What is the POS software

The point of sale is the time and place where a retail transaction is completed. Simply record your customer sale details on your software. The most recent point-of-sale software extends beyond Sale managing in incorporating mobile POS features and contactless payment choices, as well as eCommerce connection capabilities, among other things.

Finding the correct POS system for your company may reduce a lot of manual processes and reporting errors. Most of these software’s are similar in structure But have unique important features among of them.

Software is like sex: it’s better when it’s free.

Linus Torvalds

What is offline software and online software?

Offline : After downloading the EXE file from the website or CD, you can install it on your local computer and us. Everything is managed on your local computer. It stores your data in a local database that can only be accessed from your desktop or computer

Ex: Ms Offline, Quick book offline

Online: Cloud-based POS, also known as software service or SaaS, is the new POS technology. It stores your data in a cloud that is easily accessible from anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection. Ability to work from anywhere like

Ex: Ms Office 365, Quick Book Online, Facebook, Gmail.

 

	Online Software	Offline Software
Internet Connection	Required	Not Required
Access to the information	Form Any ware any place (with any devices can access to the software	Only one PC which is installed to the software(LAN connectivity of desktop software is workable with some networking.)
Software Updates	Automatic	Manual
Software performance	Depend on server	Depend on Device
Pricing	Subscription Basis	One-time payment and Annual maintenance charge
Security / Loss on data	Data backups1 are usually taken regularly and automatically. Data is secure2 on servers hosted in data centers that have international security certification.	Risk of data loss on hardware issues, disk crash etc.,

Can I use online POS software when losing my connection?

Most people are worried about this issue when buying online software. But most offline software also now connects with online software best example is MS office 365.

When we buy offline software there is a risk with electricity power. But people use the alternative when electricity loss such as UPS, Generator.  

There is a simple solution when your connection is lost you can use the alternative connection while your primary connection was lost.

Ease of use

Both desktop and cloud-based POS systems are equally easy to use. You can easily learn to navigate through the software and make better use of it to carry out your daily operations.

When you buy a desktop or online software, be careful about the interface, because you are a long-time user of the business, so be careful to choose the software that suits you best

Accessibility

This will be a very important thing if you are busy. If you use online software, you can access your software from anywhere, anytime. This is a very easy thing to do.

But if you are using an offline version you will not get any of these options. You have to go to the computer or device where you have the software. Due to this, many people have a tendency to leave the offline version and go for the online version. Because this is a very important one for you who are busy.

Connectivity

Talking about the internet connection, the offline version is more reliable than the online version.

Because we can not trust the internet connection in Sri Lanka. Therefore, when using an online version, you may have a problem when you do not have an internet connection.

Internet connection is not a problem when using an offline version, the offline version works correctly whenever there is no internet connection. Therefore, when talking about a relationship, the offline version is ahead of the online version.

Security

We cannot guarantee 100% security on both desktop or online methods of talking about security. Because both methods have their own drawbacks.

In a desktop version, security is compromised by a number of factors, including hardware loss, damage, theft, data theft, or virus exposure.

If you are using an online version, you will not have these problems because the data is stored in a cloud. We can not guarantee 100% protection for any online version, but there are a number of ways we can reduce the impact of online versioning.

Updates

Speaking of a desktop POS software system updates are a very comprehensive and complex process. Because you have to go to all the customers and give a separate update to each computer. This is a very expensive and problematic task.

As a result, many companies update their desktop POS software only once every six months or once a year. (or never)

But if you use a Cloud-Base POS system, you can always get updates. Because even though the company has more than 1000 customers, it has the ability to update all those customers in a very short time. For example, Storemate gives a free update to all our customers once a month.

Why could base POS software is popular

Merchants are liking these advantages of having a cloud-based POS: 

1. Simplicity. Client-based POS requires time to set up and learn. Not to mention, it needs an IT team to help with its maintenance and when there are problems with the system. Cloud-based POS replaces all of that with a single app. Any update will come from the cloud to whatever device you are using. It makes the entire process a lot simpler, making it easier for merchants to handle.
2. Flexibility. If budget is a concern, you can make the transition to the cloud-based system slowly. Adopt the system in stages and only pay for the methods that are currently in use.

3. Functionality. Most cloud-based POS can integrate with the programs that your business is already using. If this is the case, then an open API POS is best suited to your needs.

Ref: https://financesonline.com/pos-trends/.

YES, MICROSOFT ALSO IS INTEODUCEED MS OFFICE 365 ONLINE VERSION

	One-time purchase (Example: Office Home & Student 2021)	Microsoft 365 subscription (Example: Microsoft 365 Family*)
Feature updates
Office applications	Get Office apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.	Get the latest version of Office apps like Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

See Full Details: Click here
Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/

Conclusions: You have your own set of circumstances, interests, tastes, and aspirations. As a result, you must make your decision based on them. This blog’s purpose is just to make you aware of the important aspects so that you may make your own decision.