iPad POS systems are known for their flexibility. Apart from that, it is a versatile alternative to typical electronic cash registers and stationary POS systems. It can integrate with various SaaS products, making it easy to share information among time and attendance, payroll and other e-commerce software. Moreover, the iPad POS system can be used with minimum peripherals, but you may still need things like receipt printers and credit card readers.  

Converting your iPad into a mobile POS system is not that complicated. It can be used at your store, office, restaurant, retail, salon, and many others. And it all begins by choosing the POS software and hardware that works perfectly for your business.  

How to get started with iPod POS 

A credit card reader and a POS app are two essential things to prepare to process payments and manage your sales if you want to turn your iPad into a mobile POS system. 

Credit card reader 

Most iPad POS systems use Bluetooth connectivity to work on a small card reader. Although there are instances when credit card readers are free, these models are usually swipers that only read the magstripe. Business owners should plan to upgrade to the latest model that has a chip reader, so they are not liable for fraud that usually occurs at the point of sale.  

Make sure you choose card readers that have both EMV and NFC capabilities. As a business owner, these will let you comply with chip card regulations and accept contactless cards and mobile wallets like Android Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.  

 POS mobile app 

POS system vendors mainly provide iPad POS apps for their clients. These apps contain all the software features you need to operate and manage the POS system. However, somebody can download these apps straight from the Apple App store, and some vendors offer to set up the equipment and app for their clients.  

iPad POS equipment 

Aside from an iPad and a card reader, some businesses need a checkout stand, cash drawers and printers to have a fully functional POS System. If your business needs something like a traditional POS system, you should have the following peripheral options.  

  • iPad stand: The best iPad stands swivel 360 degrees. It makes the table easy to turn to face the customers for their signatures and to enter their debit PINs on the iPad. Some are multifunctional, such as those with built-in – credit card readers for convenience.  
  • Cash drawer: It is ideal for businesses that accept cash as payment. Most iPad POS system providers offer equipment bundles that include a cash drawer, but some also give the options to the clients if they want to contact a third-party vendor. 
  • Receipt printers: It is possible to connect a printer to an iPad POS system. Most vendors include the printer in the equipment bundle as cash registers. Some also allow clients to use third-party printers, but they must consider compatibility concerns. 
  • Back-end equipment: An iPad POS system connecting your kitchen can save you time and frustration. This feature applies mainly to restaurants. For example, TouchBistro, our pick as the best POS system for restaurants, lets servers take orders at the table using their iPad and automatically sends them to the kitchen printer or kitchen display system. 

POS features to look for 

An advanced iPad POS systems let you manage sales, track inventory, run loyalty programs, and launch marketing campaigns. It is helpful to schedule appointments, make reservations, and integrate third-party apps such as your accounting software. It can also monitor employees' work performances. Moreover, some vendors are more flexible in letting their clients choose features individually to save them money.  

Here's a list of features to consider in choosing POS software: 

  • Cloud-based software services 
  • SaaS product integrations 
  • Customizable checkout features 
  • Support for all payment types 
  • Receipt flexibility (print, email, text) 
  • Custom tip options 
  • Discount options 
  • Order management features 
  • Online ordering support 
  • Gift card support 
  • Inventory tracking with low-inventory alerts 
  • Customer management features 
  • Business analytics and reporting features 
  • Technical support options 
  • Offline mode 

Efficiency is the main difference between electronic cash registers and iPad POS systems. iPad POS systems have a wide range of features and capabilities that can integrate several aspects of the business into one software suite and device. However, knowing how to secure your Pont- of-sale system from cyberattacks is crucial. 

1. Use an iPad for POS

Most of the attacks mentioned above have resulted from malware applications loaded into the POS system's memory. Hackers can secretly upload malware apps into the POS systems and then steal data without the user or the merchant realizing what happened. The critical point to note here is that a second app must be running (in addition to the POS app). Otherwise, the attack can't occur. This is why iOS has traditionally facilitated fewer attacks. Because iOS can only entirely run one app at a time, these attacks rarely occur on Apple-made devices. 

2. Use End -to- End Encryption

Companies such as Verifone offer software that's designed to guarantee your customer's data is never exposed to hackers. These tools encrypt credit card information the second it's received on the POS device and once again when it's sent to the software's server. This means that the data is never vulnerable, regardless of where hackers might install malware.  

3. Install Antivirus on the POS System 

This is a simple and obvious solution for preventing POS attacks. Install endpoint protection software on your device to ensure harmful malware doesn't infiltrate your system. 

These tools will scan the software on your POS device and detect problematic files or apps that need to be immediately removed. The software will alert you to trouble areas and help you begin the cleansing process required to guarantee the malware doesn't result in data theft. 

4. Lock Down Your Systems 

Although it's implausible that your employees will use your POS devices for nefarious purposes, there's still plenty of potential for inside jobs or even just human error to cause massive trouble. Employees can steal devices with POS software installed on them, accidentally leave the device at the office or in a store, or lose the device. If devices are lost or stolen, anyone who then accesses the device and the software (especially if you didn't follow rule #2 above) will be able to view and steal customer records. 

To ensure that your company doesn't fall victim to this kind of theft, lock down all of your devices at the end of the workday. Account for all devices daily, and secure them in a place to which nobody but a select few employees has access. 

 5. Avoid Connecting your POS to External Networks 

The most dangerous hackers can compromise systems remotely and don't need to be in a retail location to syphon away valuable business and client information. Systems that connect to external networks are more susceptible to attacks from hackers—some who may have infiltrated external systems with software that lays dormant until they combine with a POS. Consider keeping things internal and secure, and use a corporate network to handle critical tasks like payment processing. 

6. Be PCI-Compliant from Top to Bottom 

In addition to managing your POS systems, you'll want to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) across all card readers, networks, routers, servers, online shopping carts, and paper files. The PCI Security Standards Council suggests companies actively monitor and take inventory of IT assets and business processes to detect any vulnerability. The Council also means eliminating cardholder data unless necessary and maintaining communication with banks and card brands to ensure no issues have occurred. 

 7. Hire Security Experts 

Suppose your company is too small to hire a dedicated security expert in addition to a technology executive. In that case, you'll at least want to hire someone with a deep security background who will know when it's time to reach out to a third party for help.