Opening a new restaurant or quick service business is no small feat, even for an experienced entrepreneur! Amongst all key considerations you are likely to be making, you will also be looking at how you can streamline your business operations using specialised software – this is where an electronic point of sale system (EPOS) comes in. Now that you have researched what is an EPOS system and why it will benefit your new hospitality business, you are likely to be faced with choosing either a cloud or a traditional ‘on-premise’ system that is connected to the local network.
There are so many benefits to having an EPOS system, which is why it is really important to understand the different types of systems so you can invest into the right one for your business.
Read on to find out the differences between cloud-based EPOS and traditional, on-premise network systems. Learn which is best for your business with our easy guide, focusing on four key areas – software, hardware, support and storage.
What is a Cloud-based POS System?
A cloud-based POS (Point of Sale) system operates by hosting its database online, necessitating a fast and stable internet connection for access. In the event of an internet disruption, access to the cloud server, and thus the POS system, is lost, hindering transaction processing and system operation. This section will delve into the characteristics, advantages, and considerations of adopting a cloud-based POS system for your business.
What is a Traditional POS System?
Traditional POS systems, also known as on-premise network systems, involve the installation of software directly onto the premises' hardware with a local database. Unlike their cloud-based counterparts, traditional POS systems do not rely on constant internet connectivity for operation. This section will explore the features, benefits, and limitations associated with traditional POS systems, providing insights into their suitability for various business environments.
What is a Hybrid POS System?
A Hybrid POS system combines elements of both traditional on-premise and cloud-based POS systems, offering a flexible and versatile solution for businesses. In a Hybrid POS system, the core database is typically installed locally, providing stability and reliability even in the absence of an internet connection. However, the system also synchronizes data with remote cloud servers, allowing for access to real-time information and features such as remote management and reporting.
The Hybrid POS system bridges the gap between the traditional and cloud-based approaches, offering the benefits of both. It ensures that critical business operations can continue uninterrupted, even in the event of internet outages, while still providing the convenience and accessibility of cloud-based features. This section will explore the unique characteristics, advantages, and potential considerations of adopting a Hybrid POS system for your business needs.
The Difference between Cloud and Traditional EPOS
Software
Traditional EPOS systems need to be installed on the premises with a local database and are not dependant on a fast and stable internet connection.
Cloud-based EPOS systems have their database hosted online and require a fast, reliable internet connection at all times. If your internet disconnects, you will no longer be able access the cloud server. This means you will not be able to operate your POS system or process any transactions.
Hardware
Both on-premise and cloud-based EPOS systems work from stationary terminals and mobile tablets. 3S POS hardware and EPOS terminals are linked together using the local network in the premises without needing an internet connection.
Support
Both traditional EPOS systems and cloud-based EPOS systems may require support on location if there are hardware issues. However, most software support can be done over the telephone depending on the issue.
Cloud EPOS companies don’t tend to provide any on-site support and reaching a remote support team can take hours if not days to resolve your issues. A lot of cloud EPOS companies are newcomers in the industry, therefore may lack the know-how that a traditional EPOS provider can offer after decades of understanding and serving your industry needs.
At 3S POS majority of support enquiries are resolved within minutes of calling our telephone and remote support team. We pride ourselves on remote customer support for all our clients, carried out by highly experienced technical engineers. Because we do all installations on site, we really take time to really understand your set-up and business operations.
Storage
Traditional network-based EPOS systems require the database to be installed locally. Either on one of the EPOS terminals for a small business or a server in the back office for larger businesses. This is very helpful if the internet connection is lost, your files and data are still easily accessible.
Cloud-based solutions store all their data on remote cloud servers. These can only be accessed through the internet. No internet means no business. Some cloud-based systems offer an ‘offline mode’, in case the internet connection is disrupted. However, if you have multiple EPOS terminals in the same location, they will stop communicating with each other regardless of the offline mode.
Hybrid
At 3S POS, we can offer the benefits of both systems with our hybrid solutions. You can have a traditional EPOS system installed with a local database that is secure and constantly syncing with our cloud servers. This way your data is always available via the Web Portal with live reports. This keeps your business uninterrupted if the internet connection is lost or disrupted.
Advantages of the 3S POS Hybrid EPOS system
- Does not require an internet connection for EPOS system to work
- Onsite and cloud data back-up available
- Hybrid systems give you the reliability of a locally installed database in traditional EPOS systems and the always accessible data of a cloud EPOS system from anywhere in the world.
- Can be customised and set up to work exactly the way you want to run your business
- Is constantly evolving with new features and technologies
- User-friendly and easy to use
- Powered by people. A superb development & support team who understand your business requirements and are always ready to help.
Traditional network-based EPOS systems will continue to serve a critical purpose for business operators. In addition to processing sales and payments easily, 3S POS EPOS systems help control your staff, customers and inventory all from one system.
To take a look at how the 3S POS can help your business, request a call back by filling out the form below.