A POS (Point of Sale) system is the evolution of a cash register. Instead of just ringing up sales, a POS combines software and hardware to manage payments, track stock, record sales, generate reports, and run your daily operations.
Systems like SumUp POS give you everything you need to serve customers faster and run your business more efficiently than with a traditional till system.
Because POS systems build on tools you might already recognise from a traditional till or cash register, it’s useful to understand how they differ. You can find a quick explanation below.
What is the difference between a POS system and a cash register?
A cash register is a device used at the checkout to ring up sales and store cash. It’s mainly built for simple tasks like adding up totals, applying tax and printing receipts.
A POS (Point of Sale) system goes much further: it combines software and hardware to handle payments, track inventory, record sales, manage staff and generate detailed reports.
Many businesses, like coffee shops, restaurants, food trucks, retail stores and beauty salons, now replace a basic cash register with a POS setup that lets them accept card and contactless payments and keep all their data in one place.
If you’re currently using a cash register, switching to SumUp POS gives you more control over your sales, stock and day-to-day operations.
What is the difference between a till and a POS system?
In the UK, “till” usually refers to the checkout station, often a cash register and cash drawer used to take payments. It’s mainly focused on handling individual transactions.
A POS system includes the checkout, but also adds tools for inventory management, reporting, staff permissions, multi-location control and more. In other words, your POS can act as your till while also giving you a broader view of how your business is performing.
With SumUp POS, you get everything you expect from a till, plus the extra features you need to run and grow your business more efficiently.