It wasn’t too long ago that a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system that also has content and inventory management capabilities as well as other features was such a far-fetched idea. But today, such systems already exist and you don’t have to pay a fortune to use them. So, should you switch to cloud-based POS? Read on to find out the answers to some of the most important questions to ask about this option.
What are the main benefits of cloud-based POS?
Typically, cloud solutions are subscription-based, which means you pay a fee every month instead of forking out a huge one-time investment. Round-the-clock support is available and there are no extra charges for future software upgrades. What’s more, the upgrades are done automatically for you. The POS provider will see to it that you are on top of the latest technologies and that your store always meets industry security requirements. Also, with the right cloud POS software, you can expect an easy-to-use platform that is versatile and extensible so you can offer a customized service and increase your sales. Integration is easy so you can effortlessly integrate your loyalty programs, discount cards, reward programs into your new cloud-based platform, something that is difficult to do with many traditional setups. Cloud-based POS also helps increase productivity since tasks can be performed quickly from any location, which also means business owners/managers can analyze their business more efficiently so they don’t miss out on growth opportunities.
When is it a really good idea to switch to a cloud-based POS?
There are all sorts of technological problems that you can face, but if your desktop-based POS system has just suffered from a virus attack, it is a good idea to dump your old system and go to the cloud. This is because reinstalling Windows on your PC as well as your drivers and your POS software is going to be too costly. It’s better to start anew with a cloud-based solution that is within your budget. Another compelling reason for switching to cloud-based POS is if you’re trying to cut costs. It is expensive to actually own and maintain your own server infrastructure and this is all taken care of in a cloud-based model at a fraction of the cost.
What is the price difference between traditional ecommerce software versus a cloud-based solution?
Typically, manufacturers of traditional POS software charge a license fee for every registration of their product as well as an annual maintenance fee of up to 20 percent for software upgrades. Unfortunately, the high price of traditional systems normally does not include training and technical support. Its biggest downside would be its required full upfront cost when your purchase, which means you risk wasting money if it turns out that you find the software unsatisfactory later. Cloud-based solutions works on an opposite model where you will only pay a monthly fee base on the plan you choose and no other upfront investments. Future investments could be on additional hardware. Cloud-based Shopify, for example, offers several hardware options that users may want to use with their platform. The monthly fee covers not only the software but also hosting, backups, upgrades and support. You also have the freedom to cancel your subscription any time if you are unhappy with the service.
How difficult is it to switch to a cloud-based ecommerce platform?
It can be difficult to change from any platform to another. The easiest way to go about this is to export onto a spreadsheet all of your customer data and your entire inventory and then send the file to your software provider. A good ecommerce solutions company will do the job of importing the data from your file as part of the account setup. This means you should not pay extra and that your products will display on your site hassle free and in no time.
How difficult is it to set up and operate a cloud-based POS system?
The answer to this would be that it’s not difficult at all. Think about your mobile phone apps, which are examples of cloud-based software. They use very little memory and are very easy to use. Unlike a traditional POS where malfunctions require a visit from a technician, issues with cloud-based solutions are resolved with remote technical help. In general, the interface of cloud-based POS is quite intuitive so learning curve is reduced.
Is it true that the cloud has serious security risks?
Lack of security is the one of the biggest misconceptions about cloud-based POS software but this stems from the fact that few people truly understands what the cloud is or how it works. Basically, the cloud does two things: to transfer the workload of computers off of a particular site and to transmit data. To perform these tasks, cloud software providers maintain their own highly secure servers in multiple diverse locations. Compare this with a traditional POS system that runs on an onsite server that is highly vulnerable to hacking and disasters. Cloud-based POS uses more sophisticated security measures such as encryption and backups. Simply put, your online store data is better protected in the cloud.
