Guest Column: Factors To Consider When Selecting A POS System

By Richard Cuttler, stj Retail

Once the software, hardware, transaction processing, network and support have been chosen most retailers would consider themselves finished. In reality it is just the beginning. We touched briefly on PCI DSS but it must be reiterated that PCI compliance is not an option it is a necessity. Fines due to non-compliance are designed to devastate a business not penalize it. Additionally any instance of fraud could have devastating effects on company image and branding as consumers are hesitant to purchase goods from any corporation that jeopardizes their personal privacy. A similar concern is the ability to accept EMV or Chip and Pin credit/debit cards. These cards will become standard in Canada as of October 2010 and retailers who do not have the appropriate hardware and software to process these cards will be potential targets for fraud, charge backs and fines.