# What is POS – Point of Sale?

What is POS – Point of Sale? A checkout system for physical stores synced with the online store.

## How it works in practice

A POS connected to your website enables omnichannel operations. A customer who bought online has their history visible to an in-store rep. Inventory sold in-store automatically drops on the website. Without a connected POS: duplicated management, inventory errors, and a disjointed customer experience.

## Related metrics

- Omnichannel — POS is a physical touchpoint
- OMS — POS connects to the OMS
- BOPIS — POS is the pickup point
- Inventory Sync — POS ↔ online sync

## Common misconception

'POS is just a cash register.' A modern POS is much more: built-in CRM, loyalty program, gift cards, returns management, and analytics. Using an old POS only for payment processing means missing 80% of its value.

## How to fix it

POS not syncing with the website? (1) Check the integration — Shopify POS syncs automatically; WooCommerce needs a plugin, (2) check inventory sync frequency — real-time is essential, (3) check customer data sync — do POS purchases appear in the CRM?

## Real-world example

A bookstore chain used an old POS with no syncing. Selling a book in-store didn't reduce web stock, so a customer ordered online, got an out-of-stock notice, and canceled — a lost sale and churn. Switching to Shopify POS eliminated out-of-stock cancellations over 90 days.

## Where to start

Selling both physically and online? Shopify POS is the simplest solution (syncs automatically with Shopify). Square works for other platforms. Set up real-time inventory sync on day one.

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Category: Technology · From the [Jimmy OS KPI Glossary](https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi.md) · Source page: https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi/pos-point-of-sale