Point of sale hardware is the electronic components that go into a POS system. These components aid in the transportation, reading, and processing of all the vital data stored with in your companies POS software database.
Cash Drawers
Cash drawers keep all of your currency, receipts, and checks in a secure and organized area that is easily accessible to the cashier or clerk.
Workstation
A PC workstation is generally the “brain” of your entire point of sale system. It is designed to power all of your peripheral hardware, and it also runs the pos software used in your machine.
Monitor/Terminal
Naturally, your workstation will require a monitor in order for you to view all the information pertaining to the transaction. Monitors generally display the graphical user interface (GUI) used by the point of sale software. Some monitors are touch screen, allowing for you to simple select and action by touching a specific area of the screen
Server
For larger operations, using a server to both store and backup your transaction and inventory data is the best bet. A server is another computer that is networked to your POS system. You can have your server stored both on site or offsite.
Pole Display
This allows for your customer to view the total price of their transaction. It is used extensively in retail environments.
Bar Code Scanner
Scanners allow cashiers to quickly access product information from the Bar Code, or UPC code, located directly on the product packaging. Scanners can also be used for checking in new shipments of inventory. Bar Code readers are incredibly efficient assets to your entire system.
Credit Card Reader
Speeds up the process of accepting credit cards. The credit card swipe is integrated with your system to verify funds and generate credit card approvals. It can often give customers a greater sense of safety and be less fearful that an employee could manually read their card and use it later for nefarious purposes.