Touch Screen ePOS Systems

EPOS systems (electronic point of sale) evolved from cash registers into POS systems and later into mPOS (mobile point of sale) systems. When looking for new ePOS solutions, there are many alternatives to choose from, which can be overwhelming.

Touch screens are part of ePOS solution in two ways: as a part of ePOS solution or as a part of mPOS solution. The decision whether to buy a mPOS solution or ePOS solution should not be based on touch screens, as both - ePOS and mPOS solutions, have satisfactory solutions for businesses.

MPOS solutions include a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) and peripherals such as a card terminal, barcode scanner, etc. The properties of the touch screen then depend on the device chosen and the features of the mPOS solution depend on chosen app.

There are sevral advantages that mPOS systems bring to the business. However, an ePOS solution can be also suitable for your business and many ePOS systems include a touch screen.

For enquiries or professional advice about touch screen ePOS systems fill out the form. We will match your requests with our suppliers and they will provide 4 free non-binding quotes.

Touch screens were theoretically described in the 1960s and were called capacitive. When constructed they were big, imprecise, slow and expensive. These screens were used until the 1990s.

In the 1970s new touch screen technology came to an existence and it was called resistive. Some devices that were used until recently contained this touch screen technology. User could easily recognize these kinds of touch screen by the amount of pressure that needed to be used.

Since then, many touch screen technologies were invented, including infrared technologies, signal technology, etc. What brought touch screen to broad audience was PDA (personal digital assistant) and similar handheld devices.

The latest event that has changed this technology was Apple introducing multi-touch screen technology on the iPhone. This technology is able to recognize more than one point of touching, therefore allows more functions.

What are the benefits of having a touch screen ePOS system?

These advantages are interconnected. Touch screens ePOS systems are easier to learn and intuitive. This applies to younger staff, but also to older staff for which other technologies might be not be easy to learn. Usually, there is no need for training, or the need for training is significantly reduced.

Touch screen ePOS systems are user friendly and are typically faster and easier to operate than other ePOS systems, making checkouts, returns, refunds and other operations faster. The level of error is much lower when using touch screen ePOS system.

Touch screens save space, as there is no need for keyboard and mouse and in case of mPOS system the space is saved even more. 

Touch screen ePOS system are made for more extreme situations - when compared to mobile devices used in mPOS solutions. They can be used in restaurants, pubs and cafe - they are more resistant to food, water and similar.

Some touch screens can be also operated with gloves, which is suitable for businesses where there are stricter rules concerning hygiene.

Touch screens can be also used as an information source for customers and serve without any help from staff. Some can serve as self checkouts, where customers process the checkout by themselves, which can lead to reduce costs on staff.

Overall, touch screen ePOS systems streamline business processes - accuracy is improved by operators making less mistakes, less training is needed, business is more efficient. 

What are the disadvantages of touch screen ePOS systems?

For mPOS systems there is a threat of viruses and malware, but with proper antivirus system, legitimate apps and up to date device, your data should be secure.

Disadvantages of touch screen ePOS systems depend on chosen ePOS solution. There might be differences in the need of additional training and ease of use. Touch screens might also differ - some allow operating with gloves, some do not.

Some businesses prefer traditional ePOS systems, as a keyboard might make processes faster for some businesses. Therefore, choosing the right touch screen ePOS system will depend on your business needs and they should be considered beforehand.

If choosing the right ePOS solution is overwhelming and you wish to receive quotes, just fill out our form and you will get four quotes for free, without any commitment.