With the continuous optimization of POS hardware and software, more and more small business like restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, bars, cafes enjoy the convenience of POS system, but there are still many questions about POS. What is POS system? What is POS terminal? What are the benefits of touch screen POS terminal? Why do stores prefer all in one POS terminal? How to choose a good all in one POS terminal? Hereby we will discuss in detail below.
What is the POS system? What is the POS terminal? Let us start with the way the POS system works
The POS system allows users to create product data and save it in the system. The computer cash register receives instructions from cashier and info from peripheral. Product information (price, department, discount...), and sales information (quantity, amount, time period, customer level) are automatically recorded. Through system processing and storage, sales statistical analysis information can be generated as the basis of business management.
POS terminal means computer hardware can integrate sales data collection, processing & storage. With the development of touch panel & integrated circuits, all in one touch screen POS terminals start application in retail & hospitality industries.
So what are the features of POS terminal?
1. POS terminal is always equipped with a large-size HD touch main screen for cashier to operate, usually integrated with core components such as motherboard
2. POS terminal is always equipped with a VFD or second display to show transaction information or advertising to consumers
3. POS terminal is always equipped with a built-in thermal printer to save space and manage desktop cables. Experiments show that built-in printers are less susceptible to damage than external printers
4. POS terminal is always equipped with barcode/2D scanner, MSR, NFC and other modules, it is easy to maintain and replace inner hard disk, built-in battery and printer.
What types of POS terminals are common on the market?
What are the recommended POS terminals of each types ?
Desktop touch POS terminal KS-L7
The KS-L7 is a desktop POS terminal that is compatible with Windows and Android OS. Full HD 15.6" capacitive touch screen allows cashier to operate smoothly and accurately. The rich interface greatly expands the application. The alloy stand supports large angle adjustment of the screen, and the structure is simple and sturdy, very easy to maintain.
| Model | Touch Screen POS Terminal KS-L7 Pioneer | ||
| Material | ABS+Plastic Case，Metal Structure | ||
| OS | Windows 7 / 10 | Android 7.1 | |
| CPU | Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core Processor (2M Cache, 1.99GHz-2.41GHz) | RK3288 ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A17, 1.8GHz | |
Intel Core i3 4005U Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.7 GHz) | |||
Intel Core i5 4200U Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.6GHz-2.6GHz) | |||
| System Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB mSATA SSD | 8GB eMMC | |
| Main Screen Size | 15.6''(1920*1080 16:9) True-Flat Projective Capacitive Touch（10-point） | ||
| I/O Ports | DC*1,CASH*1,LAN*1,USB *4,COM*1,Audio out*1,Mic*1,HDMI*1/VGA*1 | ||
| Dimension | 355mm(W)*280mm(D)*320mm(H) | ||
| Weight | 5.54kg | ||
| Optional Accessories | 15.6''(1920*1080; 16:9)/11.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) Customer Display/VFD; 2D scanner; MSR & IC & RSAV Card Reader | ||
Applications: restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores…
Pros and cons:
Pros: Affordable, small size, stable and durable, easy to replace and repair
Cons: No built-in printer, need external printers and other peripheral (cash box, scanner, EFT POS, etc.) not good cable management on desk.
KS-D is a stylish dual-screen POS terminal which is the latest model. Titanium metal appearance, sleek and lightweight. Hollow structure, leaving space for 2D/Barcode scanning, MSR and NFC. Symmetrical design feels perfect from any angle. Ideal for high-end hotels, bars, flagship stores.
| Model | POS Terminal KS-D Galaxy | ||
| Material | ABS+Plastic Case，Metal Structure | ||
| OS | Windows 7 / 10 | Android 7.1 | |
| CPU | Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core Processor (2M Cache, 1.99GHz-2.41GHz) | RK3288 ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A17, 1.8GHz | |
Intel Core i3 3217U Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.8 GHz) | |||
Intel Core i5 5200U Dual-core Processor (3MB Cache, 2.2GHz-2.7GHz) | |||
| System Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB mSATA SSD | 8GB eMMC | |
| Main Screen Size | 15.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) True-Flat Projective Capacitive Touch (10-point) | ||
| I/O Ports | DC*1,CASH*1,LAN*1,USB *4,COM*1,Audio out*1,Mic*1,HDMI*1/VGA*1 | ||
| Dimension | 322mm(W)*245mm(D)*450mm(H) | ||
| Weight | 8.24kg | ||
| Optional Accessories | 15.6''(1920*1080; 16:9)/11.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) Customer Display/VFD; 2D scanner; MSR & IC & RSAV Card Reader; NFC & RFID Reader | ||
Applications: bars, supermarkets, flagship stores…
Pros and cons:
Pros: fashion and sleek, big and full HD touch screen and customer display, built-in MSR, 2D scanner are optional.
