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15 Top POS System Features
Are you taking advantage of all the benefits and tools your POS system has to offer? Here are 15 important features to look for.
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You’ve already invested in one of the best POS systems and use it to ring up sales every day. But are you really taking advantage of everything your solution can do?
Modern POS platforms go far beyond simple transactions. Many include industry-specific tools that streamline operations, improve accuracy and support better business decision-making. Below, we break down the essential POS features that can help your business work more efficiently and drive long-term growth.
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15 of the most popular POS features
All POS systems offer the same core functionality: They let you check out customer purchases and process payments. But the most popular POS features take your business to the next level by supporting mobile sales, boosting employee engagement, improving customer management and more.
To get the most from your investment, make sure your POS system includes the following tools and capabilities and that you’re using them correctly so you can maximize their benefits.
1. Mobile apps
Today’s POS systems offer sophisticated mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices, allowing businesses to process transactions anywhere. This flexibility helps retail associates eliminate checkout lines by completing sales on the floor, and it lets restaurant servers take payments tableside to improve the customer experience and increase table turnover rates.
While most mobile POS systems support both platforms, some work exclusively with Apple or Android (or even proprietary hardware). If your business strongly prefers one ecosystem, keep that in mind when evaluating new providers.
iPad POS systems remain the preferred option because of their reliability and security features. However, Android tablets continue to gain traction with businesses that want lower hardware costs or more customization options.
2. Inventory management
Whether you’re in the food-service industry and need a menu rundown in your system or you’re in retail and need to track product quantities, the type of inventory management your business needs will determine the kind of POS system you should invest in.
Modern POS systems now offer AI-powered forecasting and automated reordering capabilities. Advanced features include real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, low-stock alerts, and integration with supplier systems for seamless ordering. According to recent research on IoT-integrated inventory tools, businesses that adopted automated stock tracking saw a 35 to 45 percent drop in stock-out incidents — a result many modern POS systems can help replicate with built-in alerts and real-time visibility.
3. Customer management
Many modern POS systems double as lightweight customer relationship management tools, helping you keep track of who your customers are and how they shop. Your POS can store contact information, purchase history, product preferences and even notes from past visits, giving you a fuller picture of each shopper. And if you already use one of the best CRM software platforms, top POS systems can typically integrate with it, so your customer data stays synced across platforms.
These insights make it easier to segment customers for marketing campaigns, identify your most loyal buyers and spot trends in what different groups purchase. Some POS systems can also surface helpful upselling and cross-selling suggestions during checkout, such as offering a discount on a related item or sending a personalized promotion based on what the customer just bought.
Used well, these tools help you build stronger relationships, encourage repeat business and make your marketing more effective without adding extra software.
4. Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs aren’t always part of a POS system’s core feature set, but many providers offer them as paid add-ons, and others integrate with third-party loyalty platforms. Whether you use a built-in option or connect your POS to an external tool, a loyalty program can help you attract new customers and encourage repeat visits.
5. Gift cards
Digital and physical gift cards have become a staple for many retailers and restaurants. A 2025 consumer study from TSG and Bank of America found that 81 percent of U.S. consumers bought a gift card in the past year, and 73 percent received one. The National Retail Federation also reported $28.6 billion in gift card spending in 2024 — a number that continues to grow — showing just how important gift cards are for driving everyday sales and customer engagement.
6. User accounts and permissions
If your business has multiple employees using the POS system, role-based permissions help you keep daily operations organized and secure. As the system administrator, you can control who has access to specific features and limit sensitive functions to certain roles. For example, you might allow managers to issue refunds or void transactions while giving associates access only to basic checkout tools.
These permissions protect your business from errors, reduce the risk of misuse and give you a clear record of who performed which actions throughout the day.
7. Employee management
Most POS systems include built-in employee management tools that track sales, activity and performance. These insights make it easier to recognize top earners and identify team members who may need additional training. Some businesses also use these metrics to run friendly sales competitions and reward strong performers.
