POS System Buyer’s Guide: 2016 Edition

Below are links and information for many of the major point-of-sale (POS) vendors. If your company should be listed in our buyer’s guide, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com.

And for more info on how to select the perfect POS system for your store, check out our annual feature story on that subject.

ACCUPOS

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AccuPOS provides point-of-sale (POS), inventory-management, and time-clock software for the retail and restaurant industries. These products are designed to be faster and easier than a cash register, streamlining the sales process while simplifying the back-end. AccuPOS allow users to grow and change over time, without being locked into proprietary products. Specializing in end-to-end integration, AccuPOS allows a business to view and manage sales and inventory details within the widely used accounting packages: QuickBooks, Sage 50 (U.S. and Canadian editions), Sage 100 ERP. Retail store packages are available starting at below $2,000. For more info, visit accupos.com.

ATLANTIC SYSTEM INC. (ASI)

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Atlantic Systems, Inc. has offered POS computer systems for beverage alcohol retailers since 1980. The company provides complete systems including hardware, software, installation, training, and long-term support. The Spirits 3.0 system is a “huge” graphical overhaul to Spirits 2000, while information, reports and menus are more user-friendly. It also adds “at-a-glance” viewing; in Product Maintenance, a user can immediately see a SKU’s current and sale price, club price, stock, vendor, and when it was last purchased or sold. Carried over from Spirits 2000, the system has touchscreen capabilities, and the ability to e-mail customers directly from the system. High-speed integrated credit/debit card processing is done via the Internet. The system can identify a customer at the register using a bar-coded card or by entering the customer’s name or account number. Automated age verification and storage of results is available in most states. The company also offers Spirits Express, a complete POS solution for retailers that only have one or two registers. For more information and pricing, visit asi-nj.com.

BIGCOMMERCE

BigCommerce is focuses on enabling small businesses to “Sell More” online. Its all-in-one marketing and e-commerce platform includes SEO, tools to create eye-catching online stores, and more than 100 built-in marketing tools that make it easy to sell on iPhones, Facebook, and eBay. More than 30,000 businesses in 70 countries are using BigCommerce, including Gibson Guitar, Pandora Jewelers, and Willie Nelson’s shop. BigCommerce was founded in 2009 by two Aussies with a vision to make selling online easy. Pricing begins at $29.95 per month, with several packages available. For more information, visit bigcommerce.com.

BREADCRUMB

Powered by Groupon, Breadcrumb is an iPad based POS system that offers an offline mode and promises seamless integration with Groupon vouchers. The basic app is available for free, and the Breadcrumb Pro version features plans starting at $99 per month. Learn more at breadcrumb.com.

CAP SOFTWARE

CAP Software’s store-management system, Sellwise Pro 9, provides POS, inventory control, extensive reports, CRM and marketing tools, tag printing, pricing, and promotion management. Other features include secure cash handling with customizable cash drop alerts, age verification log, and built-in digital signage player. New capabilities to Sellwise Pro 9 are Microsoft SQL Express Database, Google Wallet and Apple Pay with select processors, and Streamlined searches and lookups. To learn more and watch a demo, visit the company’s website at capretail.com.

CASHIER LIVE

Cashier Live is a web-based POS system designed for independent retailers. The company offers a 14-day free trial of its system, which can function from a computer, iPhone, or iPad. Cashier Live is currently in use at more than 1,000 retail locations. Basic plans start at $75 per month. For more information visit cashierlive.com, download their Cashier app from the App Store, or call 877.312.1750.

CLOVER

As outlined in our annual POS feature article, Clover lets you accept credit cards, EMV chip and contactless payments from customers, safely and securely, and has a good mix of POS hardware and software to match specific needs.

DSMART

DSmart Technologies offers retailers a free point-of-sale system, in order to buy advertising space from them on that system. On the cashier side, the DSmart Register is a fully functioning POS system. A second monitor, facing the customer, allows the customer to see the transaction being rung and also to see ads, matched to what the customer is purchasing. If a customer likes an ad, he or she can click on the screen and the promotion being offered will print at the bottom of the sales receipt or even buy the product right there at the check-out. All of the store’s data is kept in the in-store system and is also backed-up on DSmart’s servers. The free offer includes one register with the software; hardware for additional registers costs $2,000. DSmart can also be used by multi-store operations. For more information, visit dsmartinc.com or call 877.601.9192.

