Business owners are increasingly adopting iPads to engage their customers as information points, catalogue displays and in-store entertainment. 

While these uses are exciting, businesses should also be aware of the powerful work capability of iPads and what the devices can offer – beyond beautiful images and displays.

Teamed with intelligent software, an iPad can become your company’s point-of-sale (POS) system. An iPad-based POS system can be a feature packed work horse, as well as a show pony and improve business efficiency, customer service and access to information.

Below are four business benefits of using an iPad with an intuitive POS system.

1. More people through the door in less time

Business owners want to know which technology will help move more customers in and out the door in the most efficient, yet orderly and friendly way.

With iPads, the touch screen POS allows staff to ring up customer sales and integrated EFTPOS allows processing of credit cards quickly and securely.

With some systems, the cash purchase process is streamlined and the ability to quickly and easily accept multiple tender types in a single transaction further streamlines the sales process. Additionally, the need for printing and dependence on paper can be reduced by sending receipts to a customer’s email.

2. Improved customer service

When consumers venture into a bricks and mortar business, they are looking for a customer centric and positive experience as soon as they walk in the door.

An iPad POS can be a real queue buster as staff members are no longer confined to the counter. For example, using an iPad mini a waiter can take orders from people in the queue during the lunch rush or send information wirelessly from an outdoor table to the kitchen – saving staff members’ valuable time and reducing wait time for patrons, leading to a better customer experience.

3. Access to better business intelligence

An iPad POS generates automatic sales reports and provides real-time information on customer purchasing trends, inventory, sales performance and  payroll – allowing you to consistently monitor revenue and make informed business decisions.

For example, an iPad POS system will identify that a certain item is selling well and stock needs to be replenished.

The technology will alert the relevant staff member and automatically create a purchase order to send to the supplier requesting more stock, saving time and reducing the risk of the business missing out on revenue due to lost sales.

4. Ease of Use

The familiarity and ease of use of an iPad means that staff can be trained to use an iPad POS in minutes. The interface can also be tailored to best suit your business’ needs.

In addition, the physical system is completely transportable and can be used by large or small organisations – take it to work at a festival stall, or use it to expand your establishment into an outdoor area or via a pop up restaurant.

Moving to this platform will lead to improved efficiency, customer service, access to information and reduce costs – work horse capabilities that all businesses will value.