When talking about an all-in-one POS system, we are referring to a system that will conveniently deliver everything a business needs to begin processing customers.

· Built-in Touch Screen Display – Naturally, we have to begin with the center-piece of a POS system – the user interface. Touch screens accelerate transaction processing in both the retail and food service industry. With on screen menus and quick access buttons even novice users will quickly find their way, reducing training time.

· Built-in Customer Display – The customer insists to know what the clerk rings up, so that they may follow along. A built-in customer display addresses this need.

· POS Software – Again this would seem obvious, but many all-in-one POS systems simply consist of an empty hardware shell with nothing running on it. Likewise, an all-in-one printer would not scan, fax, or print without software driving features. The same principle should apply to an all-in-one POS system.

· Interfaces – an all-in-one POS system should provide the latest interfaces to support devices that are not integrated such as scales, PCs, or scanners. Especially crucial for future expansion are LAN interfaces, which allow for multiple POS systems to remain connected and share data in real time. Networking opens options for device sharing, office PCs, processing, and remote support as well. At the very least, an all-in-one POS system should include USB, RS232, and LAN interfaces.

· Magnetic Card Reader – In order to offer services such as customer accounts, operator sign-in, or loyalty cards, you will want to have a magnetic stripe reader. This eliminates the need to manually enter data and makes such services more efficient.

· Security – The more hardened a POS system is the better. All-in-One POS systems should adhere to this as well.