What is a digital checkout?
A digital checkout is a computerised system used at points of sale to record commercial transactions and process electronic payments.
The cash register records all the company’s financial transactions, such as cash receipts and disbursements. It makes it possible to keep accurate track of the cash flows associated with the retailer’s day-to-day business.
The evolution of cash registers
The history of digital cash registers dates back to the 1970s, with the advent of the first computerised point-of-sale (POS) systems. At the time, these systems were rudimentary, mainly used to record sales and keep track of stock.
Over the decades, as computer technology has evolved, digital tills have undergone a significant transformation. Advances such as barcode scanners, electronic payment terminals (EPTs) and point-of-sale management software have improved the efficiency, accuracy and security of transactions.
The most significant evolution in cash registers has been the move from traditional mechanical systems to electronic and digital systems. This transition has incorporated advanced functionalities such as stock management, transaction automation, real-time sales analysis, and compatibility with modern payment systems (such as bankcards and mobile payments).
How does it work?
A digital cash register works by recording transactions via integrated software. It registers or scans items, calculates totals, applies taxes (VAT), and accepts various payment methods. Data is stored electronically, enabling real-time management of sales, stocks and financial reports.
It works in 5 main stages:
- Product registration: the retailer scans the products using a barcode scanner or enters them manually into the system.
- Calculating the total: the system automatically calculates the total amount of purchases based on the prices of the registered products.
- Choice of payment method: customers choose their payment method, such as credit card, mobile payment or cash.
- Payment processing: once the payment method has been selected, the digital till processes the transaction and generates a receipt for the customer.
- Stock updates: stock levels are automatically updated in the system, enabling retailers to manage their inventory efficiently.
Understanding the advantages of a digital checko ut
There are many advantages to a digital till:
- Operational efficiency: digital checkouts automate the sales process, reducing human error and speeding up transactions.
- Accurate sales tracking: they enable retailers to easily track sales, stocks and sales trends, making it easier to manage stocks and analyse performance.
- Payment security: electronic payments made via a digital till are generally secure, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Payment flexibility: they accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments and e-wallets, offering greater convenience to customers.
- Regulatory compliance: digital tills facilitate compliance with tax regulations by automatically recording transactions and generating detailed reports.
In a restaurant equipped with a touch-sensitive cash register, here is an example of operational management of ordering at the table:
- Order-taking: the waiter takes the order at the table using a tablet or portable terminal connected to the touch-sensitive till system.
- Transmission to the kitchen: the order is immediately sent to the kitchen via the system, displayed on a screen or printed out.
- Preparation and follow-up: the kitchen prepares the dishes according to the orders received and can indicate their status (in preparation, ready, etc.) via the system.
Table service : the waiter is informed in real-time when the dishes are ready and can serve them quickly. - Invoicing: when a customer asks for the bill, the waiter can generate the invoice directly from the table via the handheld terminal, which is synchronised with the touch-sensitive till.
- Payment: payment can be made at the table using connected mobile payment terminals, and the transaction is automatically recorded in the till system.
- Stock updates: items consumed are automatically deducted from stock, enabling accurate inventory management.
This process improves efficiency, reduces errors and delivers a better customer experience.
In a retail outlet equipped with a touch-sensitive checkout, the operational management of in-store ordering can be carried out smoothly and efficiently thanks to integrated technology.
Here is a detailed example of this process:
Welcoming customers
When customers enter the shop, they are greeted by staff who can use tablets or hand-held terminals to provide information on products and current promotions, and direct customers to the appropriate departments.
Product consultation:
- Product search: customers can consult products directly on interactive terminals or via tablets available in the shop. They can search by category, brand, or use filters to refine their search.
- Demonstrations and advice: staff use the terminals to show product demonstrations, provide detailed information and offer personalised advice, creating an enriched shopping experience.
Taking orders
- Item selection: customers select the items they wish to buy. Staff can use the handheld terminal to scan the barcodes of the selected items, or the customer can do this themselves at a self-service kiosk.
- Personalisation: some products can be personalised (such as clothing with size and colour options, or electronic devices with specific configurations). The touch terminal makes it easy to manage these options.
- Add to basket: selected items are added to the customer’s virtual basket. The touch terminal automatically calculates the purchase total and applies any current promotions or discounts.
Stock management and replenishment :
Payment
- Choice of payment method: customers can choose from several payment methods: bankcard, cash, or mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). The touch terminal is equipped with a bankcard reader or an interface for mobile payments.
- Validation and billing: once payment has been made, the terminal prints out a receipt or sends it by email to the customer. Loyalty points or other benefits are automatically credited to the customer’s account.
