Full EPOS features checklist 

These tables are designed to give you a full list of all the EPOS features we can think of; and what kind of features you can expect from which level of EPOS software. (You can read about the level they each offer on their profile page.) 

The page is also designed so that you have a list of everything an EPOS system can do in one place. 

It doesn’t mean that a software described on its profile page as “mid-level” will have all of the features described as mid-level in this table – just that that’s the kind of feature we would expect from a mid-level software. 

Why don’t you just tell me all the features of every software?

We can – over the phone. 

Two things are going on here. There’s around fifty softwares on this site, and all of them are being updated all the time – any information published here would be inaccurate fairly quickly. Best to ask in person. 

Also, we make our money on referrals. These don’t affect your price versus buying direct, and we make a similar amount whomever we refer to you. So if you are thinking of buying software which is available on this site, and you’ve used some of our content to help make your decision, give us a ring. This way, we’ll learn more about what would help customers like you. 

Also – these tables are formatted such that they show the first “10” features in each category – click “next” for the remainder of each category’s features.

1) Taking Payments

Or, read our article about taking card payments in your store.

In short, payment processing marks a choice between a pay-as-you-go or a contract style providers. With pay-as-you-go, there’s a short list of four providers to choose from; with contract, there are hundreds of different providers and a payment application is required in order to integrate payments. Pay-as-you-go providers sometimes throw in free basic EPOS software.

2) Front-of-House (Generic)

What we’re describing as “front-of-house” here is the bread-and-butter of EPOS systems. It should empower your staff to help your customers however they can.

2) Front-of-House (Retail) 

Front-of-house functions unique to retail tend to reflect more complex inventory-based needs of retail businesses. If you’re interested in service appointment booking, you may need additional software which could integrate with your EPOS. Check out our integrations list below.

Or, read our article about front-of-house for retail.

2) Front-of-House (Hospitality) 

Front-of-house features which are unique to hospitality reflect the greater level of service expected in front-of-house. One big collection of features is “table mapping”.

Or, read our article about front-of-house EPOS functions for hospitality businesses.

3) Inventory Management

Or, read our overview about what inventory management software should entail. Inventory management is a set of features which dramatically increase in scale as you get bigger. Basic systems come without any inventory management except a stock “countdown” – whereas at the top-end, expect to integrate your EPOS with some inventory-specific software.

Brightpearl is a great example of inventory management software with an EPOS module, rather than the other way round.

4) Reporting 

Or, read our introduction to EPOS reporting functions here.

We’re collecting all this data…how do we use it? Understanding your business is key to making it better – EPOS features associated with reporting should help you do just that. There’s the finesse with which you can compare tagged attributes; then there’s a series of untaggable attributes which can be examined as discrete lenses.

5) Staff and Multisite

EPOS features around staff and multisite are concerned with how you set your “views” of different functions on the website.

If you’re not sure, read our introduction to staff and multisite functions here.

Pay careful attention to the level of staff training which is included in your package when you select an EPOS software provider.

6) Marketing & Loyalty

E-commerce is a really big and complicated topic! It’s as big a decision as your EPOS – and you may wish to choose an integrated separate e-commerce platform OR an EPOS with an e-commerce module. Take a look at our EPOS for clothes shops page for a detailed study.

7) Integrations

Finally, integrations are when two softwares talk to each other – check out our integrations page to see a full list of software you may wish to integrate with your EPOS.

With integrations, there’s two rules of thumb. The first is that top-end systems are generally more likely to expect that you integrate; the second is that big companies are more likely to have integrations than smaller companies.

Common integrations include e-commerce, accounting, payments, PMS, and analytics.

Rarer integrations include online ordering systems and delivery platforms.

8) Whole System Enablement 

If you’re not sure what a “cloud-based” system means, try this article about what cloud EPOS is and means.

On operating systems, it’s important to note that most of the systems on this website have a cashier app accessible via a login which needs to be downloaded; and a web-based back office log in. “Available on Windows / iOS / Android” refers to whether you can download the app to that operating system. The back office can nearly always be logged into from any device.

9) Supported Hardware