A POS system is a set of software packages, either cloud-based or accompanying compatible hardware packages, that is used to organize and operate your retail business. The software links your customer service, inventory, marketplaces, accounting, payroll and other departmental functions within one program, which helps centralize your administrative tasks. Using a POS is tremendously time-saving and efficient compared with the alternative of using separate software to manage each area. It can also improve the customer experience with efficient promotion planning, reduce ,waste with automated inventory reconciliation and expiration and ordering alerts, and prevent theft.