With everything being on complex systems run by hardware that can break at any time, it can be difficult to resolve problems when they pop up.
Whether it’s digital issues, physical issues, or contractual issues, it’s important to be prepared and think ahead when it comes to POS problems. Preparation is the best solution for all of the top problems we’ve seen with POS systems.
We’d like to cover problems that may arise so that you can keep your business up and running regardless of the crisis.
From data loss to employee training, fixing your problems ahead of time is the best solution.
The 7 Most Common POS Problems
Every piece of technology has its issues, and being able to prepare for things ahead of time can remediate a lot of these problems. Having a backup plan in case of disaster can make or break a business.
We want to give you the seven most common problems with POS systems that are seen. This way you can prepare and guarantee your business keeps running the best it can!
Losing Data
Data loss is one thing that people don’t consider when they implement a new POS system. It is one of the most preventable POS problems out there.
To put it simply, most businesses will experience a data loss of one type or another throughout their lifetime. Disgruntled employees, security breaches, and human error can all cause data loss.
Since it is so common, businesses are lucky enough to have multiple choices when protecting their data. This problem is solved by having a backup and keeping it active at all times. Shop around and protect the business.
Power Outages
We are in the age of technology. That doesn’t mean that power isn’t important anymore. It means the opposite actually.
The amount of preparation in this area will depend on how large the business is. If you have local hardware running an online store though, a power outage can spell big losses.
If you need a generator or a few simple battery backups, it’s important to know what would be needed to ensure your systems can keep running for a few hours if things go wrong.
Undertrained Staff
A lot of people don’t consider this when implementing a new POS system, but human error can lead to a lot of issues.
A business can bump into a number of issues with accounting, budgeting, and processing payments if the staff isn’t trained correctly.
This is another one where preparation solves the problem, but if a business doesn’t prepare its staff, it can cause some bumps in the road.
Ensuring that enough staff is trained up will protect the business from any slip-ups in this area. If you aren’t confident, ask the company that runs the POS system if they have training available.
POS Security
Nearly every POS system is connected to the internet. When anything is connected to the internet, and even when it’s not, security is extremely important.
You don’t have to be technologically savvy to ensure that security is in place. Hiring a consultant, having someone on staff, or having a contract with a managed security provider are all perfect solutions.
Regardless of the security solution that fits your business, a security plan is needed. A break in security is its own type of disaster, and protecting a business is the best way to stop it.
Breaking The Rules and Being Suspended
POS systems will have a contract to sign once an enrollment period is determined. With this contract, there can be limitations.
These limitations can include:
- Transaction cost limits
- Transactions count limits
- Product limitations
All-in-all, make sure you read the rules of your agreement before implementing a POS system.
Make sure the POS system you’ve chosen has limitations that your company won’t break. This can help prevent these types of POS problems.
Internet Issues
As it was stated before, nearly every POS system runs on the internet. Even if you aren’t selling things on the internet, the POS system you’re running needs internet access to function.
To resolve these types of functions, you do have the ability to set up a backup internet connection through a different company. Another can be that you train your employees to hotspot their phones to create a new network temporarily.
There are several ways to ensure things continue to run even if the internet goes down for a few hours. Ensure that you have a policy in place for your employees so that they can either move back to paper orders or know what to do in case of internet outages.
Hardware Failures
Hardware does fail, and it’s important not to wait until it fails to have a backup plan. Hardware includes any physical devices that are required to keep your POS system running.
Having a few backup iPads, power supplies, or whatever else you may need can save you in a pinch. Some people have an entire backup POS system sitting in the back of their building!
Aside from having backup hardware in place or a managed service provider to help you in a pinch, preparation is the best solution in these cases.
Don’t Wait For It to Break
It seems a bit redundant that each problem can be solved by having backups in place and proper training, but it almost always comes down that that when POS problems arise.
Spending a little bit of extra money or time to ensure you have the backup infrastructure in place and proper training will save your business. Ensure you have an IT company ready at your fingertips or a plan for when things go awry, and all of these problems become minor speed bumps.
If you need help planning, let us know. You can always contact us and we’ll be happy to help you prepare, train, and resolve any problems that crop up!