A modern point of sale system with contactless payment capability in a cafe setting.

Why EPOS Hardware Matters

When people think of EPOS, they often focus on the software. But without the right EPOS hardware, even the smartest software can’t deliver. From tills and payment terminals to scanners, receipt printers, and self-serve kiosks, hardware is the backbone of your point of sale system. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of EPOS hardware, explain what each device does, and help you decide what your business really needs.

EPOS hardware refers to the physical devices that make up your point of sale system. These include:

  • Touchscreen tills and terminals – where transactions take place.
  • Payment terminals – card readers and contactless devices.
  • Barcode scanners – for fast product lookup and stock management.
  • Receipt and kitchen printers – for customer receipts and back-of-house orders.
  • Self-serve kiosks – empowering customers to order and pay themselves.

Each piece of hardware works together to create a seamless checkout and business management experience.

Key EPOS Hardware for Businesses

Tills and Touchscreen Terminals
Your till is the hub of your EPOS system. Modern tills feature touchscreen displays, compact designs, and connectivity to other devices. They speed up service and allow staff to process orders quickly.

Payment Terminals
From chip-and-pin to contactless and mobile wallet payments, payment terminals are essential. Choosing the right one ensures secure, fast transactions and a better customer experience.

Scanners
Barcode scanners save time at checkout and improve stock accuracy. They’re especially important in retail and hospitality where speed and precision matter.

Receipt Printers and Kitchen Printers
Receipt printers keep customers informed, while kitchen printers make sure chefs never miss an order. Both are built for reliability in busy environments.

Self-Serve Kiosks
Self-service kiosks are becoming increasingly popular in hospitality and quick-service venues. They reduce queues, cut wait times, and give customers more control.

Benefits of Choosing the Right EPOS Hardware
The right hardware helps you:

  • Serve customers faster with smooth checkouts.
  • Reduce errors with scanners and printers.
  • Take payments securely through trusted terminals.
  • Enhance customer experience with kiosks and modern tills.
  • Scale your business as hardware can be upgraded or expanded as you grow.

How to Choose EPOS Hardware for Your Business
When selecting hardware, consider:

  • Your industry (retail, hospitality, leisure).
  • Transaction volume (busy venues need durable, high-speed hardware).
  • Integration needs (printers, scanners, and kiosks must connect smoothly).
  • Future growth (hardware that adapts to changing demands).

Final Thoughts
EPOS hardware is the foundation of your point of sale system. With the right tills, scanners, printers, kiosks, and payment terminals, you can transform how your business serves customers. Over the coming weeks, our blog will cover in-depth guides to each type of hardware so you can make the best choice for your venue.

FAQ

Frequently asked question

EPOS hardware refers to the physical devices that make up an electronic point of sale system, including tills, scanners, printers, kiosks, and payment terminals.

Yes — the hardware (tills, scanners, printers) works alongside software to process payments, manage stock, and streamline business operations.

For most small businesses, the essentials are a touchscreen till, payment terminal, receipt printer, and scanner. Additional devices like kiosks can be added as you grow.

Consider your industry, transaction volume, and business size. For example, a café may need a till and printer, while a retail shop may also require scanners.