FIRST DATA

First Data offers a wide range of point-of-sale terminals as well as complete point-of-sale systems. First Data recently unveiled Clover Mini, the latest device in its Clover point-of-service solutions portfolio. Clover Mini provides business owners with an “all-in-one” business management tool to streamline operations, expand business intelligence and improve the customer experience. Further, the Mini facilitates payments in a safe, secure environment. For more info, visit firstdata.com.

HARBORTOUCH

Harbortouch offers both a touchscreen point-of-sale system to retailers and also provides merchant services such as credit/debit and gift-card processing. The POS system and all technical support is provided to retailers free of charge: Harbortouch’s only cost to retailers is a merchant processing fee collected during credit card transactions. For more information, visit harbortouch.com or call 800. 201.0461.

INNOVATIVE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS (ICS)

ICS has provided solutions specifically for beverage alcohol retailers for more than 30 years and has systems installed in more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The company’s Vision system, a scalable application for stores ranging from a single register to multiple locations, can run on Windows, LINUX, and MAC/OS. The POS module within Vision is designed to provide full register capability, including price look-ups, discounts, customer-special pricing (and history), periodic sales, and frequent-buyer or award points tracking. A 2-D scanner can identify under-age purchasers and add customers to a store’s mailing/special pricing list. The back-office module provides inventory control, extensive reporting, sales analysis, purchase history, FIFO inventory level tracking, and physical inventory. Vision is turnkey and includes hardware, installation, and training at the store location. The system is already PCI 3.0 complaint. For more info, call 732.223.0909 or visit winepos.com.

KEYSTROKE

Keystroke is a sales management and inventory control POS system offering extensive reporting and employee management tools. The latest version features new email/PDF forms, new system appearance settings, multi-store purchase orders, and vendor catalog lookups. For pricing details and additional information, visit keystrokepos.com.

LIGHTSPEED POS

Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system for small to medium retailers, used by about 25,000 businesses. The system can be outfitted to use iPads and iPod Touches as registers. The company offers an open application program interface (API) to allow end-users to build their own custom add-ons to the system. Two different versions, Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant, can be accessed via free trials. For more information, call 866.932.1801 or visit lightspeedretail.com.

THE MERCHANT SOLUTIONS

The Merchant Solutions bills itself as a leader in the bankcard processing industry and is a versatile payment solutions provider. It is a full service company that provides users with complete payment solutions to maximize their profits, including Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee, and Gift & Loyalty Card Solutions. Merchant Solutions also customizes its solutions to meet the requirements of each retailer. This includes, but is not limited to, the setup and layout of multiple departments, adjustments to sales reports, and inventory tracking. For more info, visit TheMerchantSolutions.com.

MICROSOFT DYNAMICS

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail is a global, end-to-end solution for retailers that offers multichannel management, store operations, merchandising, and enterprise resource planning capabilities. Unlike retail software built to solve the problems of the past, Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail delivers role-tailored, omni-channel scenarios seamlessly through a modern, unified technology offering. To learn more about the solution and see real product demos, visit microsoft.com/dynamics/ax/retail.

mPOWER BEVERAGE SOFTWARE

mPower Beverage is designed specifically for beverage-alcohol retailers. The Windows-based system can be used for single or multi-store operations and offers integrated credit cards, remote access, touchscreen capability, e-commerce integration, and PCI compliance. Also, mPower Beverage can be installed on tablets for functionality such as inventory adjustments, ordering/receiving, or line-busting. For states that require it, a wholesale module is also available for tracking back office orders and providing the needed reports to the state. For more info, call 877.396.0141 or visit mpowerbeverage.com.

NCR CORPORATION

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company. NCR’s assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and public sector organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR owns approximately 1,450 patents and is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. For more information, call 866.431.7879, e-mail retail.contactus@ncr.com, or visit ncr.com.

