| Embedded
POS Terminals |
PC-based
POS Terminals |
Upfront costs similar to PC-based
but total cost of ownership over long period of time is significantly
less.
(see “Cost comparison chart” below)
|
Basically, Upfront costs lower
than ROM-based but maintenance/repair costs much higher
due to moving parts such as hard disks and CPU fans.
(see “Cost comparison chart” below)
|
| Much more secure - terminal
designed specifically for Point of Sale applications. Virus
cannot infect ROM-based and no way to download other software
not intended for system. |
PC not specifically designed for
POS applications. Viruses, software downloads, etc. can
all affect system performance. HDD needs optimization from time
to time. Windows updates cause both tentative and constant system
slow down. |
| Designed for harsh restaurant and
quick service operation environments with resistance to dust
and grease.(Spill-proof with IP rating, no moving parts,
solid state technology) |
Not designed for harsh environments.
CPU fan needed to cool most PC's. A control fan causes dust
and grease to enter the PC. Water-cooling system is too expensive.
|
| Support - simple to support with
no need for recurring customer maintenance contracts. |
Support - ongoing requirement for
support with annual maintenance contracts. |
| Embedded operating system
specifically designed for POS applications |
Most PC-based systems rely on Microsoft
Windows, which opens up the opportunity for technical issues.
POS application runs under O/S therefore 2 software packages
must be supported. |
| Firmware upgrades are possible
via flash updates. No compatibility issues with Operating
Systems. |
Software upgrades and Operating
Systems occasionally are at conflict with each other,
thus requiring a higher level of support when upgrading POS
application. |
| Data integrity/security
- high due to design of ROM-based terminals. |
Data integrity/security - Most
POS applications utilize database system not specifically designed
for POS applications, therefore open to corruption and security
issues. |
| Hardware support - Min. 10 year
availability of all parts. |
Hardware support - Common for PC
manufacturers to change boards, assemblies from one production
to another, therefore it may be difficult to obtain exact
replacement parts. Windows upgrade often requires hardware
upgrade because of higher performance requirements as well as
POS application upgrade. These ends up in higher costs and
shorter product life. |
