Signs Your Scales Need Maintenance and Other Blogs

Posted on: 13 December 2017

For businesses that deal with huge sales of items, point of sale (POS) systems have become vital because of the ease of tracking inventory information, handling transactions and safeguarding sensitive customer data gathered at the time of purchase. Retail stores, in particular, need POS systems for day-to-day operations as the data collected is crucial for boosting sales and efficiency and minimizing losses. Therefore, these systems require regular repairs and maintenance to keep them secure and efficient. This article serves as a guide for retail outlet managers who wish to keep their POS systems in optimal shape.

Software Update and Upgrades -- POS machines have operating systems that have to be given particular attention on a regular basis. Enhancing system efficiency and security call for software updates on a continual basis. Leaving a point of sale system without updates is akin to exposing your business to vulnerabilities that can be subject to exploitation. Set up the system so that it alerts the IT personnel of any errors, updates, or threats in an automatic fashion.  Remember to update the software on a daily basis or when new updates are available. You can also consider upgrading the system if it is no longer optimal or glaring security threats have been identified.

Basic Cleaning -- Even though most POS systems are located indoors, they are always exposed to harsh environments that comprise of dirt, grease, dust, and grime. Over time, the machine will accumulate all kinds of filth, which might risk compromising internal and external components of the POS system. Use compressed air to remove dirt from outer parts of the system. For touch screens and fingerprint sensors, use a soft cloth and clear tape for the latter. For internal components, a qualified technician will take the system apart for cleaning before reassembling.

Protect the POS Screen -- Protecting your POS screen ensures that its life is prolonged, and thus, reduces the overall cost of repair and replacement. Install a screen protector that will act as a physical barrier, which protects your POS screen from the messy and rugged environment of a retail business. The protector will help take any substantial impact of blunt or sharp force or liquid spills that can damage the screen. However, this does not imply that the protector will prevent the screen from braking particularly when excessive sharp or blunt force is applied to it. You can also teach the POS operators on effective ways of handling the screen especially when it loses its touch sensitivity.