Also known as POS, it is a main computer linked by a network to a number of checkout terminals, usually in a retail environment. Using the information generated by the system, management can analyse shopping trends, identify peak and trough periods, track stock levels and generate new orders. The POS system can also typically be linked to credit card readers, receipt printers, cash tracking software and other electronic systems designed to track stock and cash flow. In marketing terms, point-of-sale refers to in-store promotional activities designed to target consumers at the point where they are making the buying decision. It often leads to impulse buying

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