Many POS platforms offer time-tracking features, as well. A built-in time clock can record hours, simplify payroll processes and help ensure accurate staffing levels. If you already use one of the best time and attendance software systems or the best employee scheduling software, check whether it integrates with your POS so you can streamline timekeeping across all your tools.
8. Appointment booking
Appointment scheduling is now a core need for many service businesses, and most POS systems include tools to make it easier. Customers can book appointments through your website or social media pages, and the system can sync with tools like Google Calendar to keep your schedule accurate and up to date.
Your POS can also send automated reminders by text or email to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations. This is especially helpful for salons, medical offices, fitness studios and other service-based businesses that rely on steady, predictable appointment flow.
9. Reporting
Every POS system generates reports, but the depth and usefulness of those reports can vary widely. At a minimum, your POS should give you clear visibility into sales per hour, top-selling products and basic inventory levels. These insights help you understand when your business is busiest and which items drive the most revenue.
More advanced POS platforms go further with real-time dashboards, automated report scheduling and integrations with business intelligence tools. Some POS systems even point out useful trends, like when your sales might surge or when it could help to have extra staff on the schedule. Retailers can use heat maps to see which areas of the store get the most attention, while restaurants can look at menu performance to fine-tune pricing or update recipes with confidence.
10. Integrations
Your business is likely already using other software for accounting, marketing or customer management, but have you connected those tools to your POS system? Integrations let your platforms share data automatically so you don’t have to re-enter information by hand. This saves time, reduces errors and keeps everything, from sales totals to customer profiles, up to date.
Many API-first POS systems now integrate with hundreds of third-party apps, including QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp and major e-commerce platforms. When these tools work together, the efficiency gains can be significant. Square, for example, reports that restaurants using its integrated platform save an average of eight to 12 hours per week on administrative tasks thanks to tighter connections between the POS, inventory and back-office systems. And in one restaurant case study, integrating the POS with a scheduling platform helped managers cut hours of manual schedule-building every week while improving staffing accuracy.
11. Scalability
As your business grows, your POS system should be able to grow with you. Scalability can mean adding extra registers or accessories during busy seasons, or opening a second or third location and managing everything from one centralized platform. A flexible POS makes expansion easier because your data, settings and reporting all stay consistent.
If your current system can’t support your growth plans, it may be time to consider a platform that can handle both your immediate needs and what you expect in the future.
12. Payment processing
Payment processing has changed quickly in recent years, and your POS system should be able to keep up. At a minimum, it should accept tap-to-pay, digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet, other digital payment methods, and newer options such as buy-now-pay-later services. These payment options improve the checkout experience and help you meet customer expectations.
Interchange fees typically range from 1.5 to 3.5 percent for most businesses, though rates depend on the card type and how the transaction is processed. Always factor these processing costs into the overall price of your POS system so you understand what you’ll pay each month.
13. Dashboards
Modern POS dashboards give you a real-time snapshot of how your business is performing. You can customize the view with widgets that track sales trends, key performance indicators and day-to-day operational metrics. Some systems even highlight unusual patterns or opportunities, such as identifying your most profitable hours or suggesting when to adjust staffing based on past data.
A good dashboard makes it easy to see what’s working, spot issues early and make informed decisions without digging through reports.
14. Hardware
Hardware plays a big role in how your POS system functions day to day. A basic setup usually includes a terminal, credit card reader, cash drawer and receipt printer. But many modern businesses are shifting toward compact all-in-one terminals, wireless card readers and customer-facing displays that support digital receipts. Self-service kiosks and QR code ordering have also become common, especially as demand for contactless service has grown.
15. Customer Support
Even with today’s user-friendly POS systems, reliable customer support is still essential. You need a platform that’s easy for you and your employees to navigate, especially as your business grows or your team changes. Most leading providers offer 24/7 support through channels like phone, chat and video assistance, so help is available whenever you need it.
