I'm not in my store - how can I access my point of sale system?

I'm often asked just how the heck folks are supposed to access their point of sale systems when they are not physically in the store.  There are several options depending on the type of system that you have and what devices you are using. Here are the main options:

1. Mobile point of sale systems that run on smartphones and tablets:
• You can take the mobile device with you or use a different mobile device to access your system using the internet or the cell data network should your device have a data plan
• Many mobile point of sale solutions also allow you to access the non-selling part of your point of sale system by using a web browser
2. Computer based point of sale systems that are cloud based:
• Generally all you need then is a web browser and internet access on your computer or mobile device. Capabilities vary by program and what type of computer or mobile device you are using
3. Computer based systems that are not cloud based:
• You will generally only be able to access your point of sale system using a computer with remote access software or a virtual private network

If you happen to be using remote access software - make sure that the software is PCI compliant as you don't want to fail a PCI scan. Generally, the business that provides your point of sale system can help you select and use PCI compliant remote access software.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

POS Comparison Guide - Updated

Update November 9th, 2014. I can confirm that Bindo, Clover, and Silver have now added the following:

Bindo POS: basic invoicing and quoting functions

First Data Clover (still restricted to using First Data for merchant services): Item attributes, modifiers and barcode label printing.

NCR Silver: Barcode label printing and QuickBooks Accounting interface.

Note that some of the added features may require paying an additional fee and/or using third party software.

As I try to stay on top of the more popular solutions on the market, here is an updated overview and chart showing the more popular retail point of sale solutions for computers and mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. This is a great 'snapshot' but be sure to contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more detailed information/questions (no charge for advice/help) or if you spot an error.

Retail Solution Comparison

Cash Registers – variety of models from $500 to $2000. Optional programming, training and installation services. Designed for retail stores and restaurants of any gross sales volume.

NCR Silver – iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) point of sale system for single location retail stores and restaurants. $29-$79/month plus hardware costs. Designed for businesses that need minimal inventory tracking (ie. Kiosks, 2^nd hand stores, thrift stores).

Microsoft RMS Store Operations - $6000+ for a complete point of sale system (includes software, hardware, computer, hardware, installation, training, and ongoing support). Designed for single to multi-location retailers with only basic technology needs (no built-in email marketing, no integrated online shopping cart, no smart phone/tablet needs). Designed for gross annual sales of $400,000+.

NCR CounterPoint - $9000+ for a complete point of sale system (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installations, and on-going support). Designed for single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (integrated email marketing, integrated online shopping cart, use on a smart phone/tablet computer, automated email or texts on store activity). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Bindo POS - iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) point of sale sale system for single and multiple location retail stores. $79-$149/month plus hardware costs (free hardware offer – contact me for details). Designed for specialty retail stores who want a full functioning tablet based point of sale system.

Clover – Android tablet based point of sale system for single and multiple location retail stores and restaurants. Unknown pricing at this time due to product acquisition by First Data. Clover is designed for retail stores and restaurants who only need basic sales tracking information but would rather have a tablet system versus a cash register.

Retail Pro Prism- $7K-$9K Browser based Modular POS Application. Deploy on iOS, Windows, Android or even mini-devices. Market first Mobile 2.0 Solution, Real-Time, Scalable to tie to back end RPRO or an ERP solution. Lower demands on hardware. Database Neutral – Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. Fully customizable User Interface (UI). Automated email reporting for store. Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Retail Pro v9- $9000+ for a complete turnkey point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installation, and refundable support). Scalable single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (Near Real time communication, Customizable Screens and documents throughout, integrated online shopping cart, automated email reporting, Franchise capable, Mobile POS options iPhone, iPod touch, Prism POS ). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Tabby from Samsung – Unique solution that runs on any device with a web browser (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone, computers, etc.). Purchased, installed, and supported by Samsung dealers. Designed for retail stores and restaurants. More information coming soon.

Update June 2044 - Clover now has a barcode label printing app which has a monthly cost of $5 to use
No – Not Available
Yes – Available and Included
Third Party – Available through third party and additional charges may apply
n/a – Not Applicable
Some Models – Only available in some models
Available – Available and additional charges may apply-Kevin Antosh: kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632