Today, retailers constantly demand low total cost ownership (TCO) and better performance from the POS systems. As a result, they are reviewing the Java-based point of sale (POS) system as the best replacement for cash registers. So what is the main character that is playing this significant role for replacement?
It is the flexibility of Java POS systems. Most retailers are either deploying or piloting the Java POS systems. They are satisfied that they can run the POS system on any operating system or hardware. In addition, the java POS system code is easier to modify as well when expanding needs. Some reports also state it lowered implementation and support costs with Java-based POS systems.
Based on the additional choices a retailer makes, it is no doubt Java POS systems are winning in the retailer market. This article will run through the reasons why Java POS is the real deal.
Java POS: Better performance and lower total cost ownership
Any adopted technological trend these days has a cost-effective feature no matter what. Most of them have to be installed for at least three years to observe the breakeven point. However, that is not the case for retailers rolling onto the Java POS systems in their stores. It is not unusual for them to realize a minimum of 30% savings right away compared to implementing non-Java POS.
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Small or large retailers are opting for the new technology – a Java-based point of sale system. Until then, consider the following fringe benefits of Java to realize why it is the case.
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Running from client-based to server-based
The first winning factor about Java POS is its cost-saving capacity. This intelligent option can run very well on servers and the client, giving a thick and thin client flexibility, as per the needs. Behind this excellent feature is the great Java 2 Enterprise Edition or J2EE platform.
It is a web-based platform offering thin client solutions. In addition, J2EE allows retailers to relocate data to the central address. This helps to minimize the amount of support and hardware necessary at the individual store level. However, less IT support and hardware aren't the only driving factors for Java POS adoption.
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Object-oriented programs outclass action-oriented programs
Judging a POS system's programming just by its language isn't a wise choice. A Java POS system aims at providing effortless analysis, design, and modeling. It is crucial to understand that the new program represents concepts beyond just a different language. The Java POS gives a new dimension to our thought processes about data.
Any traditional programming would focus on two primary aspects – lines of the code and its logical ordering. It goes by the classic code analogy called the 'if… then' statement. Simply put, the statement commands the computer to do the following. If an appropriate criterion is met after the value input, the system must perform a specific command. For instance, going to a different line of code statements or alerting all its users.
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This is where the new breed of POS application comes into play. It is written primarily in Java and makes use of object-oriented modeling to its fullest. It does not emphasize the data logic like aging cash registers and non-Java POS solutions. On the contrary, it focuses on the objects, namely, items, payments, and promotions. The Java POS users can modify any object behavior stored in the library.
According to the VP of store strategy of Retek Inc., Peter Baskins, located in Minneapolis, marina analogy is the only way to understand the value of object-oriented analysis and design. He further stated explaining the marina analogy. He believes the marina to comprise several boat types ranging from ferry boats to speedboats. Despite their different functioning and characteristics, all of them have some similarities. This is the key to eliminating redundant programming. In addition, the usage of various components ensures the overall complexity and amount of codes used are kept on the low.
Besides J2EE, various standards enhance this feature of Java POS. They are the TCP/IP (an open computer communications language) and the ARTS (Association for Retail Technology Standards). It fastens and reduces the cost of integrating with other enterprise and store applications. This is possible only when applications on both ends use the same Internet, store, and enterprise standards like TCI/IP, J2EE, and ARTS.
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As Christine Lowry, the chief marketing officer store system at 360Commerce, observed, the real challenge isn't deployment of the standards. Instead, it can judge if the Java POS vendors are using the newly launched programming standards. ARTS now has a certification program enabling retailers to find compliant vendors. Besides, it also helps to sieve through the ones who offer lip service. Retailers make use of the standards mentioned above to create effective object libraries. Similarly, the standards allow more robust integration amongst enterprise applications.
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XML and Web services complementing Java
Contrary to the disk-operating system or DOS-based program counterparts, Java designing was made keeping the web in mind. The object-oriented open-architectural design adds to its deployment all over the Internet. Java systems make use of metalanguages like XML or extensible markup language. It makes price updates, inventory stocks, and sales audits in real-time from merchandising or enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications.
Another standard complementing the Java POS system is the web services. Retailers are constantly making use of web services for ultimately managing the POS service offerings. This trend enables retailers to outsource specific POS solution parts to third-party service providers. As a result, it is helping small retailers to create more functional POS systems. For more details on Java, head onto Decipher Zone. It is a java development company that is suitable for retailers willing to integrate relevant web services.
Read: How to Build a Java Application in Visual Studio Code
The web services enable retailers to rent the required Java code for a quarter of the hiring programmers to write it down for them. The combination of Java and web services is beneficial for vendor competition. The web service providers may bid for the additional functions they are seeking. This ultimately leads to driven-down costs and increased functionality of the POS system.
Features and Significance of Java in POS systems
Being accustomed to Java-based POS systems' fringe benefits, it is time to understand its features and their significance in the retail marketing industry.
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Customer management
Different published studies indicate understanding customers can hike up the profitability and sales by approximately 20% every year. A Java POS system offers a simple way of tracking customer purchases. It also addresses the assets under immediate attention via email. In addition, certain functions like customer ID verification and data capturing for controlled products and substances by government agencies and manufacturers are designed for easy management.
A consistent track of customer purchase history allows retailers to anticipate their next purchase. In addition, Java POS automates incentive permits for items not mentioned in their shopping list. Furthermore, the system adds potential customers automatically by scanning their driver's license along with their photo proof. Moreover, Java POS solutions allow sales commission tracking and calculation. Finally, Java POS systems can also track customer loyalty or synchrony with third-party integrations.
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General system setting
An advanced Java POS will come prepared with industry-specific presets. For instance, appliances, grocery, hardware, jewelry, natural Products, vitamin and other supplements, sports and archery goods. Each of these industries requires specific presets and functions to carry out certain industry-specific actions. The general system feature offers a user setup option. It allows retailers to control what users can view.
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Purchasing
A Java POs system saves a retailer's time and money by providing reports. Based on the reports, purchase orders can be automatically generated. The purchase advice reports are created based on inventory levels and sales. It, therefore, takes the turning product rates into account. In addition, it allows retailers to forecast their sales probability, thereby adjusting past customer purchase history and future purchases.
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Accounting interface
Java POS systems integrate well with third-party applications. For accounting specifically, this integration helps generate outputs in generic formats for accounting-specific products.
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Inventory management
Java POS offers certain advantageous inventory tracking features. It includes multiple warehousing and unit measurements with separate unit pricing. Besides, it provides automatic price updates from different available suppliers. Items in the system can be set with specifications, descriptions, and multiple pictures. Inventory transfers and physical counts can be made via handheld Java POS systems. It also allows barcode label generation from the inventory module for all items on sale.
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Point of sale or order entry
The cash register and order processing functions of a Java POS solution are easy to use. Several security levels are available, preventing operators from executing management-level operations. Features like integrated credit card processing, driver's license scanner interface, scale interface offer a simple and effective process to add customers, scan and enter products, receipts, and invoices.
Concluding
With time, many retailers are getting accustomed to the new launch because of its flexibility and cost-saving features. It pictures the open world as multiple technologies seamlessly working together in real-time. The web-enabled Java POS systems are ahead of the game. They can be concluded as the future of retail POS systems until further advancements take place.