way, you should consider buying bulk fuel. You can find out more about bulk fuel purchases and payment terms with a little bit of research. However, it is also essential to determine safe storage methods before making your first bulk buy as fuel can be dangerous if not stored correctly. With that said, bulk buying will save you a substantial amount of money.

Enhance Your Fleet Management Strategy

There’s no doubt that a fleet management strategy is essential when running any business in the logistics industry. However, by enhancing your management strategy, you can ultimately save on your business expenses. Part of your strategy should include essential ongoing maintenance, which can degrade the likeliness that you will have to spend on expensive repairs later on. What’s more, a well-maintained fleet will also consume less fuel. Your management strategy should also include insurance that will protect the best interests of your business in the event of an accident.

Monitor Drivers

Even if you have employed qualified drivers, employees in any field of work will slack off a bit if they are not monitored. To enhance delivery time and reduce potential extra costs that could occur from late deliveries, lost customers, or additional fill-ups on the delivery route, you should install commercial camera systems in your vehicles that will monitor your drivers. The small initial spending will go a long way in enhancing service quality and reducing any additional costs that could be avoided with a monitoring system.

Plan Routes Ahead Of Schedule To Save On Mileage

Planning trips ahead of schedule to include as many deliveries as possible into the same route is a great approach to save mileage on your fleet. While reducing mileage build-up will reduce maintenance and repair costs, the decision will also reduce your fuel consumption significantly. Planning routes beforehand will also reduce the likeliness of late deliveries.

Reducing costs in any business is possible with the right approach. Being a money-savvy business owner is often all it takes to avoid overspending on your expenses and keeping costs as low as possible. Once you have reduced your transportation costs, you can find other areas of your business that could be eating at your profits and find practical approaches to mitigate such costs.

4 Benefits of Using Bulk Bags

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | 4 Benefits of Using Bulk BagsWhen you have products to sell, it is imperative to have the best storage and shipping materials available. Bulk bags- also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs)- support optimal storage and shipping. The following are just four of the many benefits of using bulk bags for your shipping needs.

1. Versatility and Durability

FIBCs are made from a woven fabric that is flexible enough to hold 500kg to 2000 kg. They come in different sizes and dimensions, making them perfect for toting all types of dry, flowing products. Some industries they work very well for include:

  • Agriculture
  • Engineering
  • Construction
  • Chemical
  • Mining
  • Fishing

Additionally, bulk bags can be custom-made according to your specific needs. This ensures that you get the right type and size storage bag.

2. Optimal Storage Usage

Thanks to their customizable nature and flexibility, bulk bags make excellent storage options. Traditional storage containers and boxes force your product to fit the available space. They do not move or budge, meaning you might be missing out on storage.

On the other hand, bulk bags actually move, stretch, and conform to the products they hold. If you only need to fill half the bag, you only have half a bag taking up space. Other storage options, like boxes, stay the same size no matter how much product is in them.

Skip the boxes, drums, and paper bags in your warehouse. Instead, choose bulk bags that allow you to optimize your storage space.

3. Lower Shipping Costs

It takes a lot of money to run a business, which is why it’s so important to cut expenses wherever possible. Bulk bags can save you money on shipping costs in a few ways. First, bulk bags do not need pallets or any secondary packaging, both of which add extra weight and costs.

Additionally, being able to fit more into a bag means having to ship less overall. For more cost-saving products, learn more here.

4. Reusable or Recyclable Material

Thanks to their general make-up, bulk bags do not easily rip and tear. This means that FIBCs can be reused for quite some time. They are also recyclable due to the materials they are made from. You can use bulk bags without concern about their impact on the environment.

Bulk bags are a great way to take control of your storage space and shipping costs. Visit website to learn more about how such a simple product can make a lasting impact on your daily operations.

Operations Management: What You Need to Know in 2021

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | Operations Management: What You Need to Know in 2021Operations managers have a tough and challenging role, particularly in 2021. As we move towards a ‘new normal’, businesses are facing unexpected obstacles. As a result, innovation and ingenuity is more important than ever before. If you’re working in operations management, or you aspire to become an operations supervisor, take a look at some of the challenges you’ll be facing in 2021:

1. Supply Chain Uncertainty

There’s no doubt that supply chains were significantly impacted by COVID-19. Although firms were quick to respond to the upheaval, many companies remain concerned about the vulnerability of lengthy supply chains. However, the competing demands of globalization mean that long supply chains are often essential or advantageous.

Operations managers and supply chain managers can overcome this particular challenge by partnering with leading logistics firms. Choosing a logistics provider who can offer a wide range of transportation, such as HLOGCAM, ensures a variety of supply routes can be accessed at short notice. In addition to this, using more than one mode of transportation enables companies to have greater control over the speed at which their goods and shipments are moved from one location to another.

2. Cost Cutting

The on-going impact of the coronavirus pandemic means that millions of companies are slashing their budgets. After a year of disrupted cash flow and trading restrictions, it’s not surprising that firms are being forced to rethink their expenditure. While reducing costs and maintaining productivity has always been a key objective for businesses, it’s fast becoming a critical aspect of their long-term survival.

Within operations management, personnel are going to be under pressure to maintain or increase productivity while minimizing inputs. To achieve this, there is likely to be an increased focus on automation. By introducing new automated processes, for example, managers can maintain their operations with a reduced staff. In addition to this, automation can positively impact efficiency, which, in turn, will optimize productivity without substantially increasing costs.

3. Increased Sustainability

Although most companies will face financial and practical challenges throughout the year, environmental concerns will still be highly relevant in 2021. Indeed, the reduced emissions and carbon footprints seen at the height of the pandemic, when entire sectors were brought to a standstill, have highlighted the environmental impact that industry has.

As a result, there is public and governmental pressure on businesses to reduce emissions further. In order to achieve this, operations managers will need to ensure sustainability is a key issue during every decision-making process. By weighing the environmental effects against the financial impact of a new process, for example, operations managers can find solutions that meet a company’s needs without increasing the firm’s carbon footprint.

Building a Career in Operations Management

As you can see, operations management is an exciting area to be involved in. For current and future professionals, the competing priorities, emergence of new tech and practical demands ensure that a career in operations management will continue to be challenging, thought-provoking and, ultimately, highly rewarding.