What is a Cash Register?
Within the entire payment transaction ecosystem, the cash register serves as the starting point for payments. What form does this physical terminal take, and how does it integrate with the cashier software system?
In the “New Retail” sector, the most common device found on the market today is the integrated POS terminal (an all-in-one cashier machine).
Peripherals for Integrated POS Terminals
To facilitate the cashiering process, what additional equipment does a cash register require?
Cashier Hardware: Barcode scanners (handheld guns or desktop boxes), cash drawers, card readers, keyboards, label printers, receipt printers, kitchen printers, voice broadcast speakers, facial recognition devices, palm-scanning devices, and more.
Of course, not all of these devices are strictly necessary; merchants can customize their setup based on their specific industry, operational environment, and cashiering habits. Manufacturers may either embed these devices directly into the POS terminal or provide external ports to facilitate the connection of peripheral devices.
Classification of POS Terminals
Classification by Operating System
Cash registers are classified based on their operating system environment into two main categories: WPOS (Windows POS) and MPOS (Mobile POS). Among MPOS devices, the most popular variant currently on the market is the Android-based POS (APOS).
WPOS terminals typically feature higher price points and more robust hardware specifications, offering the flexibility to easily switch between different cashier software applications. MPOS—specifically APOS, in this context—generally comes with lower price points and more modest hardware specifications; the software is typically pre-installed at the factory, making it difficult or impossible to replace the cashier software at a later stage.
Classification by Application Scenario
Desktop POS Terminals: These terminals are designed to be placed on a countertop or desk. They are available in configurations featuring either a single touch screen or dual touch screens. They can be connected to external peripherals such as facial recognition devices, palm-scanning devices, barcode scanners, and more. Some models also feature facial recognition capabilities embedded directly into the terminal itself.
Self-Service Kiosks: Also known as large-screen self-service terminals, these units are commonly found in large supermarkets and hypermarkets. Their purpose is to alleviate the workload on cashiers by allowing customers to bypass traditional checkout lines and settle their bills independently. This provides a convenient and efficient experience for both cashiers and customers.
Unattended POS Terminals: These terminals are deployed in “unattended retail” environments—settings where no staff members are physically present on-site. Such devices are typically installed in locations such as subway stations, hospitals, and office buildings. Merchants place these unattended terminals in these locations, periodically restocking the merchandise; the terminals then automatically handle the sale of goods without requiring any on-site human supervision.
Classification by Business Type
Retail POS Systems: Cash registers utilized in settings such as large supermarkets, convenience stores, and fresh food markets. Their primary functions include product scanning, weighing, cash handling (receiving payments and providing change), receipt printing, and shift management. POS systems used in large supermarkets are typically equipped with a cash drawer, while those in fresh food markets are configured as integrated scale-POS units. For convenience stores, the decision to install an integrated scale-POS unit depends on whether they stock weighable items; otherwise, they typically opt for dual-screen touch-screen POS systems, where the secondary screen allows customers to easily verify their order details and total amount.
Food Service POS Systems: Cash registers deployed in venues such as small restaurants, cafeterias, and dining halls. Their core functionalities include sending orders to the kitchen for printing, processing takeout orders, and managing customer loyalty programs. Single- or dual-screen touch-screen POS systems are the most widely adopted models in this sector. However, establishments that sell weighable food items—such as Malatang (spicy hot pot) shops—specifically require the use of integrated scale-POS units.