8 Tips to Improve the Employee POS Training Process

Point-of-sale (POS) software is becoming increasingly advanced with new technological updates. Many of the latest POS systems have features such as inventory tracking and data reporting.

These capabilities can streamline payment processing, improve employee efficiency, and create an overall positive experience for customers.

To ensure that business owners are taking advantage of these benefits, staff members must be trained on how to use the system effectively.

Management teams can develop a comprehensive and straightforward POS training process by considering these best practices.

1. Examine the POS System

In order to efficiently train employees on the POS solution, managers must first understand how the tool works.

When examining the platform, it is important to make note of all the features that are included in the software. For example, a modern POS system may have customizable digital signage, options to create incentive programs, and payment processing features.

By having a comprehensive understanding of how the POS system works, management teams will have an easier time teaching employees how to use it.

2. Provide Hands-On Training


Many providers will offer instructions and training videos to demonstrate how to operate the POS system. However, hands-on training can be a more effective way for employees to learn.

For example, supervisors can show an employee how to take orders and process transactions on the system and then watch as they attempt to do it themselves. This will give the employee the chance to receive instant feedback on whether they are using the POS correctly and what they should do differently.

Providing a hands-on experience will also boost the likelihood of the staff member retaining the information. This will effectively minimize instances of customer frustration, long check out lines, and lost sales.

3. Import Historical POS Data
If a business is replacing its POS system, managers must make sure that historical POS data is imported into the new system. This will ensure that employees will not lose access to existing customer profiles and sales data.

This information must be maintained because they help staff recommend products to customers and forecast future sales.

Some POS solutions will allow users to customize their reports. This is important because, oftentimes, imported data will be categorized or structured differently in the new system. Therefore, managers should train staff on how to access these reports and how to tailor them to their needs.

4. Complete Real Transactions

When using a new POS system, all employees should have the opportunity to complete real purchases using different payment methods. They should also be trained on how to process refunds and exchanges, as well as how to deal with a declined card.

Some POS software will have features that can replicate these common issues. This enables employees to comfortably practice their skills without having the pressure of a customer waiting for them. With several test runs, employees will be able to remember the process and have the confidence to resolve any issues that may come up in the future.

When training employees with real customer transactions, managers should choose a time when the store is not as busy. Typically, this would be early mornings on weekdays or during the final hour of operation.

5. Give Employees Time to Adapt


Learning how to use a POS system requires time and patience. Management should allocate enough training time so that employees can be acclimated to the system's features.

With more time to learn and practice, retail staff will be more confident when performing routine activities. This will then lead to fewer transactional mistakes, faster payment processing, and boosted customer satisfaction.

6. Consider Personalized Training Programs


People often learn best using different methods; therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be as productive. For example, some may prefer group activities, while others may retain more information during one-on-one sessions.

Management should consider offering a variety of training options or spend time with individual employees to make sure the current program is working for them.

7. Evaluate Employee Performance

Business owners should regularly evaluate how their staff operates the POS system after they have been trained. By seeing how employees complete routine tasks on the POS, they can identify any mistakes that are being made and address them quickly.

8. Compile Employee Feedback


Management should ask for employee feedback about the POS system or training. Not only would this allow business owners to discover potential problems with the system, but it will also give them insight into how the POS can be innovated.

Additionally, collecting feedback creates a positive work environment because it makes staff members feel that their opinions are valued.

While a POS system can provide many capabilities that can fuel a company's success, employees are the driving force that ensures the software is used to its utmost potential.

Therefore, businesses need to establish effective training programs so that all staff can understand the ins and outs of a POS system.