NETSUITE FOR RETAIL

Netsuite is a cloud-based, multi-channel retail management system that integrates POS, ecommerce, CRM and marketing, merchandising, warehouse management, and finances. Learn more at netsuite.com.

PROPHETLINE

Prophetline is a POS and retail management system for small- to mid-sized specialty retailers, including beverage retailers. Its systems include IP credit card processing, integrated web shopping, and fully integrated accounting. It can handle operations ranging from one store to multiple sites with centralized purchasing. Prophetline is a four-time winner of the Microsoft Retail Application Developer of the Year Award. To learn more, call 800.875.6592 or visit prophetline.com.

RITE (Retail Information Technology Enterprises)

This company is a provider of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and works with some of the largest liquor retailers in the country, with clients in over 40 states. RITE has molded the Microsoft RMS product to meet the special needs of beer/wine/liquor retailers, including the ability to integrate with their suppliers (invoicing and pricing /EDI), integrated age verification via drivers licenses, profit-margin monitoring, advanced purchasing tools and web site integration. For information, visit www.rite.us or call 888.267.RITE.

SAGE NORTH AMERICA

Sage North America specializes in business-management software and services for small- and mid-sized businesses. Its latest release, Sage 50 Accounting 2015 for small businesses, has features including automated purchasing and shipping options, cash flow monitoring, various invoicing formats, and multi-user options. For more information, call 800.228.0068 or visit sage.com.

SAP TRANSACTIONWARE

SAP Transactionware General Merchandise (SAP TGM) is a POS system specifically designed for client-server environments. Primary features include an enhanced security strategy, real-time access to consumer information, mobile POS inventory and transaction capabilities, and support for centralized transaction services. To learn more, call 866.681.6121.

SHOPKEEP POS

Developed by a wine retailer, ShopKeep POS is a complete iPad point-of-sale (POS) system designed for independent retailers. Subscription prices start at $49 per month for a basic system with one iPad register. A new feature allowing seamless QuickBooks integration is available for an additional $30 per month. A 30-day free trial is available. For more information, visit www.shopkeep.com.

SQUARE

Square a financial services, merchant services aggregator and mobile payment company. It markets several software and hardware payments products, including Square Register and Square Reader, and has expanded into small business services such as Square Capital and Square Payroll. Square recently announced a new chip reader that allows users to accept new authenticated payment technologies affordably.

SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Systems Technology Group (STG) offers a customizable POS system that focuses on security and support. State-of-the art technology, modern interfaces, full PCI compliance, and 24/7 customer support are just some of the features offered. For more info, visit stgpos.com.

WINDWARD SOFTWARE

Windward Software’s Liquor Store POS is a fully integrated liquor-industry-specific business-management software package. It has over 4000 clients in 35 countries. Windward includes capabilities for integrated video monitoring, real-time accumulation of sales, customer relationship management, product tracking, case breakdown, 2D scanning for ID clarification, touch-screen capabilities, cost controls, and reporting. The system is meant handle every aspect of a single- or multi-store business, from the cash register, to the back office, to ecommerce. Call 800.663.5750 or visit wws5.com.

WLB Network

WLB Network is an in-store advertising and research system that includes a 15-inch touch screen. It runs a 42 LCD screen that is mounted directly above the touch screen to catch the attention of shoppers. WLB Network ties into the POS system and provides information on the products carried in that store. The advertising and promotional revenue can be shared with the retailer. Available options will cost the store approximately $100 month before ad revenue. Sources of ad revenue can be national or local. Retailers can display store specials, current events like wine tastings, or advertise local businesses. The system can be used to educate customers about new products. For more information visit wlbnetwork.com.

WOLF TRACK SOFTWARE

Wolf Track’s Liquor POS Software is available as software-as-a-service (SAAS). Though the system runs entirely on a store’s computers, the software can be downloaded from Wolf Track’s website. The software, which can run a touchscreen system, starts at $35 per month. Automatic database backup is available for an additional fee, per store. For more info, call 800.908.7654 or visit wolftrack.com.

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