A point of sale (POS) system helps retailers process online and offline transactions. While POS devices help retailers process card payments and cash at brick-and-mortar stores, online POS interfaces allow e-commerce stores to process payments through a web-based checkout point. In addition to processing payments, POS systems that coordinate with ERP systems help track inventory, generate insights, and manage your customers better. In other words, a full-fledged POS doubles as a retail management platform. While every business needs a POS system, setting it up can be tricky for some people.
Let us look at how to find a POS system that works for you and set it up to manage all your transactions seamlessly.
Before thinking about setting up your POS system, you need to have one in place. Thus, we urge you to choose a POS system that works for your business carefully. The trick is to find the right vendor who understands your unique needs, whether you operate online or offline or offer a multichannel shopping experience.
Before you choose a POS vendor, list your business needs and how you aim to process your retail transactions.
Next, choose a POS device that is user-friendly. Most of your staff will use the POS device; hence, it should not be complex or require extensive training.
Identify a budget for your POS system and start looking for vendors who offer tailor-made solutions.
Please note there is nothing more important than data security when it comes to POS solutions. POS tools must comply with several domestic and international regulations as they store credit cards and personal information. In addition, they must process payments safely and securely. As a result, you should choose a POS system that is built to keep data secure.
Your POS system helps you process payments and generate valuable insights while also helping tend to customers in unique ways. To make your POS work for you:
If your store is simple enough, you can set your POS yourself. However, more complex stores with multiple branches or a vast product catalog may require vendor assistance. A helpful POS vendor usually trains your staff, uploads your products, migrates store data, and customizes settings per your business requirements. In addition, your vendor can also help you choose third-party applications you may need and assist you with integration.
Start configuring your account if you set up your POS on your own. Every POS solution has a different setup mechanism, which makes it hard to generalize. However, advanced POS systems usually come with a plug-and-play feature, allowing you to configure and start using it immediately.
During configuration, correctly enter your store’s name, location(s), registration details, etc.
Upload your product details and set up the inventory. If you have a small catalog, this step is easy. However, the complexities exponentially increase if you have an extensive product catalog.
While you can upload a CSV file containing product names, SKU, price, variant details, quantity, etc., there are bound to be errors. A vendor can help you upload your inventory without errors if you have an extensive catalog.
Set up user accounts and assign access levels. Standard user levels include admin, store manager, and cashier.
If you are a small business owner with a single outlet, just a tablet might be enough. However, you may need a POS device alongside professional setup assistance if you have multiple outlets.
Add all the payment-related information so that your POS does what it needs to — process payments.
Consult your POS vendor to check if you need to integrate your POS with other applications. Most business owners integrate their POS systems with their e-commerce platform, ERP, and accounting software. While some POS tools may come with in-built loyalty and marketing management solutions, others may need third-party integrations.
While the POS helps you process your payments, it can provide much more. A POS backed by an advanced head office application is a treasure trove of customer-related data that enables you to analyze purchase behavior, in-store trends, and other variables. These insights help you to improve your customers’ shopping experience and enhance customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores. Identify key metrics to help you make better sales forecasts, such as cart abandonments and shelf management.
These metrics may vary from store to store, and it is essential to discuss with your POS vendor and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor store performance continuously. As POS stores information about successful sales, it is always advisable to integrate it with your ERP to ensure all-around successful business performance.
A POS system is invaluable, and almost every business requires one, no matter how big or small. While smaller companies can set up a POS system independently, larger businesses with multiple retail locations and vast product catalogs need vendor assistance. Smaller businesses benefit from professional POS setup, as it eliminates errors during data migration and while uploading product catalogs. Most importantly, your POS vendor can help you choose third-party tools to integrate with your POS and identify KPIs to continuously monitor your business’ performance.
