POS systems present challenges for both the POS QA tester and customers. Testers must test various configurations, and security standards must comply. As long as the testers follow best practices, the result of the software will limit the challenges customers face. Even the most minor, seemingly insignificant defects can escalate to significant problems that deter customers, which is why regular POS testing and updates are essential.

User Challenges

The most common challenges for users, or the customer, that decrease customer retention are payment processing issues, security compromises, bad user experience (UX), and performance affected by peak busy hours. Payment processing issues include delayed processing that exceeds 48 hours and is not due to transaction communications or fraud prevention from a bank or credit card institution. Providing customers with secure transactions is imperative because one adverse event that puts their finances at risk can invalidate years of their loyalty.

There are UX and performance challenges on the less significant side, which may not put customers at extreme risk but still affects their retention. Customers expect their shopping experiences to be seamless. A confusing website flow or POS system with too many steps or frequent crashes provides a bad UX that customers want to avoid putting up with, causing that business to lose customers and money. Additionally, customers will lose interest and avoid dealing with a system that can’t handle peak business hours. With proper testing, updates, and maintenance, heavy traffic loads don’t impede POS systems and transactions.

QA Solutions

Fortunately, there are quality assurance solutions that aim to prevent these user challenges, therefore, improving business customers and revenue. While there are intricate and complex systems with multiple integrated applications, we can mediate these POS testing challenges by using the proper tests for each component. Software testing involves numerous testing methods, but the approach to POS software is different from typical software development.

The best QA solutions for POS systems provide comprehensive testing of various real-life scenarios, from the performance of an application to cashiers, payment processing, sales, promotions & discounts, returns & exchanges, and security compliance. Adequate POS testing includes the following methods:

Compliance Testing

Determines if a POS system meets industry requirements such as PCI compliance and internal business standards or operating procedures.

Integration Testing

Testing that ensures the transference of data and successful integration between a POS system and its applications.

Payment Gateway Testing

Verifies the security and performance of online payment transactions that approve card payments. In a retail setting, this validates the encryption and security of payment details.

Implementation & Load Testing

Determines the performance of POS systems during heavy traffic hours by testing their speed and reliability.

Security Testing

Identifies any weaknesses or risks of POS systems so they can be resolved and prevent attacks

Usability Testing

Ensures that a POS system is easy for customers to use. Through real users attempting different functions, testers can find any issues and make recommendations on how to fix them.