Welcome back, in this post, we are going to make a detailed pointwise comparison between the Cloud-based POS system and Desktop POS software. Before moving in detail, let us first understand what point-of-sale software is. POS is highly dependable for all retail businesses to automate every task of the business unit and replace manual activities with digital ones while managing the business.
Undoubtedly, POS software is a huge investment to be made by business people and hence one must choose the software wisely. It is suggested to have detailed research before selecting any POS software for the business unit. Whenever you check across the POS system, you get two options a desktop POS or a cloud-based POS. If you are confused regarding which one to choose, we are here with a detailed post to solve your confusion.
Desktop and cloud-based POS system
The traditional or desktop POS software is an older version of the POS system. It requires a locally connected database to carry out the business activities and store all the required data. This software can only be accessed with a single connected desktop or computer. And if the local database is damaged, all the data get lost.
At the same time, cloud-based point of sale software is the modern version of the POS system. The cloud-based system is referred to as a SaaS i.e., software-as-a-service. It stores the data on the cloud storage and also keeps the backup of the same for the time of data loss. This cloud storage can be accessed any time from any device having internet connectivity.
A detailed comparison between two
With the above data, we understand exactly what a desktop POS and a cloud POS system are. Now, further, we will check the point-wise difference between both the types of systems and check which one is better and more preferred as per the type and size of your business unit as well as the decided budget for the software.
Alerts, notifications, and updates
The desktop retail POS software is static software that needs to be managed as well as updated manually. This type of system takes away a lot of time and energy of employees in the updating process as well as does not provide any real-time notification for any of the updates.
At the same time, the cloud-based system is automated as well as real-time. All the required updates are carried out by the software itself and if any requirement of manual inclusion arises, the software immediately updates its use. The automated system updates itself at the off time and hence there is no need for installing the update, the only required thing is booting.
Simplified use
At this point, both the type of POS software come together at a single point. Both of these types of software are easy to use. One can easily navigate to any required place with the dashboard and carry out routine activities. Only a few practices and the staff is ready to use the software efficiently. The real-time dashboard with links to specific data is one of the most preferable approaches to simplify business activities.
Faster activities
The desktop application runs on the local database and faces the issues of data traversal that usually result in slow loading and processing of the data. This not only annoys the business employees but also results in a negative impression on the customers.
At the same time, extra points go with the cloud-based point of sale software for speedy activities. The cloud-based system helps to deal faster and better with the customers making every business activity an efficient one. The invoicing, billing, and ticketing tasks are performed better with the software.
Price of system
The desktop POS software requires high spending as well as fees as it needs to be installed in your system. Also, there is huge maintenance, hardware, and other related costs for the desktop-based system leading the business to run out of money.
Whereas, the cloud-based POS system is cost-friendly especially designed for small businesses. The cloud-based system requires the least upfront investment and doesn’t require much maintenance costs. It provides flexibility to the users with the monthly and yearly subscriptions, as well as some of the systems, provides 15 days trial to the users. The cloud-based software is available at affordable rates and includes better features than the desktop system.
Improved access
The desktop POS system provides access to data only at the local place from the local PC through the local database. Hence, the accessibility level is much lower.
When the POS software is hosted on the cloud the data is available 24/7 with real-time updates. All the stocks can be checked, sales reports can be prepared, sales or purchases can be made in real-time from any device with the cloud-based software.
Safekeeping
At this point, none of the types of POS software can be treated as better or higher. Both types have their benefits as well as limitations when it comes to the security of data.
The desktop-based system brings you the risks of software bugs, hardware failure as well as data theft. The data can be easily stolen by any of the staff members or any outsider by simply copying and pasting.
At the same point, a cloud-based point of sale system can also not be trusted as there are possibilities of data getting hacked or rogue from the server. Online data can become the target of inappropriate users.
Access and connectivity
This is the point where the desktop POS system is preferred over the cloud-based system. The data from the desktop system can be accessed, edited as well as deleted at any time.
Whereas with cloud-based servers, it becomes impossible to get data when the internet goes down or if there is a network glitch.
The desktop system allows us to stay away from the internet issue and store the data on the hard drive.
Conclusion
These were a few points showing the difference between desktop and cloud-based software. Depending on the business requirements and budget, one must choose the type of POS software wisely.
Author Bio:
Akshay Bhimani is a Software Analyst at Techimply, India. With experience in the technology-driven field, he has mastered his knowledge on How(s) and What(s) to be done for a business. Also, he’s keen to share his knowledge on a few technology-related topics such as cloud technologies, cloud-based POS systems and retail POS software, and data security with readers that can assist any kind of business.