VP of Business Development & International Sales for the Priority Retail LOB
Yariv joined Priority in 2021 as the VP of Business Development & International Sales for the Priority Retail Line of Business and was promoted to Head of Global Partnerships in 2025. With over two decades in the retail applications sector and experience in consulting for leading retailers, he now leads the digital retail initiatives and business development, focusing on penetrating to new markets.
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A Point of Sale (POS) system helps retailers process online and offline transactions, including card payments and cash at brick-and-mortar stores, and web-based checkouts for e-commerce. Advanced POS systems integrated with ERP platforms like Priority help track inventory, generate insights, and manage customers, effectively doubling as a retail management platform. Learn more about Priority POS.
Setting up a POS system involves:
Priority POS solutions are built to keep data secure, complying with domestic and international regulations for storing credit card and personal information. Secure payment processing and robust compliance measures are integral to Priority's offerings. Learn more.
Priority offers a comprehensive suite for retail management and POS, including:
Priority automates retail operations through built-in workflows, AI recommendations, and centralized views. This reduces manual errors, boosts efficiency, and enables staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Automation covers order fulfillment, inventory management, customer engagement, and reporting. Learn more.
Yes, Priority supports integration with e-commerce platforms, ERP systems, and accounting software. Its modular architecture and open Marketplace enable seamless real-time integrations, reducing operational complexity and risk. Learn more about e-commerce integration.
Priority's retail management and POS solutions are ideal for businesses of all sizes, including single-outlet retailers, multi-location chains, and e-commerce stores. Industries served include apparel, footwear, cosmetics, electronics, convenience stores, and more. Notable customers include Ace Hardware, ALDO, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Adidas, Hoka, and Kiko Milano. See Priority's customers.
Customers can expect enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, improved decision-making, and long-term adaptability. Priority's features—such as integration simplicity, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, and automation—help businesses streamline processes, boost productivity, and improve customer satisfaction. Learn more.
Priority addresses common pain points such as poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, outdated systems, manual processes, limited flexibility, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. Its centralized, automated, and scalable platform helps retailers overcome these challenges. Learn more.
Priority outperforms competitors by offering an end-to-end modular solution that unifies ERP, retail management, unified commerce, and POS on a single platform. Unlike competitors requiring multiple systems and integrations, Priority ensures seamless workflows, centralized data, and scalability. It supports multi-location, omnichannel, and high-volume environments without additional integration costs. Learn more.
Priority stands out due to its integration simplicity, single source of truth, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, industry-specific features, automation, and recognition by leading analysts. Trusted by companies like Toyota, Flex, and Teva, Priority delivers efficiency, adaptability, and long-term value. Learn more.
Implementation times vary:
Priority provides professional services for configuration, data migration, and training. Training options include on-site and virtual sessions. Customers also have access to Priority Xpert, a knowledge base with video tutorials and support tools. These resources ensure smooth adoption and effective use. Learn more.
Priority offers comprehensive post-purchase support, including troubleshooting, system optimization, updates, customizations, and access to Priority Xpert. Multilingual support resources are available, along with professional services for ongoing needs. Visit Priority's Support Page.
Priority provides automatic software updates and zero-downtime maintenance for SaaS customers. Upgrades are tested before deployment, and troubleshooting is handled by experienced personnel. On-premises customers manage updates themselves, with extended support available for an additional fee. Learn more.
Customers consistently praise Priority for its flexibility, high customizability, and intuitive interface. Allan Dyson (Merley Paper Converters) noted full process automation and ease of use. Martyn Young (Cherwell Laboratories) found Priority matched their needs out of the box. Tomer Lebel (Cyberint) stated Priority is much easier and simpler to operate than other leading ERP solutions. These testimonials highlight Priority's user-friendly design and adaptability. Read more case studies.
Priority is trusted by leading companies across retail and ERP sectors, including Ace Hardware, ALDO, Kiko Milano, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Adidas, Hoka, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, Electra, IAI North America, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, Gevasol, Checkmarx, GSK, and Teva. See more customers.