3 Common Types of POS System Touch Screens

Advancement in touch screen technology has enhanced usage in virtually any retail environment. Businesses have realized the potential of replacing traditional cash registers with new touch screen POS systems. Not only do POS devices improve staff efficiency, but they also contribute to the bottom line through high employee productivity. That said, there are different types of touch screens for POS systems, and only the right choice will have a positive impact on your business. Therefore, it is vital to understand the different screens and the environment that each is suited for.

Capacitive Screen 

It is the earliest form of touch screen technology; therefore, it is a basic feature on new touch screen POS systems. The technology behind the capacitive touch screen relies on the fact that the human's body is a great conductor of electricity. The touch screen consists of a single glass pane whose underside is coated with a conductive material. Touching the capacitive screen disrupts the electrical field which consequently commands processors to perform the appropriate action. Since capacitive screens are the most durable, they are the best for POS systems that are used in very busy or outdoor stores. It is because the screen can withstand high amounts of tapping without showing wear. Additionally, capacitive screens are the brightest and thus the best for poorly lit stores.

Resistive Screen 

It is another screen type for touch screen POS systems. The touch screen is made of two layers, a flexible layer at the top and a solid lower layer which is made of glass. In between these two layers are spacers that allow electrical current to flow. Unlike capacitive screens, resistive screens rely on the pressure that can press the flexible upper top to touch the bottom layer. It means that anything that can depress the upper layer can be used to operate a resistive touch screen. POS systems with resistive screens are appropriate for stores that have in place strict health regulations. For instance, a butcher might prefer resistive touch screen because they can wear gloves and still use the POS system.

 Infrared Screen 

Although they are the newest type of touch screen for POS systems, infrared screens are increasingly gaining popularity. The technology behind the infrared screen is a grid of infrared light beams that arranged vertically and horizontally to maximize touch accuracy. Just like in resistive screen, you can use anything to operate an infrared screen so long as it can break the plane of light beams. Since the technology uses LED beams, it is considered the brightest touch screen and thus great for outdoor stores such as food trucks. However, it is essential to remember that dust and dirt can hinder the screen's functionality, which makes it a high maintenance screen compared to the other two types discussed earlier.


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