Cash Register vs POS System

A cash register focuses on transaction entry, receipts, taxes, cash control and basic reporting. A POS system adds software-driven inventory, customers, purchasing, integrations and more detailed management tools.

Choose a cash register when

• You need straightforward checkout and closing reports
• You prefer physical keys and a self-contained device
• Advanced inventory and integrations are unnecessary

Choose a POS system when

• You need purchasing, receiving and inventory control
• You need customer history, multiple locations or remote reporting
• You need ecommerce, accounting or other integrations

The lowest-cost option is not always the lowest total cost. Select around the workflow the business must support for the next several years.