A POS system records sales and passes the data on to accounting and inventory — what matters in the choice is how well those flows are connected.
1. What does a POS system consist of?
A POS system usually consists of four parts: software (where sales and setup happen), a payment terminal (for card payments), a receipt printer, and a scanner. A web-based POS system runs in the browser, so it does not depend on one specific piece of hardware and works on a computer, tablet, or other modern device.
- 01software — sales, products, prices, register sessions
- 02payment terminal — card payments
- 03receipt printer and scanner
- 04if needed, a customer display and scales
2. How does a receipt reach accounting?
With a standalone register, receipts have to be exported into accounting and inventory synced manually. A connected POS system posts each receipt into accounting automatically together with VAT and reduces inventory in the same system, so sales revenue and VAT are reflected without a separate step.
3. What happens if the internet goes down?
The point of sale must not stop when the connection drops. An offline-capable POS system (a PWA) lets you keep selling without internet and syncs the receipts automatically once the connection returns. When choosing, it is worth verifying this capability, because the connection is most vulnerable exactly during peak hours.
4. Retail vs restaurant
A retail register focuses on fast scanning, price lists, and inventory. A restaurant register additionally needs table management, routing orders to the kitchen, and splitting a bill. Choose a system that supports your specific type of point of sale, not a general average.
Frequently asked questions
Does a POS system have to be connected to accounting? Not strictly, but a connected system saves a lot of manual work and avoids discrepancies.
Does a web-based register need special hardware? No — a modern browser device and point-of-sale accessories are enough.
How does VAT work on register sales? The correct VAT rate is applied on the receipt lines and the receipt is posted into accounting together with the VAT.