A small computer is a right fit for a small business point-of-sale (POS) system. A small computer costs much less than a large one, and it’s smaller, which saves space in the store. It consumes less power, which helps out with electricity bills.
A small computer like the Intel NUC 8 has a low profile, so it doesn’t take up a lot of room on a counter or under a desk. The design of a POS system emphasizes speedy transactions. A small computer perfectly complements that design by keeping up with the pace of POS transactions.
Here are the requirements that will keep your POS system running smoothly:
The computer should be able to run the POS system
The computer must load quickly for quick transactions. It should boot up in less than five seconds, and it should never slow down during use. The user interface must be simple to navigate to help keep wait time low. The small computer’s form factor makes it easy to move from place to place. A small business can reconfigure the POS system with the computer wherever necessary throughout its growth.
The low cost of a small computer facilitates a small business’ purchase and replacement. The nature of a POS system makes it difficult for a business to predict all of its needs. The hardware will need updating. The small computer can fit within all of a business’ budgets.
The computer must have a minimum of 2GB RAM and 500GB of hard drive space
This is enough to keep up with small business POS systems. It should have a wireless Internet connection for convenience and a USB port with a minimum of four slots.
Some small businesses may need more hard drive space or RAM. It might be worth looking into whether it would be possible to upgrade these components with an expansion card. Hardware makers typically offer the same warranty on the motherboard as they do for other components, so it can potentially be covered by the system’s warranty if it doesn’t work with the computer.
The computer must be less than two inches tall and no more than 10 inches deep. This way, it’s possible for a small business to carry this computer around and set it up anywhere in the store.
A monitor, keyboard, and mouse are necessary
A monitor must be less than seven inches tall and 17 inches deep. It should have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 pixels.
A monitor stand is necessary for easy use at the counter-level. Everyday use of the monitor may damage it if it isn’t secured. A keyboard and mouse are required for inputting data into the system. Adding a keyboard and mouse brings the computer’s total cost to around $1,000.
You need a fast processor
POS systems are constantly demanding the computer’s resources. A fast processor is necessary to keep up with these requirements, so it needs to clock at 1GHz or faster. The computer must be free of viruses and malware to prevent any interference with the POS system. Also, it must not emit excessive heat since this can interfere with running the POS system.
Windows 10 or higher operating systems are recommended but not required
This will be updated over time, but this is currently the most popular choice. You will still need an efficient operating system that is easy for a business to update and maintain. A POS system can run on other operating systems, but this one will cost extra money.
The system needs constant updates
POS systems need constant updating, so it would be best if the computer had an unlimited license or at least ten years of access to updates and security patches. This way, your small business will never have to worry about purchasing a new computer for the POS system.
POS systems are made up of integrated software components, including operating systems and drivers, so it’s best to use the same operating system that came bundled with the computer. It can usually be installed by running an installation disc or downloading it from the device manufacturer’s website.
The computer must load quickly for quick transactions. It should boot up in less than five seconds, and it should never slow down during use. The user interface must be simple to navigate to help keep wait time low. There should be enough hard drive space available on the computer to hold your entire inventory list.
It should not crash
Choosing a computer that will last your small business through years of growth is important for maintaining efficiency and customer satisfaction. The nature of a POS system makes it difficult to predict all of the computer’s needs, but low-cost small computers fit within all budgets and can keep up with POS system demands.
Final thoughts
You should buy the computer only from a reputable hardware maker that will honor your warranty in case of device failure. The computer’s manufacturer must offer at least a one-year warranty for parts and labor, but this can be longer if you want to pay extra for it.
