In an industry where every second at checkout counts, point-of-sale (POS) hardware is more than a backend tool—it’s a strategic driver of operational success. At IW, with over four decades of hands-on experience in the retail technology landscape, we’ve watched the role of POS hardware evolve from basic cash registers to smart, connected retail hubs. Today, hardware selection can make or break your ability to deliver seamless, efficient, and scalable in-store experiences.
This blog post provides a research-driven, vendor-agnostic look at the leading POS hardware manufacturers and what retailers should consider as they invest in new infrastructure.
Market Overview: A Growing Focus on POS Modernization
According to Grand View Research, the global POS hardware market is expected to grow at a 6.3% CAGR through 2030, reaching an estimated $18 billion. This surge reflects increased demand for contactless checkout, omnichannel integration, and connected retail systems that tie hardware into e-commerce, inventory, and customer relationship management platforms.
Retailers are prioritizing investments in hardware that improves efficiency at scale and supports consistent, flexible operations across multiple touchpoints.
Key POS Hardware Players in Retail
1. NCR Corporation
o Industry Focus: Grocery, big box retail, and enterprise-grade environments.
o What Sets Them Apart: NCR has long been a leader in transaction technology. Its RealPOS platform is built for speed, durability, and integration with large inventory systems. Meanwhile, NCR Silver supports small businesses with an all-in-one hardware/software solution.
2. Elo Touch Solutions
o Industry Focus: QSR, retail, specialty, and hospitality.
o What Sets Them Apart: Elo has carved out a niche in touchscreen-based POS terminals and self-service kiosks. Their PayPoint and 15D2 displays are designed for high usability, reliability, and visual appeal.
Choosing the Right POS Hardware Partner: What to Look For
Retailers evaluating POS hardware solutions should weigh more than just price or brand recognition. Here are the top factors that matter in real-world store environments:
• Industry Fit: Ensure the vendor has experience and hardware tailored to your vertical—whether that’s retail, grocery, QSR, convenience, or pharmacy.
• Hardware Versatility: Look for a comprehensive ecosystem: terminals, scanners, printers, kiosks, and payment devices that all work together seamlessly.
• Integration Readiness: Your POS hardware should easily integrate with existing software platforms—ERP, inventory, loyalty, e-commerce—to streamline operations.
• Customization Options: Modular hardware design, branding options, and adaptable layouts can optimize both staff workflows and customer experience.
• Support & Service: Look for a partner with robust service-level agreements (SLAs), remote management tools, and field technician support.
Common POS Hardware Types Retailers Should Know
• POS Terminals: The hub of the checkout lane. Touchscreen-enabled systems that support modern transaction types, digital signage, and staff interactions.
• Barcode Scanners: From handheld to fixed-mount, barcode scanners drive speed and accuracy in inventory tracking and checkout.
• Receipt Printers: Thermal or impact printers that deliver fast, legible transaction receipts. Often paired with digital receipt options.
• Payment Terminals: Devices that handle EMV, tap-to-pay, mobile wallets, and more. Increasingly used as stand-alone or PIN pad-integrated units.
• Self-Service Kiosks: Ideal for QSR, grocery, and convenience retail. Enable customers to order, pay, or check in without waiting in line.
Why Hardware Still Matters in a Software-First Retail World
It’s easy to assume that software drives the future of retail—and in many ways, it does. But none of it works without reliable, retail-hardened hardware on the front lines. Devices need to be durable, secure, and capable of integrating with evolving cloud platforms. The best systems balance performance with simplicity, ensuring employees stay productive and customers stay satisfied.
Final Thought: Hardware as a Long-Term Retail Asset
In today’s fast-moving environment, retailers can’t afford to treat hardware as a sunk cost. It should be viewed as a strategic investment—one that shapes how customers experience your brand and how efficiently your team operates.
NCR and Elo represent just two examples of how the right hardware partner can deliver durable, integrated, and scalable systems for modern retail. But what’s right for one business may not be right for another. That’s why hardware selection must be rooted in your operational goals, not just feature lists.
Explore Hardware Strategies That Scale with Your Business
With 45+ years of experience at the intersection of retail technology and store operations, IW helps businesses navigate these decisions with clarity. Whether you’re planning a multi-store rollout or simply upgrading your existing terminals, our team helps you choose hardware that delivers today and adapts for tomorrow.
Let’s Talk
P.S. From grocery lanes to self-checkout kiosks to mobile pop-ups, we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Let’s design the right infrastructure for your unique retail operation.
