Top Cloud-Based POS Systems for Your Business

Cloud-based POS systems offer greater flexibility, scalability, and data security than traditional systems, making them an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes.

And which are the best cloud-based POS systems? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Cloud POS offers flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security.
• Top systems include Revel, SpotOn, and ECRS Catapult.
• Advantages include real-time tracking, remote access, and integration capabilities.
• Consider internet reliance, security, cost, and customization.
• Cloud POS suits brick-and-mortar, restaurants, e-commerce, and service providers.

Key Features of Cloud POS Software

Inventory management

Inventory management is necessary for businesses to track and control their stock levels effectively.

Cloud-based POS systems offer inventory management features, allowing businesses to track product quantities, manage suppliers, and automate reordering processes. Real-time inventory tracking helps prevent stockouts and overstocking, improving overall operational efficiency.

Sales Reporting and Analytics

Sales reporting and analytics provide businesses with valuable insights into their sales performance. These systems offer comprehensive reporting tools that allow businesses to track sales trends, identify top-selling products, and analyze customer buying behavior.

Real-time inventory and sales data enable businesses to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies to optimize sales and profitability.

Customer loyalty

Customer loyalty features in cloud-based POS systems are designed to help businesses build and maintain strong relationships with their customers.

These systems offer tools for creating and managing loyalty programs, such as points-based rewards or discounts for repeat purchases. By incentivizing customer loyalty, businesses can increase customer retention, boost sales, and foster long-term customer relationships.

Mobile Compatibility

Mobile compatibility allows businesses to use smartphones or tablets as POS terminals. This flexibility enables businesses to process transactions from anywhere within their store or outside, such as at events or pop-up shops.

Mobile compatibility enhances customer service by reducing wait times and providing a more personalized shopping experience.

Customer Management

Customer relationship management (CRM) enables businesses to manage and analyze customer interactions throughout the customer lifecycle.

These systems store customer information, purchase history, and preferences, allowing businesses to personalize interactions and tailor marketing efforts. By improving customer management, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Security

Security is paramount for businesses using cloud-based POS systems, as they handle sensitive payment information. These systems employ various security measures, such as encryption and tokenization, to protect data from unauthorized access or theft.

Additionally, cloud-based POS systems often undergo regular security audits and compliance checks to ensure they meet industry standards and regulations, providing businesses and customers with peace of mind.

Integration

Integration capabilities allow businesses to connect their POS system with other software and services. This integration can include accounting software, inventory management systems, e-commerce platforms, and more.

By integrating these systems, businesses can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and gain a more comprehensive view of their business performance.

3 Best Cloud-Based POS Systems

Here are our top three best cloud POS systems that we recommend.

Revel Systems

We start this list with our top recommended product, Revel Systems. If you are looking for an iPad point-of-sale system that combines powerful technology with intuitive design, look no further than Revel Systems.

This product ticks all boxes for businesses in the restaurant and retail industries, offering a seamless integration of front-of-house and back-of-house operations into a single dashboard.

Revel’s POS platform is designed to increase security, ease of use, and speed of service, providing businesses with the right tools to grow.

Revel Systems is the ultimate choice for businesses that demand the best.

Revel Systems Key Features

• Customer Display System: Enhance transparency during transactions with on-screen tips and signatures for faster checkout.
• Always On Mode: Continue processing card payments even during internet slow-downs or power outages.
• Menu Building: Customize items with images, descriptions, modifiers, and combos for a tailored menu.
• Mobile Order Takers: Equip your team with a handheld POS for instant order-taking and kitchen communication.
• Custom Loyalty Program: Build a program to reward customers for dollars spent or points accumulated.
• Ingredient-Level Tracking: Track inventory down to the ingredient level for efficient restocking.
• Stock Management: Keep track of inventory levels and locations in real time.
• Innovative Self-Service Kiosk: Empower customers to place orders independently for faster service.

Get started with Revel Systems

SpotOn

Our next recommended cloud POS software is SpotOn POS. Perfect for restaurants, this cloud POS system offers a fully integrated system that adapts to your evolving business needs.

Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive restaurant management solution or simple mobile payment technology, SpotOn has you covered.

With features like online ordering, delivery management, and integrated marketing tools, SpotOn is designed to help you run and grow your business efficiently.

Experience the power of SpotOn today and take your business to the next level.

SpotOn Key Features

• Remote Backoffice Access: Access your data from the cloud anytime, anywhere. This allows you to manage menu items, staff, and more from anywhere with internet connectivity.
• Integrated Online Ordering: Seamlessly accept orders from your website, with changes made in the POS instantly reflected online.
• Customized Website: SpotOn can build a custom website for your business, integrated with the POS and online ordering platform.
• Cloud Reporting & Management: Access real-time reporting and manage your business from the cloud, making informed decisions on the go.
• Reservations: Manage reservations efficiently with SpotOn’s reservation system, improving customer experience.
• Built-in Color Touchscreen and Thermal Printer: Equip your staff with mobile handheld POS terminals for faster service and order processing.
• WiFi and 4G Connectivity: Stay connected and process payments anywhere with WiFi and 4G connectivity.
• Waitlist and Reservation Booking: Manage waitlists and accept reservation bookings through SpotOn Reserve, streamlining your front-of-house operations.

Get started with SpotOn.

ECRS Catapult

Last on our list is the ECRS Catapult POS. Don’t let its position fool you; it’s a top choice for retailers looking for a scalable point-of-sale solution.

If you operate a single retail location or a multichannel retail business, ECRS Catapult POS is designed to meet your needs.

It enhances productivity, speeds up transactions, and improves customer experience.

