First, the retail sector is the biggest user of POS terminals. A point of sale system that is specifically designed for use in a retail environment typically includes a computer, cash drawer, receipt printer, customer display, and the barcode reader. These long lists of ingredients are all essential systems.

As the capabilities of the technology advances, newer versions of the POS system is the integration of touch screen technology for the customer’s convenience and ease of use. The term “all in one unit” is used to designate a point of sale system that has a built in computer monitor frame. All in one systems are becoming increasingly popular in the retail industry, because their design minimizes the amount of counter space that is taken up by the system. The software used in this type of system is capable of handling multiple functions, such as sales, returns and exchanges.

The system also stores information about gift lists and loyalty programs to customers. It also allows an individual to enter information about the pre-planned sales promotion and validation of coupons. Despite the many functions it is a point of sale system in an alley purchase is only the component of the entire POS system used by an entire store.

Computers, which are usually located in the office of a retail store are often delegated the task of managing inventory control and transfer of goods from one store to another. The “brain” of the store’s point of sale system collects and stores information about sales trends and cost / benefit analysis.