Traditional VS Cloud-based POS : Everything you should know
Point of Sale (POS) is reshaping the way money-makers take care of their business spine. Whether it’s a traditional or cloud-based POS, they’re both an all-in-one system that registers all data needed for operation, including sales level, inventory information and management functions into one single place, aiming to optimize any other unnecessary, time-consuming, effort-costed processes.
Understand the Concepts
Round-table discussions are set around traditional vs. cloud-based POS, therefore, dig a little deeper into the two’s distinctions might help you in making the right decision.
(Source: Ginesys.in)
Traditional POS
To mention “tradition” is to talk about the old, conventional aspect. Traditional POS is a POS system connected to a local on-premise server, which means data from soups to nuts are thoroughly stored in one specific location: most of the time your company’s internal computers.
With no third-party participated, traditional POS seems to be significantly proactive in the way it operates and manages the information.
Cloud-based POS
In contrast with traditional POS, cloud-based POS applies the on-demand technologies of the 4.0 industrial revolution to meet its personal purposes.
Using the internet and cloud computing, cloud-based POS is capable of storing data online (on the website, alternative sources, etc). This creation diversifies your options other than limiting you to a single utility, therefore, enhances the suitability and efficiency of your business.
Comparison of Traditional and Cloud-based POS
As the definitions point out, there is little similarity between traditional POS and cloud-based POS, except for the fact that both of them is a system meant for goods/services order and cash-in recording.
For the record, the table below clearly points out the differences between these 2 types of POS:
| Criteria | Traditional POS | Cloud-based POS |
| Data Accessibility | Low. Traditional POS is basically an on-premise server, so it can only be accessed from one specific location, which is usually your office | High. Cloud-based POS stores data in another source, allowing users to access from wherever they are and whichever devices they use (laptop, mobile phone, tablet, etc). |
| Internet Connection | Doesn’t require. Traditional POS runs based on an offline fashion. | Require. Without the Internet, devices can’t transmit the data to cloud-server to store information. |
| Consolidation | Low. No real-time examination is executed in traditional POS. GMs have to wait til’ the end of the day to check what happened during the day. | High. Data is updated in real-time for GMs to grasp the whole situation anytime from anywhere. |
| Versatility | Low. Only the person using the POS at the moment can see and alter the information. | High. People can add, change and adjust information from every location and whenever they want. |
| Speed | Slow. Traditional POS systems have considerably laid-back processing speed and jeopardise data. | Fast. A cloud-based POS also provides faster billing and receipt processing speeds, cutting down on the amount of time a customer needs to wait. |
| Downtime | High. A traditional Windows point-of-sale system is susceptible to viruses, system crashes and corruption. | Average. A cloud-based POS can be unavailable for use when the Internet is off. |
| Hardware | Big, heavy and bucky. Usually requires maintenance. | Light and portable (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc). |
| Integration | Average. Since traditional POS is offline, there is a limit in applications involved. | High. Cloud-based POS opens spaces for a variety of integration, such as electronic gifts, loyalty, online ordering, social marketing, CRM, etc. |
| Cost Efficiency | Low. Any traditional POS update requires buying new software or RIP and even specialists to install, and because of the complicated hardware, maintenance cost also included as part of fixed cost. | High. The cost for installing a cloud-based POS is significantly lower than a traditional one (about half the cost) because these systems only require a monthly or annual subscription and no additional support fees. |
| Updates | Low. Because traditional POS upgrade process is quite complex, the time-periods among new versions are often long. | High. Thanks to Cloud-based POS ease of use and its online integration, manufacturers frequently release new versions to maximise customer experiences. |
| Security | Low. All information is stored in one place so in case of emergency (housefire, data breach, etc), nothing will be saved. | High. All data is saved on a highly secured server. Even when the system crashes, the data remains there since they are backed up automatically in the cloud, and can be restored easily |
BOTTOM LINE:
All in all, each comes with its own merits. Still, cloud-based POS seems like having the upper-hand. It not only has a multi-access server, easy consolidation, less downtime, speedy data processing, frequent updates but also better mobility, excellent integration, stronger security – and especially cheaper. With cloud-based POS, everything is fast, convenient and fun, for GMs the most parts. That may explain the popularity of cloud-based POS in these recent years.
However, talking of proactivity, traditional POS might be a better suit. Needing no Internet connection to operate in many cases is a plus point as it doesn’t rely on any other man and can be happy itself. So if your restaurant or your retail store is in a quite remote area which happens to have terrible Wifi, try traditional POS. This way you don’t need to wait till forever to have Internet signal to check your customer out.
The lesson here is, instead of thinking which one is more superior, think about which one is more superior to your company. Sometimes it’s better to go a different path than other ones.
In Savvycom…
We encourage both traditional and cloud-based POS as long as it is a good fit for your business model. We not only listen to your stories, understanding what you need but also give advice for you to make the wisest decision and build the perfect POS system accordingly.
Following that platinum rule, we gave birth to is CRAVE Vend, a smart cloud-based POS as well as one of our proudest children moulded by numerous blood, sweat and tears.
When our business customer proposes their idea of a magical all-in-one POS, we know cloud-based is the right choice. CRAVE Vend, under the hands of our skilfull engineers, is out of sheer a basic cloud-based POS: it is an outstanding cost-effective, smart customer engagement system performing various conveniences to both customers and the retailer.
By thoroughly extracting insights from the customers, it lifts cloud-based POS’s convenience up to the next level through providing Crave fleet (a feature improving delivery tracking), QuickBooks sync to reduce manual entries and errors, the ability to manage eCoupon and deliver them to customers’ smartphone, integrating social networks for marketing and sales purposes, etc.
We are not trying to employ a syrup singing voice here, but our engineering team has literally done their best to get the most out of cloud-based POS’s innovative potential to simplify the process and gift the loveliest journey to our customer.
Should you are still confused about which one to choose or are searching for a POS developer for your business, we – Savvycom, is more than willing to lend you a hand.
- Phone: +84 24 3202 9222
- Hotline: +84 32 657 2886
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://savvycomsoftware.com/