Whether you’re running a gift shop, grocery store, or pharmacy, Catapult’s versatility and convenience make it a top choice for businesses of all sizes.
Experience the power of ECRS Catapult POS and take your retail operations to new heights.

ECRS Catapult Key Features

• Backoffice Insight: Web-based enterprise suite for real-time data access, aiding efficient management for single or multi-location businesses.
• Loyalty & Marketing: Implement customer loyalty programs to retain customers and boost profits, with tools for effective execution and impact analysis.
• Inventory Control: Maximize inventory efficiency and reduce overhead costs with tracking, payment processing, and supplier communication automation solutions.
• PCI Compliance: Certified PA DSS compliant by the PCI Security Standards Council, ensuring transaction compliance and security.

Get started with ECRS Catapult

Advantages of Cloud-Based POS Systems

• Accept Payments from Any Device: Cloud POS systems are device-agnostic, allowing you to accept payments from smartphones, tablets, or traditional POS terminals. This flexibility enables you to serve customers wherever they are, whether in-store or on-the-go.
• Track Inventory in Real Time: With cloud-based POS, you can track inventory levels in real time, providing accurate insights into stock levels, sales trends, and reordering needs. This helps prevent stockouts, optimize inventory levels, and improve overall efficiency.
• Manage Multiple Locations from One Central Dashboard: For businesses with multiple locations, cloud POS systems offer the convenience of managing all locations from a single, centralized dashboard. This streamlines operations, facilitate consistent reporting, and ensures uniformity across locations.
• Access Your Data from Anywhere: One key advantage of a cloud system is accessing your data from anywhere with an internet connection. You can view sales reports, monitor inventory, and manage operations remotely at the store, at home, or traveling.
• Integrate with Other Software: Cloud POS systems often integrate with other software solutions, such as accounting software, CRM systems, or e-commerce platforms. This seamless integration allows for data sharing between systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring accuracy.
• Reporting and Analytics: Cloud POS systems provide reporting and analytics tools, allowing you to gain valuable insights into your business performance. You can track sales trends, analyze customer behavior, and make informed decisions to improve operations and drive growth.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Cloud POS systems offer automatic data backup and recovery, ensuring your data is secure and protected against loss or theft. This provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or other issues.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Cloud-based POS systems are often more cost-effective than traditional systems, as they eliminate the need for expensive hardware, maintenance, and upgrades. They operate on a subscription basis, which allows you to pay for the features and services you need without the upfront costs associated with traditional POS systems.
  

Comparison with Traditional POS System

• Traditional POS systems often require significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and maintenance. In contrast, cloud-based POS systems typically operate on a subscription basis, with lower initial costs and predictable monthly fees.
• Cloud POS systems can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing remote management and real-time data access. Traditional POS systems are usually limited to on-premise use, restricting accessibility and flexibility.
• Cloud POS systems are highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily add new features, locations, or users as their needs evolve. Traditional POS systems may require additional hardware or software upgrades to accommodate growth.
• Cloud POS systems are maintained and updated by the service provider, reducing the burden on businesses to manage hardware and software updates. Legacy POS systems require regular maintenance and may become outdated over time.
• Cloud POS systems often have security measures, including data encryption and secure backups. Traditional POS systems may be more vulnerable to security breaches due to outdated software or lack of security protocols.
• A cloud POS system seamlessly integrates with other software solutions, such as accounting or inventory management software, allowing for data sharing and workflow automation. Traditional POS systems may have limited integration capabilities.
• Cloud POS systems are typically more reliable than traditional ones, as they are hosted on secure servers with backup systems. Traditional POS systems may be more susceptible to hardware failures or system crashes.

Considerations for Choosing a Cloud-Based POS System

When choosing a cloud-based system for your business, consider the following factors to ensure you select the best solution for your needs:

• Business Size and Complexity: Consider the size and complexity of your business operations. A POS system should be able to handle your current needs and scale as your business grows.
• Industry-Specific Features: Look for a POS system with features tailored to your industry. For example, a restaurant POS system should have table management and kitchen display features, while a retail POS system should have inventory management and barcode scanning capabilities.
• Integration Capabilities: Ensure that the POS system can integrate with other software solutions you use, such as accounting, inventory management, or e-commerce platforms. This will help streamline your operations and data management.
• Ease of Use: The cloud-based software should be intuitive and easy for your staff to learn and use. Look for features like a user-friendly interface, customizable menus, and quick access to key functions.
• Hardware Compatibility: Check if the POS system is compatible with the hardware you already have or plan to use. This includes devices such as tablets, cash registers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners.
• Data Security: Ensure the POS system has security features to protect sensitive customer and business data. This includes encryption, secure payment processing, and regular software updates.
• Customer Support: Consider the customer support the cloud service providers offer. Look for 24/7 support, online resources, and training options to help you get the most out of your POS system.
• Cost: Compare the pricing plans of different POS systems, including any upfront costs, monthly fees, hardware costs, and additional charges for extra features or users. Choose cloud-based software that fits your budget while offering the features you need.

Conclusion

So, which are the best cloud-based POS systems? If you are looking for an overall best-in-class solution, Revel Systems is the way to go.

For those in the restaurant industry, SpotOn is the most suited, offering a comprehensive set of features tailored to the unique needs of food service establishments.

On the other hand, ECRS Catapult is a top choice for retailers, providing scalable solutions designed to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.

Whichever option you choose, a cloud-based POS system can revolutionize your business by offering flexibility, scalability, and enhanced data security.

Contact DBS today to schedule a demo and discover your business’s best POS system solutions.