When it comes to choosing the right Linux POS software for your business, it is important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of Linux-based ones. This is because there are so many different ones that you can now choose from. But first let us give you a brief explanation of what POS software is and why it is essential if you own any kind of retail business.
Retailers use POS (point of sale software) to be able to calculate the sales they make and help them operate the draw at the ATM. Throughout the day, the software can add up the sales that are made to provide a total for the business owner. You can also determine exactly how much of the sales is made up of state sales tax and will also tell the assistant how much change to provide to the customer. Also, throughout the day, you will adjust the inventory the store has and eliminate the quantity each time a particular item is sold.
Although there are a number of advantages to using a Linux-based POS software program, there are also disadvantages. We will take a look at some of these below.
Advantage
1. When your Linux-based system has been properly configured, you will find that it will continue to run until your computer hardware fails or you choose to shut down the system.
2. Compared to Windows, the chances that you will experience any kind of problems or failures related to viruses or errors to gain access to the system are greatly reduced.
3. Because the Linux source code is freely available, this can be extremely useful, especially when looking to customize the system you are using and also to help address and resolve any technical problems that may occur.
Disadvantages
1. Unfortunately, the actual types of POS software available can be very limited, but this all depends exactly on the type of retail business the person owns. So because of this, the person may find that they are actually giving up some very good features that come with the Windows working versions of these software programs.
2. You may well find that the other types of retail software programs and applications that you currently use in your business will not work alongside Linux. Therefore, it is important before proceeding with the purchase of a Linux POS software that you thoroughly verify that all the other applications you are using will work together with it.
3. The other major disadvantage of opting to use a Linux POS software based system is that very few IT technicians really know how this system works. This could leave you with a host of problems if you can’t find someone close to where your business is located to rectify problems when they arise.