The first virtual cash register for general use has received technical approval and enters the market as iPOS pocket. Virtual cash registers are a new type of fiscal cash registers and take the form of software (applications). In the solution developed by iPOS, the fiscal application was installed on a POS terminal. The terminal, which so far had to be placed next to the fiscal cash register, now completely takes over its functions - not only does it process cashless payments, but it is also used to register sales and issue a receipt or an invoice.
Virtual cash registers, similarly as the traditional, hardware-based ones, must undergo an approval process at the Polish General Office of Weights and Measures before they are made available to business operators. Although the regulations have allowed cash registers to be used in the form of software since last June, so far no company other than iPOS succeeded in obtaining a certification for a general use virtual cash register. Consequently, the first software cash register, which can facilitate business for a wide range of operators, has entered the market. Currently, the legislature allows the use of such cash registers in the HoReCa industry, but the solution is so promising that other sectors, including retail, are already waiting for the legislature's approval.
Terminal replaced the cash register
The iPOS pocket exploits the potential of an obvious and intuitive tool for the commerce - a the payment POS terminal. It provides a functional base for the fiscal software, since it ensures the still required receipt printouts, a stable GSM connectivity and a built-in scanner.
- ‘The equipment, which was mainly used until now to process card payments, has completely taken over the role of a fiscal register, making traditional cash registers obsolete. From now on, a business operator gets all the functions needed to complete a transaction - sales registration, acceptance of cash and non-cash forms of payment, receipt and invoice printouts (and, in the near future, an e-receipt support) - within a single mobile iPOS Pocket,’ says Michal Pawłowski, Member of the Management Board of iPOS SA.
The virtual cash register is part of a comprehensive system. The solution sends real-time sales data to the owner's computer or smartphone. The business operator, in addition to access to the sales processing functions provided by the virtual cash register, also receives a tool for advanced business analyses.
The solution authors also pay attention to the issue of security. The primary function of the POS terminals is to mediate the process of card payments, i.e. an operation that requires special security measures. The use of a POS terminal in combination with fiscal software, which also has to meet a number of requirements, ensures that iPOS pocket also provides a level of security identical to that of hardware cash registers.
Rent a Cash Register
Until now, business operators have worked with and paid for two separate devices – a cash register and a POS terminal. Traditional hardware cash registers had to be purchased, which was a burden for many SME owners. According to the manufacturer, an app-based checkout will significantly reduce costs.
‘We have eliminated the most expensive and least value-adding element of the set, namely a hardware cash register,’ says Michal Pawłowski.
Along with the new product, iPOS has also launched a rent-a-cash register offer. All of the comprehensive POS systems will be available for purchase or rental. iPOS pocket, including its operating system, will be available for rent for as little as PLN 69/month.
Catering to benefit first
The solution will first be offered to the catering industry, which, together with transport, is a sector the legislator’ gave the possibility of using software cash registers. iPOS has decided to dedicate its solution to the catering industry created an entire infrastructure with this in mind. iPOS pocket can be used as a ‘mobile waiter’, making it easier for restaurants to take orders at the tables, send them over to the kitchen and settle bill payments. The device can also be useful in case of direct-to-customer deliveries, acting as a portable fiscal cash registration and payment device.
‘The pandemic has revised the approach to doing business. Catering has been particularly affected by the lockdowns, so restaurant owners became increasingly reliant on mobility, door-to-door deliveries and flexible pricing solutions. iPOS pocket, being a portable and multifunctional solution, allows companies not only to operate despite restrictions, but most importantly, owing to the access to analytical data and real-time remote management capabilities, makes it possible for restaurant owners to react dynamically,’ adds a member of the Management Board of iPOS SA.
Once the legislature has amended the legal regulations, the company says it will ready to offer its solution to more industries. If this scenario plays out, enterprises from other sectors, including retail, will be able to take advantage of iPOS pocket, which will make it easier for them to do business, facilitating the customer service process streamlining. Due to, without limitation, the device’s small size, portability and built-in scanner, the mobile checkout option or the queue reduction system are very promising solutions, especially for large-format stores or gas stations.
