The Latest Updates to Benefit Your Retail Business From the Windows 10 Update to Android Mobile POS

It’s no secret that the past year has forced many retailers to reconsider their retail business operations and uproot many of their traditional plans. Many of them rushed to move their stores online, create safe in-store spaces, and beef up their inventory management processes, making it easy to lose sight of the small but crucial things that need to be done to keep operations running efficiently. One example of this is keeping track of updates for your Point of Sale (POS) software and hardware.

Without the proper updates and replacements, it doesn’t matter how far ahead you are of the competition, your POS solution will slow you and your retail business down. Luckily, you avoid these issues and keep things running smoothly. Here are the three updates you need for your POS systems and why they can make all the difference.

1. Updating Your Retail Business Handheld Hardware from Windows CE to Android Mobile POS

Let’s face it: there’s no reason you should have a stationary POS, especially when portable solutions are readily available to you. Many retailers have started utilizing mobile solutions, usually tablets or phones, and this portable technology is constantly being improved every day. In the past, retailers using mobile POS for additional check outs or inventory floor management ran their hardware using Windows CE products.

Retailers have relied on Windows CE for nearly two decades as their go-to operating system for portable computers. But now, its end of life and support are forcing many users to turn to Android. Android mobile POS is typically more user-friendly than Windows CE, and it comes on durable hardware that lasts longer in retail environments. And, with support from The General Store, Android handheld POS devices are easier to manage and offer a more fortified solution to mobile POS management.

So, even though you might not want to replace your POS hardware that frequently, it’s a necessary step in keeping your operations running smoothly. The average setup will be outmoded after four to seven years: most new software isn’t compatible with older hardware in the end. For instance, many of the newer POS systems operate on sleek tablets with better-operating plans, unlike their much bulkier and more expensive predecessors. Additionally, new hardware is visually pleasing, saves space, and offers convenience, allowing you to open up counter space while simultaneously giving your store or restaurant a little more style.

Advantages of Android Handhelds

• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use applications
• Rugged and mobile design
• More advanced and added features than Windows CE
• Wireless Communication to manage prices and inventory

2. Upgrading Your Retail Business POS Software With The Windows 10 Update

Currently, many retail businesses are still operating their POS systems on Windows 7. And while finding the time to upgrade your POS to Windows software can be tedious, not upgrading can cause your business more harm in the long run. Outdated systems have caused many companies to fall behind their competition by slowing their operations down and making them vulnerable to hungry hackers. Also, business owners using Windows 7 are noticing visible hold-ups in their software, resulting in:

• More freezing and logouts during receipt and gift receipt creation
• Total system slowness that requires a restart or rebooting
• Issues training new employees with outdated and complicated technology

In addition to being sluggish and out-of-touch, avoiding the Windows 10 upgrade creates the potential for hackers to attack merchants. When you run outdated software that doesn’t receive regularly scheduled updates, you open up your business to security violations from malware to hackers, who have years to perfect their art on Windows 7. Plus, you put your whole business’s software at risk: if you contract malware on an outdated system, it can jump from one system to another.

You also risk losing your PCI compliance on your POS payments software since the absence of security will violate the PCI DSS 6.2. In addition, since Windows 7 will stop producing updates in October of 2021, retailers will soon lose compliance and put themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

Advantages of Windows 10

• Advanced security
• PCI Compliance
• Faster operating systems
• Better capability with newer hardware

3. Investing in the Latest POS Module Solutions for Your Retail Business

You need to consider three things when looking for the best module solution for your retail business: inventory management, customer marketing, and labor management. Let’s take a closer look at each of these features:

Inventory Management

Hold-ups and crazy limitations spurred on by the pandemic have created chaos within supply chain management. It’s why now, more than ever, businesses and suppliers have tightened their grasp on inventory management. Inventory management software should be accessible from your point of sale system now and for the foreseeable future to keep track of your business and boost your bottom line. Tie it in with robust business analytics software, and you’ll have ultimate transparency over your company operations.

Customer Marketing

Your POS system should also have customer-marketing management built into it. With the current market still being fragile, it’s vital to retain the clients you have now. Keeping the clients you have often costs less than trying to find new customers. When you have a customer marketing module on your POS solution, you can boost brand awareness and strengthen your relationship with customers by creating referral programs and discounts based on consumer spending history.

Labor Management

Since many employers face labor struggles, it’s essential to ensure that your POS comes with a labor-management module. You can use your POS to monitor and keep track of your timesheets, scheduling, and employee productivity. Also, you can reward employees who are hard workers, keeping your business afloat, and assist others falling behind in their training.

Retail businesses need all the proper hardware and software to run a successful company, especially in an unpredictable market. Without the appropriate updates and equipment, not only will your business fall behind the competition, but you also put yourself at risk from outside attacks, like vicious malware and unrelenting hackers.

The General Store is ready to help your business stay up-to-date and in top condition with whatever assistance you need. Want to optimize your business? Contact The General Store today!