By the openTILL Payments team · Isolex Corporation · Updated 2026-11-05
A POS decision starts with your busiest hour, not the longest feature list. Write down what staff must do from the moment an order starts until the payment closes. Then compare systems against that workflow.
1. Start with your operating model
| Business need | What to evaluate | Options to explore |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service restaurant | Tables, modifiers, handheld ordering, kitchen routing, and split checks. | Shift4 Dine · TableTurn |
| Neighborhood retail | Barcode checkout, inventory, customer display, and receipt handling. | NRS · Exatouch |
| Flexible counter or mobile setup | Screen size, battery, connectivity, and printer needs. | Payanywhere · Clover options |
| Invoice-led business | Virtual terminal, invoicing, user permissions, and reporting. | CardPointe · Merchant360 |
2. Inventory the hardware you actually need
Count checkout stations, handhelds, receipt printers, kitchen devices, scanners, cash drawers, and customer displays. Confirm each device is supported by the exact software and processing configuration you are considering.
3. Test representative transactions
Ask for a demonstration of a normal sale, refund, discount, split payment, shift close, and report export. Restaurants should add modifiers and kitchen tickets; retailers should add barcode lookup and stock changes. Confirm which features require an extra subscription.
4. Compare the complete agreement
Request hardware ownership or lease terms, processing charges, software fees, installation, training, support coverage, cancellation terms, and data-export options in writing. A low advertised hardware price does not describe the complete cost of operating the system.
5. Plan the rollout
Choose a cutover date, assign staff training, check internet coverage, and confirm support contacts. Ask what happens during an outage and how recovery works for your approved configuration.
Discuss your setup with openTILL
We help businesses explore options across our technology network. Tell us what you sell, how you take payments, and where your current workflow slows you down.
Talk through your requirements ↗Product references
Shift4 Dine · NRS · CardConnect · North · Electronic Payments