Many POS companies also include onboarding programs, training materials and, for larger businesses, access to a dedicated account manager. Strong support ensures your team can troubleshoot issues quickly and stay focused on serving customers.
Industry-specific POS features
Most POS systems are built with certain industries in mind, so the features you get often come packaged for your specific type of business. Depending on your sector, you should be taking advantage of the tools designed to make your everyday operations easier.
Retail
Retail businesses are among the biggest users of POS systems, and most retail-focused platforms integrate directly with inventory and accounting software. Modern retail POS systems also support true omnichannel selling, giving you tools for buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), ship-from-store and unified inventory across all in-person and online sales channels.
Some systems go a step further with more advanced options, such as RFID-powered inventory tracking, automated product recommendations and even augmented reality features for virtual try-ons.
If you’re searching for the best retail POS system, check out our full review of Lightspeed. It offers strong e-commerce tools and supports a wide range of industries, including apparel, electronics, home goods, health and beauty, sporting goods, jewelry and liquor.
Hospitality/hotel
Hotels and hospitality businesses need POS tools that can follow guests throughout their stay, from dining room charges to spa appointments to golf or tennis reservations. A good system helps staff track these interactions seamlessly so every department stays in sync.
Modern hospitality POS platforms integrate with property management systems to support features like contactless check-in and checkout, mobile room keys and in-room ordering through QR codes. Many systems can also track guest preferences across multiple properties, making it easier to deliver personalized experiences and anticipate guest needs before they even ask.
Restaurant
Today, the best restaurant POS systems have evolved far beyond simple order entry. Many now support QR code ordering, kitchen display systems with smart routing, and integrations with third-party delivery platforms. Modern tools also include table management with real-time availability, ingredient-level inventory tracking for accurate recipe costing and automated menu updates that adjust when certain items run low.
The rise of ghost kitchens and virtual brands has pushed POS providers to add multi-concept management as well. These features let operators run multiple brands from a single kitchen while keeping reporting, inventory and menus organized in one place.
If you’re searching for a strong restaurant POS system, take a look at our TouchBistro review. It’s a great fit for dine-in concepts that need table management and robust restaurant workflows. Toast is another excellent option, especially for restaurants with online ordering and delivery; our Toast review breaks down why it stands out for digital-first operations.
Grocery
Grocery stores rely on POS systems that can handle fast-paced, high-volume checkout environments. Many systems support self-checkout lanes and integrate directly with weight scales for produce and bulk items. Modern grocery POS platforms also offer scan-and-go features that let customers scan items with their smartphones as they shop, helping speed up checkout and reduce lines.
Today’s systems can connect with electronic shelf labels for dynamic pricing, sync with loyalty programs to deliver personalized offers and tie into inventory tools that track expiration dates on perishable goods.
If you’re shopping for a grocery-focused POS system, IT Retail and KORONA POS are strong options. Both platforms include features built specifically for grocery operations, such as scale integration, WIC/EBT processing and department-level reporting.
Salon
Hair and beauty professionals need POS systems that can manage a steady flow of appointments while keeping track of client preferences and purchase history. A good salon POS helps you book and modify appointments easily, monitor staff performance, build loyalty profiles and spot workflow issues before they become problems.
Modern salon platforms often include commission tracking, retail product management with automatic reordering and even social media integrations to help showcase your work and attract new clients. More advanced systems offer digital consultation forms, before-and-after photo storage and automated marketing campaigns based on each client’s service history.
5 benefits of a POS system
A good POS system can not only help a business owner manage sales and inventory, it can also increase their business intelligence and marketing skills. Below are the five primary benefits of a POS system.
1. Increase profitability.
A modern POS system can help boost profitability by giving you better visibility into what drives your revenue. Real-time sales data, accurate inventory tracking and clearer staffing insights make it easier to reduce waste, prevent stock-outs and price items effectively. Many businesses also see higher customer retention when they use POS tools for loyalty programs and targeted marketing.
