With more and more advancements in technology happening each day, could councils use new systems to manage payments and revenue more quickly and efficiently? Could Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems be the answer to a better and brighter future for the public sector?
Councils are constantly on the lookout for cost effective and time saving management solutions, particularly when it comes to the smooth running of individual departments that deal with payments.
EPOS systems efficiently deal with various management tasks, from sales calculations to keeping track of customer information, which is why they are on the rise in council departments. Known for their customisability they are great at integrating with software such as booking systems, furthering the smooth-running of councils' departments.
Although predominately known for their use within retail environments, EPOS systems can be used wherever either card or cash transactions take place. EPOS allows users to collect, modify and produce reports about various sales processes. The systems can be used across multiple hardware devices, such as computers, touchscreen terminals and handheld units.
Additional hardware can also be used to enhance the use of EPOS, including thermal printers for the printing of membership cards and receipts. Fitting in with all councils' initiatives, all data collected via EPOS systems is stored safely and securely.
Salford City Council, Darlington Council and Wolverhampton Council are a handful of government bodies who are already using EPOS solutions, all three for different processes. Salford City Council implemented EPOS to manage their marriage certificate sales, Darlington Council use EPOS to assist in the running of their local theatre and sports complex and Wolverhampton Council use EPOS alongside their provision of online bookings within their leisure department.
All three councils have already seen great results and their efficiency has significantly improved.
When faced with strict budget restrictions, it is no surprise that EPOS systems are often overlooked by councils, but businesses who work with councils have witnessed a shift in its use.
Booking Live have noticed a significant increase in council clients who are using EPOS systems alongside their booking systems, with only positive feedback having been received so far.
EPOS systems come with a whole host of features, from easy member check-ins, to venue management. Although an EPOS system may initially take a seemingly large amount out of a council's budget, it is worth it in the long run. After a one-off spend, councils end up spending less time and money on management processes, as well as making it easier for the public to access and pay for memberships, courses, events and more.
Caitlin Roxburgh is marketing executive at Booking Live