Cons: oversize for small business, built-in printer only support 80 mm *60mm paper roll
The KS-A is a classic all in one terminal. It is the best-selling model and supports dual-screen 15.6-inch HD LEDs. It supports large capacity thermal printers. The performance is stable and reliable and failure rate is extremely low due to its robust metal structure. The all in one design is compatible with different OS, peripherals and modules for different purposes, it is also a very cost-effective smart equipment.
| Model | All in One POS Terminal KS-A Legend | ||
| Material | ABS+Plastic Case，Metal Structure | ||
| OS | Windows 7 / 10 | Android 7.1 | |
| CPU | Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core Processor (2M Cache, 1.99GHz-2.41GHz) | RK3288 ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A17, 1.8GHz | |
Intel Core i3 4005U Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.7 GHz) | |||
Intel Core i5 5200U Dual-core Processor (3MB Cache, 2.2GHz-2.7GHz) | |||
| System Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB mSATA SSD | 8GB eMMC | |
| Main Screen Size | 15.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) True-Flat Projective Capacitive Touch (10-point) | ||
| I/O Ports | DC*1,CASH*1,LAN*1,USB *4,COM*1,Audio out*1,Mic*1,HDMI*1/VGA*1 | ||
| Dimension | 147mm(W)*185mm(D)*380mm(H) | ||
| Weight | 5.16kg | ||
| Optional Accessories | 15.6''(1920*1080; 16:9)/11.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) Customer Display/VFD; 80mm Built-in Printer;2D scanner; MSR & IC & RSAV Card Reader; NFC & RFID Reader | ||
Applications: restaurants, bars, supermarkets, retail stores, cafes…
Pros and cons:
Pros: High cost performance, stable performance, strong expansibility
Cons: No obvious disadvantages
The KS-B is a mini all in one POS terminal. It is developed based on KS-A and has reduced original size but retained its core functions. The KS-B is equipped with an 11.6-inch HD capacitive touch screen and integrated with a high-speed 80mm thermal printer. It weighs only 3.8kg, which is very suitable for small business.
| Model | All in One POS Terminal KS-B Elite | ||
| Material | ABS+Plastic Case，Metal Structure | ||
| OS | Windows 7 / 10 | Android 7.1 | |
| CPU | Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core Processor (2M Cache, 1.99GHz-2.41GHz) | RK3288 ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A17, 1.8GHz | |
Intel Core i3 4010Y Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.3GHz) | |||
| System Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB mSATA SSD | 8GB eMMC | |
| Main Screen Size | 11.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) True-Flat Projective Capacitive Touch (10-point) | ||
| I/O Ports | DC*1,CASH*1,LAN*1,USB *2,COM*1,Audio out*1,Mic*1,HDMI*1/VGA*1 | ||
| Dimension | 193mm(W)*166mm(D)*380mm(H) | ||
| Weight | 3.48kg | ||
| Optional Accessories | 11.6''(1920*1080; 16:9) Customer Display/VFD; 80mm Built-in Printer; 2D scanner; MSR; NFC & RFID Reader | ||
Applications: restaurants, retail stores, cafes…
Pros and cons:
Pros: Affordable, small size, all in one design, durable
Cons: No obvious disadvantages
KS-BT is an innovative tablet POS terminal. It supports windows, android tablet and ipad. This all in one POS provide a stable tablet stand and connect built-in printer to tablet by USB cable or bluetooth. The waiter can bring guest the tablet to order and checkout. The detaching and installation of the tablet is super simple, which gives full play to the flexibility of the tablet.
| Model | Tablet POS Terminal KS-BT Explorer | ||
| Material | ABS+Plastic Case，Metal Structure | ||
| OS | Android / IOS | ||
| Tablet | 11''(2388 x 1668;iPad Pro)/11.6''(1920*1080; Android Tablet) | ||
| I/O Ports | DC 12V / 24V*1 | ||
| CASH*1(RJ-11, +12VDC / +24VDC by jumper select) | |||
LAN*1 (RJ45, Giga Ethernet Support (10 / 100 Mbps) | |||
| USB *2 | |||
| Dimension | 193mm(W)*166mm(D)*380mm(H) / 7.6''(W)*6.5''(D)*14.9''(H) | ||
| Weight | 5.16kg | ||
| Built-in Printer(Optional) | SPRT thermal receipt printer(paper 80mm width ⌀80mm) | ||
| Printing Speed: 170mm/sec | |||
| Printer Font: 12 × 24 ANK characters, print 50 lines each time | |||
| Bar Code & QR Code Scanner (Optional) | QR Code, Data Matrix, PDP417,UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ISBN, Code 128, GSI 128, ISBT 128, Code 39, Code93,Code 11, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5,Matrix 25, Standard 25, Codabar, MSI/MSI PLESSEY, GSI DataBar | ||
| MSR Card Reader (Optional) | ISO7811,ISO7816 | ||
Applications: restaurants, bars, retail stores…
Pros and cons:
Pros: Compatible with all kinds of common POS systems, flexible and lightweight, can be operated remotely
Cons: not support second screen and need cable or battery charging
Self Ordering & Payment Kiosk KS-SK02
PTKSAI Self Ordering & Payment Kiosks provide customer a smart way to breeze through your restaurant line faster, feeling more satisfied and spending more than usual. Meanwhile, you’re saving on labor costs and improving same-store revenue right along with your customer experience. Sound amazing? That’s the power of PTKSAI self-service kiosks.
