In 2025, an EPOS system is more than just a till—it’s the brain of your business and having the right EPOS features can help you save time, reduce errors, and increase profits.
But not all EPOS systems are created equal – this is worth remembering! With dozens of options on the market, knowing which tools actually matter can be the difference between running a smooth operation—or wasting time and money.
Join us as we cover the 5 must-have features in a modern EPOS system for UK businesses, and why each one can help you work smarter, not harder.
💡 1. Real-Time Inventory Management
Stock control is one of the most important EPOS features for retailers and hospitality businesses.
✅ Why it matters:
- Automatically track stock levels as items are sold
- Get low stock alerts before you run out
- Monitor bestsellers and slow movers
- Manage multiple locations or warehouses in one dashboard
It doesnt really make adifference what you’re selling – be it clothes, coffee, or cosmetics, real-time inventory tools help you avoid stockouts, reduce waste, and plan your reordering more efficiently!
What do we think? You should look for systems that support barcode scanning, purchase ordering, and supplier integration.
📈 2. Advanced Reporting & Analytics
Your EPOS should give you more than just daily sales totals and we know that the best systems offer detailed reporting and business insights to help you make informed decisions.
✅so what features should you look for?
- Sales by product, category, or staff member
- Hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly breakdowns
- Best-selling items and profit margins
- Performance comparison by location or terminal
- Export to Excel/ sync with accounting tools
Remember that a strong reporting suite will really help you to understand your business at a glance—and grow it faster.
🧾 3. Integrated Payments & Receipts
Having a seamless connection between your EPOS and your card payment provider speeds up transactions and reduces errors.
✅ What this includes:
- Automatic payment prompts to your card reader
- Split payments (cash + card)
- Refunds and voids processed in one tap
- Digital receipts via email or SMS
Integrated payments also make end-of-day reconciliation a breeze, as sales and payments always match up. Providers like Square, Zettle, Dojo, and SumUp often bundle this feature with no extra cost.
🛍️ 4. Customer Management & Loyalty Tools
Keeping customers coming back is just as important as making the first sale and having a good EPOS system helps you build relationships with your regulars.
✅you should remember to look for:
- Customer profiles with purchase history
- Loyalty programme integration
- Discounts, vouchers, and store credit options
- Email marketing or CRM syncing
From independent salons to fashion retailers, customer data is key to retention. Even basic loyalty tools (like points per purchase) can boost repeat sales by 20–30%.
🔁 5. Cloud-Based Access & Offline Functionality
In 2025, flexibility is a MUST! The best EPOS systems are cloud-based, meaning you can access your back office from anywhere—whether you’re working from home or managing multiple shops.
✅ Benefits of cloud EPOS:
- View sales in real time from any device
- Make updates (prices, discounts, menus) remotely
- Secure data backup with regular software updates
- Manage multiple locations under one login
Some systems also offer offline mode, which will let you keep trading during a Wi-Fi outage, then syncing data automatically once reconnected – a super handy tool!
🛠️ Bonus Features to Consider
While the five features above are essential, depending on your business type, you might also want to look into some of the following:
- Staff permissions and time tracking
- eCommerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Kitchen display system (for cafés or restaurants)
- Click & collect or delivery modules
- Customisable receipts and branding
Remember that the key is to match the features to your workflow—not overpay for tools you won’t use!
Remember to Choose Smart so You Can Grow Fast
Choosing the right EPOS system isn’t just about price—it’s about choosing the right features that will streamline your operations, improve the customer experience, and free up your time.
✅ Prioritise features that save time (like stock automation and integrated payments)
✅ Look for tools that help you grow (reporting, loyalty, CRM)
✅ Choose providers with good support and free trials before committing
Read more about our EPOS systems here: