From traditional to smart: the modernization of POS terminals

 

With the continuous advancement of technology and the diversification of consumer habits, POS terminals play an increasingly important role in modern business. From the earliest simple cash registers to today's feature-rich, easy-to-use smart devices, the development of POS terminals has not only transformed business operations but also greatly enhanced the consumer payment experience.

In this article, we will delve into the development history of POS terminals, the current types, particularly the advantages of wireless POS terminals, and introduce our company’s latest wireless POS terminal product—the PAX A920Pro. We hope to provide merchants with a more intelligent and efficient payment solution.

The development history of POS terminals

Since the emergence of POS terminals in the 1970s, they have undergone several significant technological innovations and market changes. The development process of POS terminals can be roughly divided into three stages.

Initial stage

The concept of POS terminals first appeared in the early 1970s. At that time, the equipment was mainly electronic cash registers (ECR) used to record sales transactions. These early POS systems primarily relied on hardware with single functions, capable of basic sales data recording and simple inventory management. 

During this stage, POS terminals had relatively simple functions, limited data processing, and storage capabilities, and were mainly used in large chain supermarkets and department stores.

Networked stage

By the late 1980s, the development of computer technology drove the evolution of POS systems into networked forms. POS terminals began connecting to back-office computer systems, allowing real-time transmission of sales data and central management. 

During this period, POS terminals could handle more complex transactions and support various functions, including inventory management, customer management, and employee performance analysis. With the widespread adoption of network technology, the usage scope of POS systems further expanded, covering industries such as catering, retail, and hospitality.

Smart stage

From the early 21st century, with the rise of the internet and smart devices, POS terminals entered a stage of smart development. New types of POS terminals are no longer just simple transaction terminals but intelligent devices integrating various business management functions.

These devices are usually equipped with touchscreens and operating systems, capable of installing third-party applications, supporting multiple payment methods, and performing complex data analysis and customer relationship management.

Types of POS terminals

Currently, there are various types of POS terminals on the market to meet the needs of different merchants. According to different usage scenarios and functionalities, they can be primarily divided into the following categories:

Traditional fixed POS terminals

Traditional fixed POS terminals are the earliest POS devices, usually installed at the checkout counters of stores and connected to data networks via cables. These devices typically have powerful data processing capabilities, making them suitable for use in large retail stores, supermarkets, and department stores. 

Mobile POS terminals (mPOS)

Mobile POS terminals are compact, portable POS devices that usually connect to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth. mPOS devices are suitable for on-site sales, courier collections, roadside vendors, and other scenarios requiring transactions to be made anytime and anywhere. Due to their portability and low cost, mPOS devices have become widely used among small and medium-sized merchants in recent years.

Smart POS terminals

Smart POS terminals are equipped with touchscreens and open operating systems, capable of running various third-party apps. These POS terminals not only have all the functions of traditional POS terminals but also support electronic menus, membership management and online ordering, making them suitable for industries requiring integrated business functions. 

Wireless POS terminals

Wireless POS terminals are portable devices that transmit data via wireless networks. 

These POS terminals do not require fixed installation and can be used in different locations, making them ideal for the catering industry, mobile sales, and scenarios requiring flexible payments. 

The greatest advantage of wireless POS terminals is their portability and flexibility, which can significantly improve merchant service efficiency.

Advantages of wireless POS terminals

As an important category of modern POS technology, wireless POS terminals have notable advantages and broad usage scenarios. Here are some key features and benefits of wireless POS terminals.

Convenience and flexibility

Wireless POS terminals do not need to be fixed in one place and can be used anywhere within a store or even taken outside for mobile sales. 

This flexibility is highly attractive for restaurants needing to provide tableside service, couriers needing to collect payments on the move, and merchants attending trade shows.

Support for multiple payment methods

Smart wireless POS terminals typically support multiple payment methods, including card payments, NFC payments, and QR code payments. This variety of payment options can meet different customer payment preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Efficient and secure transaction processing and management

Wireless POS terminals are usually equipped with high-speed processors and large-capacity memory, ensuring fast transaction processing and reducing customer wait times. Additionally, they use multi-layer encryption technology and secure authentication protocols to ensure the secure transmission of payment information. 

They also support remote management and software updates, allowing merchants to monitor device status in real-time, upgrade functions, and perform maintenance, greatly reducing device maintenance costs and extending service life.