| Model | Self Service Kiosk KS-SK02 Epoch | ||
| Material | Metal Case, Glass Display, Alloy Stand | ||
| CPU | Intel Core i3 3217U Dual-core Processor (3M Cache, 1.8 GHz) | RK3288 ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A17, 1.8GHz | |
Intel Core i5 5200U Dual-core Processor (3MB Cache, 2.2GHz-2.7GHz) | |||
| System Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB mSATA SSD | 8GB eMMC NAND FLASH | |
| Screen Size | 21"/24"/27"/32"(1920*1080;16:9) Potrait Orientation | ||
| Touch Screen | True-Flat Projective Capacitive Touch (10 point), G+G | ||
| I/O Ports | DC 24V*1 | ||
| LAN*1 (RJ45, Giga Ethernet) | |||
| USB *1 | |||
| Optional Accessories | 80mm Built-in Printer;2D scanner; Camera;EFT POS Mount MSR & IC & RSAV Card Reader; NFC & RFID Reader | ||
Applications: restaurants, supermarkets…
Pros and cons:
Pros: Higher efficiency, more income, less labor, more standard service
Cons: Relatively expensive, large in size, difficult to move, requires frequent maintenance and cleaning
How to select a proper POS terminals?
First, we should choose the right POS terminal suppliers from the following 7 dimensions:
Strength: modern production equipment and skilled workers, strong brand and professional team, consecutive profit..
Potential: forecast of market development, strategy formulation and positioning of new products, financing capability.
Sales: Share of main market, growth of potential market and stability of Cost performance: Product performance, price competitiveness, reasonable premium, user experience.
Quality: Performance, life (i.e. durability), reliability and maintainability, safety, adaptability and economy
Service: Market support, pre-sales guidance, order processing, after-sales service
Custom made: Appearance customization, structure customization, function customization, packaging customization, software customization, brand customization
Through the following form, we can find the six most influential POS terminal suppliers in global market. Through various comparisons, PTKSAI is outstanding considering comprehensive performance.
POS Terminal Supplier | PTKSAI | Summi | Sam4s | Datavan | Poindus | Fametech |
| Strength | A | A | B | A | B | B |
| Potential | A | B | C | C | C | C |
| Sales | B | A | B | B | A | B |
| Cost performance | A | B | B | C | C | C |
| Quality | A | C | B | A | A | A |
| Service | A | C | B | A | A | B |
| Custom made | A | C | B | C | C | C |
The representative products of PTKSAI have been introduced above. Here provides a comparison table of PTKSAI POS products for users to select and compare. We also provide special guidance for different customers:
POS Model | KS-L7 | KS-D | KS-A | KS-B | KS-BT | KS-SK |
Windows i3 cpu | π | π | π | π | π | |
Windows i5 cpu | π | π | ||||
Android os | π | π | π | π | π | π |
21" touch screen | π | |||||
15.6" touch screen | π | π | π | |||
11.6" touch screen | π | π | ||||
Customer display | π | π | π | π | ||
Full HD | π | π | π | π | π | π |
VFD | π | π | π | |||
Built-in Printer | π | π | π | π | ||
2D scanner | π | π | π | |||
MSR,IC,NFC | π | π |
Shopping center: Requires a large number of reliable POS terminals, high quality and performance requirements for the machine, integrated built-in printing and we recommend all in one POS terminal KS-A
Retail store, coffee: limited space, need small size all in one POS terminal, integrated built-in printer, affordable, easy to move, we recommend mini POS terminal KS-B
Supermarket: A touch screen POS cash register that needs to be used with a scanner and a cashbox printer. It is simple in structure and easy to maintain. We recommend touch screen POS terminal KS-L7.
Hotel: needs stylish and high-end pos terminal, and requires a good customer experience and advertising, we recommend dual-screen POS terminal KS-D
Restaurant: Besides all in one POS terminal, there is also a self-service kiosk that helps customers order and pay for themselves. It requires integrated built-in printer, more than 21.5" touch screen, we recommend KS-SK02
Bars: need a very lightweight and flexible POS terminal, support remote operation, convenient waiter to assist customers to order, we recommend tablet POS terminal KS-BT
We will find all kinds of POS systems have put forward high requirements for POS terminals. After comparison and analysis, all in one POS terminals have been accepted by increasing number of customers due to its easy operation, diverse functions, space saving, convenient maintenance and better cost performance. Choosing an international brand like PTKSAI will save you lots of money while improving efficiency