How to use a Cash Register: Tip #3
A Simple Keyboard
When working out point of sale solutions for a particular event, one of the first things we do is layout the keyboard. Finding a logical and organized method for adding item buttons to the register can make a vast difference in transaction speed. Below you will find a sample keyboard used at a concession even as well as the basis we use for laying out a keyboard.
1. Use preset prices when you can. One of the easiest ways to increase transaction speed is to use preset prices. Pressing just one button to ring in a $2.50 bottle of water is 3 times faster than pressing [2] [5] [0] [WATER]. You also eliminate the risk of entering an incorrect price, thereby saving the time it takes to either void items or cancel and start the sale over.
2. Print prices on the buttons. It may seem like a simple thing, but having prices on the item buttons can be very helpfult for customer and cashiers. When a customer asks "How much for a brownie?" the cashier has the answer right in front of them. No need to turn around and find it on the menu board.
This can also help speed things along when Customer A is searching for their money, the cashier can let Customer B know that their Chips and Soda will be $5.50. This helps keep the line moving.
3. Group similar items. Keeping similar items near eachother makes sense. We will ask to see a sample menu board and arrange buttons based on what category they fall under on the menu. In addition to proximity, color coding can also help. In the case of our sample keyboard, we used the breakdown of Entrees, Snacks, Breakfast, Beverages, and Liquor. (These groupings are not only handy on the keyboard but also for reporting purposes.)
4. Further organization. With as easy as our equipment is to learn, the most time consuming part of the process is remembering where each item is on the keyboard. Beyond grouping and color coding items to easily identify their general location, finding a logical order also beneficial. The most common methods for arranging buttons within groups would be to list them either alphabetically or by price. In some cases, cashiers are trained ahead of time off the menu board. In these instances, mimicing the menu board layout is also valid.
Following these simple steps in keyboard creation will enable your cashiers to work at peak effeciency. This keeps lines moving quickly and keeps customers happy, ultimately providing you with a successful business.