PAX A920Pro POS terminal: the ideal choice for merchants

In the face of fierce competition in the POS terminal market, Silkpay has launched the latest generation of wireless POS terminals—the PAX A920Pro. This product not only inherits all the advantages of traditional wireless POS terminals but also undergoes comprehensive upgrades in performance and functionality, providing merchants with an intelligent payment solution that integrates multiple functions. The core advantages of the PAX A920Pro POS terminal include:

Advanced connectivity

It is equipped with 4G and WiFi, maintaining a stable network connection and fast data transmission whether on busy city streets or in remote suburban areas. Merchants no longer have to worry about transaction interruptions or delays due to network issues.

Outstanding security performance

It uses advanced encryption algorithms and security authentication technologies to ensure the security of every transaction. Whether dealing with credit card payments, mobile payments, or QR code payments, the PAX A920Pro provides comprehensive security guarantees to protect the financial information of merchants and customers.

Improved User Experience

It is equipped with a 5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen with a simple and intuitive user interface that supports multi-touch. Whether checking out, issuing refunds, or querying transaction records, merchants can quickly complete tasks with simple touch operations. The device also supports multi-language display, suitable for merchants in different countries and regions.

PAX A920Pro POS terminal accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc., allowing merchants to easily accept payments from customers from all over the world. 

The device also supports multi-language display, which is suitable for merchants in different countries and regions.

Comprehensive tutorials and an outstanding customer service                                      

To help merchants quickly familiarize themselves with and master the use of the PAX A920Pro POS terminals, Silkpay provides detailed operating tutorials, allowing merchants to quickly get started without any technical knowledge. 

When merchants encounter problems or need guidance while using the device, our customer service team will provide detailed answers and guidance. No matter the issue, our team can provide timely assistance, ensuring your device is always in optimal condition and providing support for your business operations.

Suitable for new and existing merchants

For merchants who have already used the previous model (PAX A920 POS terminal), the PAX A920Pro is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. Compared to the old model, the PAX A920Pro has been upgraded in multiple aspects, not only allowing merchants to enjoy a more efficient and secure payment experience but also significantly enhancing overall business performance and customer satisfaction through its multifunctional integration and superior operational performance.

For new users who have not yet used our POS terminals, the PAX A920Pro POS terminal is an ideal choice. With its advanced technology, excellent security, and user-friendly operating experience, this device can help merchants quickly get started and easily adapt to various payment scenarios. Whether you are a small merchant just starting or an established business looking to optimize payment processes, the PAX A920Pro POS terminal can provide a reliable and efficient payment solution for your business.

For more information about the PAX A920Pro POS terminal, please visit our PAX A920Pro page: https://www.silkpay.eu/pos-terminal-pax-a920.

Conclusion

The development history of POS terminals reflects technological progress and the ever-changing market demands. From the earliest simple cash registers to today's intelligent and wireless POS systems, these devices have not only significantly improved merchants' operational efficiency but also greatly enhanced consumer payment experiences. Among the various types of POS terminals, wireless POS terminals have become indispensable tools in modern business.

As a leading product in wireless POS terminals, PAX A920Pro POS terminal provides an ideal payment solution for all kinds of merchants with its advanced communication technology, excellent security performance and efficient and convenient operation experience. Whether you are a new user or a merchant with existing POS experience, the PAX A920Pro is able to help merchants realize smarter and more efficient business operations.

About the author: Silkpay

Based in Paris, Silkpay provides omnichannel and secure payment solutions to help physical stores and e-commerce in Europe, America and Asia accept more than 30 of the world's most popular payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, CB, UnionPay, Alipay+, WeChat Pay as well as Asia-Pacific’s major e-wallets.

Silkpay is a winner of the LVMH Innovation Award. The company was also selected as a finalist for the "Money 20/20" Best Startup and in the "MPE Berlin” Startup Awards. Silkpay also won the "Best Fintech" awards from Capgemini and BPCE.

Silkpay helps merchants deliver the smoothest payment experience to their customers. We are a talented and international team driven by a single goal: to improve the customer experience and make payments simple and secure.

Sources

https://nrsplus.com/blog/evolution-of-pos-systems/

https://aures.com/en/expert-voice/history-of-pos/