In a constantly changing payments space, leading payment technology companies are developing smart POS terminals that use android. This is because android offers flexibility and speed to deliver a product that meets consumer and merchant demand.
Popup shops, sporting venues, taxis and home services like gardeners or painters require quick, portable POS solutions. They can take advantage of android’s mPOS app to remove bottlenecking at the checkout.
Flexibility
The Android platform has opened up a universe of possibilities for acquirers, merchant service providers and value-added partners. It allows us to design smart terminals that don’t just handle payments, but also offer cash register functionality, credit programmes, loyalty, staff and stock management, POS analytics and much more.
Increasingly we see our customers replace traditional POS systems with an intelligent Android payment terminal, improving both their operational processes and customer experience. For example, by eliminating manual invoicing and enabling businesses to checkout goods on the shop floor. Or by allowing micro-lenders to provide loans on site and collect repayments through a mobile device. Or by allowing a single POS terminal to support both physical and online stores. The possibilities are endless. And, thanks to the Android ecosystem, developing new functionality on these devices is far easier and more cost effective than when relying on proprietary software.
Ease of Development
Android allows developers to improve terminal functionality to support the needs of specific vertical markets. The Android platform is more open than previous operating systems, making it easier to integrate a variety of devices and solutions that can run in parallel with traditional payment functions.
This enables merchants to add value by offering business applications such as loyalty programs, buy now, pay later (BNLP) and more. It also simplifies maintenance and support by reducing the need for physical interaction with the device, as well as providing quicker access to data and remote diagnostics.
Unlike legacy terminal OS, the Android platform is flexible enough to allow a variety of software and hardware combinations – with some Android POS terminals looking downright like mobile phones while others take on a hybrid look similar to cash registers. The result is a smart POS terminal that delivers on consumers’ evolving expectations.
Scalability
Whether your business needs a smart payment terminal for Hospitality to provide a better pay at table experience, or one for Retail that reduces shopping queues by providing a personalised service on the shop floor, it’s important that your device can keep pace with your evolving requirements. Android’s scalable capabilities mean developers can add new functionality to the device over time, keeping the payments system on track for future needs without the need for costly hardware investment.
And while Linux can only offer a single use case app, Android allows more features to sit on a smart payment terminal, such as staff and stock management, remote customer support for self-service and even loyalty program software. That’s why PAX Technology is investing in its Android terminal solution, dubbed APOLLO.
Security
Google takes data security very seriously and Android POS terminals are no exception. POS devices store and process sensitive information including inventory, order data, customer data and sales activity. They are therefore a target for cybercriminals looking to steal that data, or worse.
Thankfully, there are many ways to protect Android POS devices. One way is to implement an MDM solution that allows for strong remote management and device hardening. 42Gears UEM is an example of this and provides advanced functionality to safeguard Android POS devices against malware threats.
The new generation of beautifully designed, aesthetically pleasing Android SmartPOS terminals are transforming the merchant acquirer world with Smartphone-like features. But these devices don’t just handle payments, they are capable of supporting complete cash register functionality, customer engagement, loyalty programmes and staff/stock management too.
Integration
Android allows for a wider range of features on a smart payment terminal that go beyond payments. From loyalty programme software to buy now pay later (BNPL) and cryptocurrency payments, POS apps can also manage staff and stock management, and remotely troubleshoot devices.
Developers are taking advantage of this flexibility by turning a standard terminal into a multi-purpose Point of Sale solution for merchant service providers and their partners. This helps them meet the evolving needs of consumers – from accommodating them curbside to enabling them to checkout anywhere in store, and from supporting different types of payments to delivering a streamlined experience.
The Android OS also makes it easier to deliver software updates for both the hardware and POS applications. This helps ensure that the latest capabilities are available to all users – without any disruption to their customer experiences or business operations.