You can also use POS apps on your smartphone or tablet as mobile access points, allowing you to place orders, check sales or ring up purchases from anywhere instead of being tied to a countertop terminal.
2. Reduce administrative costs.
When a POS system is used to its full abilities, it can significantly cut down the time you spend on administrative work. Tools like automated reporting, integrated accounting and streamlined inventory management reduce the need for manual data entry and repeated tasks, saving potentially several hours each week by connecting their POS with scheduling, inventory or back-office tools. Over time, that reclaimed time can translate into lower labor costs and more efficient operations.
3. Manage inventory.
If your POS system includes real-time inventory tracking, you’ll always know what you have in stock and which products are selling quickly. These tools help you spot low inventory before items run out, identify slow-moving products and place orders more efficiently. Some systems can even suggest reorder points based on past sales trends, helping you maintain healthy stock levels without tying up too much cash in excess inventory.
4. Improve your business intelligence.
Modern POS systems give you far more insight than a traditional register ever could. Clear reports on sales trends, customer behavior and product performance make it easier to understand what’s working and where you might need to adjust. Many POS platforms also highlight patterns you might miss on your own, such as your busiest hours or products that sell better together. When you have this information at your fingertips, you can make smarter decisions about staffing, inventory and marketing.
5. Boost your marketing and loyalty features.
One of the most valuable parts of a POS system is how much it can tell you about your customers’ buying habits. You can see what they purchase, how often they visit and how much they typically spend. This kind of insight makes it easier to create meaningful marketing campaigns and reward the customers who keep coming back.
Many modern POS systems take this a step further with built-in tools for automated, behavior-based marketing. For example, your POS might send a friendly offer to customers who haven’t visited in a while, recommend products based on past purchases or create VIP tiers that give frequent shoppers access to special perks. These features help you stay connected with customers and encourage more repeat business without adding extra work to your day.
The best POS systems
In addition to the POS systems highlighted above, here are some other excellent options to consider if you’re reevaluating your POS needs.
- Shopify: Shopify’s unified commerce platform connects online and in-store sales, making it a great fit for omnichannel retailers. The system offers flexible hardware options and powerful e-commerce tools, with pricing starting at $39 per month. Shopify POS includes features like local delivery management, curbside pickup and staff permissions that work across unlimited locations. Our review of Shopify explains more about its security features, pricing terms and powerful omnichannel tools that help retailers connect every part of their business.
- Helcim: Helcim is known for transparent interchange-plus pricing and no monthly fees for businesses processing under $50,000 monthly. Its cost-effective POS solution includes free software, inventory management and automatic volume-based discounts as your business grows. Our Helcim review breaks down its transparent pricing, no-fee structure and why small businesses love its built-in cost-saving tools.
- GoDaddy: GoDaddy makes it easy to accept payments in person, online or through pay links. You can track all transactions through one secure dashboard, and the platform offers competitive payment processing rates. GoDaddy also includes built-in marketing and customer loyalty tools to help you attract and retain customers. Our GoDaddy review covers its flexible payment options, simple setup and marketing features that help you attract and retain more customers.
- CAKE: Now part of Sysco’s restaurant technology suite, CAKE is tailored for busy restaurants. It supports real-time wait-list management, tableside ordering and integration with Sysco’s distribution network. CAKE’s operational tools help restaurants maintain smooth service and manage high order volume. Our CAKE review shows how its restaurant-focused tools, Sysco integrations and tableside workflows can streamline even the busiest dining rooms.
- Brilliant: Brilliant POS stands out for its unlimited product catalog and strong employee management features, including tip pooling, shift scheduling and performance tracking. The cloud-based POS software also offers an offline mode that keeps sales moving during internet outages and syncs data once the connection returns. Our Brilliant POS review dives into its employee management tools, unlimited product catalog and offline capabilities that keep your business moving during outages.