Order tracking and management
Customers can track their orders online via the shop’s website or a mobile application. Tracking information includes order status, delivery times and the ability to return or exchange items.
The digital checkout system can manage loyalty programs, recording purchases and rewarding regular customers with points, discounts or special offers. Current promotions are automatically applied when the order is taken.
Analysis and reporting
The system allows the shop manager to view detailed reports on sales, most popular items, peak times and other key indicators. This data is essential for optimising stock, planning replenishments and improving the customer experience.
Measuring the economic impact
Save valuable time on repetitive tasks
Time-saving with a digital checkout can be significant, mainly due to the automation of processes and the reduction of manual tasks. Here are just a few of the ways in which a digital till can help you save time:
- Faster transaction recording: with a digital till, operators can record items purchased by scanning barcodes or selecting them from a numerical list. This eliminates the need to manually enter each item, speeding up the transaction recording process.
- Automatic total calculation: once the items have been registered, the digital till automatically calculates the order total, taking into account prices and quantities. This eliminates the need for manual calculations, saving operators time when processing transactions.
- Electronic payment management: digital tills are often equipped to accept a variety of electronic payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile payments, etc. The processing of these payments is generally faster than cash payments, helping to reduce customer waiting times at the till. These payments are generally processed faster than cash payments, which helps to reduce customer waiting time at the checkout.
- Automated stock monitoring: digital checkouts are often integrated with stock management systems, providing reliable visibility of stock levels at all times. Less risk of overstocking.
Improving operational efficiency
A touch or digital cash register offers a number of significant operational advantages that make a real difference to the day-to-day running of a point of sale:
- Increased efficiency: unlike older manual cash registers or even traditional electronic cash registers, touch-sensitive cash registers enable fast and accurate entry of items purchased. Operators can simply touch the screen to select products or scan barcodes, reducing the time taken to register each transaction. This increases the overall speed of transactions, reducing queues and improving the customer experience.
- Reduced errors: touch tills virtually eliminate the need to manually enter prices or quantities. By scanning barcodes or selecting products from a digital list, the risk of human error is significantly reduced, helping to maintain transaction accuracy and minimise problems.
Simplified stock management : touch tills are often integrated with stock management systems, which means that each time a sale is made, stock levels are automatically updated. This allows retailers to monitor stock levels in real time , quickly identify popular or out-of-stock products, and efficiently plan replenishments. - Data analysis made easy: touch tills generate detailed reports on sales, purchasing trends, product performance and more. This data can be used to analyse sales performance, identify growth opportunities, adjust pricing and promotional strategies, and make informed decisions to optimise operations.
- Compatibility with modern payments: touch tills are generally equipped to accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, e-wallets and more. This allows retailers to offer a flexible and convenient payment experience to their customers, which can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Competitive advantages
When an operator is considering adopting a digital cash register, there are a number of competitive aspects to consider when choosing the solution best suited to their needs:
- Functionality: the various digital cash registers on the market can offer a wide range of functionalities, such as stock management, sales tracking, analytical reports, compatibility with electronic payments, etc. The operator needs to assess the functionalities offered by each solution and determine which are essential for his business.
- Ease of use: a user-friendly digital till can help speed up transactions and reduce errors. Operators should choose an intuitive solution that does not require extensive training for their staff.
- Total cost of ownership: in addition to the initial purchase price, the operator must take into account the costs associated with maintenance, software updates, transaction fees, etc. It is important to assess the total cost of ownership over the long term in order to choose a cost-effective solution.
- Customer support: Reactive and efficient technical assistance is essential in the event of a problem with the digital cash register. The operator must ensure that the supplier offers high-quality customer support to resolve any problems quickly.
- Integrations with other systems: if the operator already uses other IT systems, such as restaurant management software or online booking platforms, he must ensure that the digital cash register is compatible and can be easily integrated with these systems.
- Data security: since digital tills handle sensitive information such as customer payment data, data security is crucial. The operator must choose a solution that guarantees data confidentiality and security.
By evaluating these competitive aspects and comparing different solutions, the operator can make an informed decision to choose the digital cash register that best meets the specific needs of their business.
The digital checkout: a pillar of modernisation and commercial efficiency
A digital till is much more than just a transaction tool; it is a central pillar in the modernisation of points of sale. By incorporating advanced features such as real-time stock management, fast and secure electronic payment processing and detailed business performance analysis, digital tills enable retailers to maximise operational efficiency, reduce errors and improve the customer experience.
In a variety of environments such as restaurants and retail outlets, digital tills demonstrate their value by facilitating order-taking, stock management and offering a smooth, personalised shopping experience. What’s more, they play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance and transaction security – essential aspects in today’s retail landscape.