The Advantages and Disadvantages of an iPad POS System

Since the iPad was first released a decade ago, its popularity has risen consistently. This is in large due part to the way in which Apple has continued to innovate and upgrade its technology with each new release. Following the initial launch in 2010, Apple has developed eight versions of the iPad, selling an eye-watering 400 million units in the process.

Thanks to the popularity of the iPad, software companies around the world have continued to innovate in order to get their apps on Apple’s AppStore. Today, there really is an app for everything, and anyone and any iPad user can manage everything from social media to accounting from their tablet.

With the amount of software available on the iPad, many consumers and business owners alike are forgoing bulky computers and laptops in favour of more portable tablets. It’s thus no surprise that you can even use an iPad as a POS System, and manage the entirety of your business operation from your tablet.

Yes, that’s right. You can even use your iPad as an Epos Now POS System - but there are a number of things you’ll need to consider before using your tablet as the beating heart of your business.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of an iPad POS System

Advantages of an iPad POS System:

There are a number of benefits of choosing an iPad POS system over a complete terminal which we’ll detail below:

• Use Hardware you Already Own - Undoubtedly one of the major benefits is that, if you already own an iPad, you can simply download iPad POS software onto your existing tablet, instead of spending more money on hardware.
• It’s Portable - Unlike a static POS system, an iPad POS system is lightweight and highly portable, which is ideal if you’re a pop up with no fixed premises, or run a market stall.
• It’s Smaller than a Complete POS System - If you own a small shop, takeaway, food truck or market stall you might have limited space which is valuable real estate that could be used for product displays. An iPad POS System doesn’t take up as much space as a full POS system.
• Reduces Wastage - With an iPad POS System, it’s possible to cut out paper entirely if you choose to do so by going without a printer, and exclusively emailing receipts to customers.
• It works in the same way as a Complete POS System - The functionality of an iPad POS System is exactly the same as a Complete POS System, and can connect to all of the additional hardware you need like a card machine and cash drawer, plus you get access to the same apps and integrations as you would with a full terminal.

The Disadvantages of an iPad POS System:

As with any hardware and software solution, there are reasons why you may not want to use an iPad Pos System.

• Not as Durable as Terminals - Whilst an iPad is aesthetically pleasing and recognisable to customers, they’re not as durable as a fixed terminal. iPads aren’t designed to be used in a fast-paced environment that could be susceptible to damage, or vulnerable to spillages.
• Expensive to Replace - An iPad is an expensive piece of hardware, with the cheapest brand new iPad costing anywhere from £349. So if you’re using an iPad POS System and it breaks, it could result in short term cash flow issues.
• Software is Unlocked - On an iPad POS System, your staff have the ability to waste time by surfing the internet and using other apps or games. Valuable time that should be spent with customers in your shop or restaurant. With a Complete POS System, the only software your staff have access to is the POS software.
• Security Issues - Whilst Apple boast about their software and hardware being secure, individual iCloud accounts can still be hacked and therefore hackers could potentially access all of yours and your customers’ data.

Still undecided on whether you should get an iPad POS System? Get in touch and we’ll help you decide: Contact Us