Cash is quickly becoming one of the least favorable payment methods, especially in a post-pandemic world. As a result, many small businesses are adopting cashless point-of-sale (POS) systems that utilize touchscreen tablets like the iPad Air. But is an iPad Air a good tool for small businesses?
An iPad Air is good for a small business, as it can functionally replace traditional point-of-sale systems and cash registers. Small business owners can also use iPad Air to keep track of invoices and inventory. These devices also make managing employee schedules a breeze.
This article will explore the primary reasons why an iPad Air might be a practical tool for small businesses.
An iPad Air Could Replace Outdated POS Systems
Most modern cash registers are attached to computers and touchscreen monitors. But not all POS systems are equally capable.
Some of the newest POS systems consist almost entirely of a cash register and a swiveling touchscreen tablet. And as more consumers adopt cashless spending habits, tablets may become more crucial than cash registers.
Purchasing an iPad Air for your small business could be a fantastic way to replace an outdated POS system. Converting to a tablet-based register offers several notable benefits, including:
- Reduced POS system costs.
- Compatibility with pre-existing cash register systems.
An iPad Air Could Reduce POS System Costs
A standard retail POS system can cost anywhere between $400 and $2,000. That’s a hefty price to pay for a single piece of equipment, especially when you’re just starting to build your business.
Utilizing an iPad-based POS system instead of a more traditional register and POS monitor can significantly reduce costs. While an iPad Air might cost a few hundred dollars, you can use this tablet for various business purposes beyond customer transactions, making it a potentially worthwhile investment.
You Can Use an iPad Air With Traditional Cash Registers
If you own a traditional key-operated cash register, you can install an iPad Air onto the top of the register, which eliminates the need for bulky touchscreen monitors or complicated wiring systems.
The only thing you’ll need to convert a basic cash box into a fully-functioning register and POS system is a sturdy iPad Air stand.
The Lamicall Adjustable Tablet Stand (available on Amazon.com) is an excellent option, as it’s incredibly affordable. It also features a sturdy base with rubber padding to keep the stand stationary. This stand can also swivel to allow customers to input their signature on credit card purchases or select a tip amount.
Business Owners Can Use an iPad Air To Manage Expenses
Keeping track of your business’s finances can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when using multiple types of software.
One of the most significant benefits of incorporating an iPad Air into your small business is the ability to consolidate your financial information into one easy-to-access device. For example, you can access spreadsheets to keep track of expenses or install the QuickBooks app to manage invoices, track cash flow, and run payroll.
Either of these options could simplify your small business’s finances, reducing the time you spend managing expenses, invoices, and profit summaries.
You Can Access Spreadsheets With an iPad Air
A small business with few employees might not need in-depth financial management services. If you’re determined to keep costs as low as possible, you might prefer to manage your business’s finances with multiple spreadsheets.
But you don’t need a desktop or laptop computer to access and edit spreadsheets. That’s because the iPad Air is compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Excel. Every iPad Air also has the Apple Numbers app pre-installed, allowing you to create spreadsheets as soon as you power on your device.
That said, small business owners looking to grow their business and simplify their financial management systems may want to opt for the QuickBooks app.
The QuickBooks App Makes It Easy To Keep Track of Invoices
While you could manually manage your business’s various finances via separate spreadsheets, using the QuickBooks app for small businesses is far simpler. Everything you need to keep track of your business’s finances is right at your fingertips, including:
- Payroll
- Billable hour tracking
- Invoice management
- Profit and loss summaries
Depending on your chosen plan, you can also use the QuickBooks app to pay storefront bills and vendors, track inventory, and access in-depth business analytics.
You Can Use Work Scheduling Apps on an iPad Air
In addition to running your cash register and helping you keep track of your business’s finances, an iPad Air could be the perfect work scheduling tool. That’s because business owners can install several work scheduling apps onto their iPad Air.
These apps make it easy to schedule employee shifts, keep track of labor costs, and communicate with employees. But the best app for your small business depends on your preferences and the nature of your business.
So, instead of managing a hefty desktop computer in your on-site work office, you could keep things simple by utilizing one of the many work scheduling apps available via the Apple App Store.
An iPad Air Can Make Businesses Presentations Simple
One of the keys to running a successful small business is taking steps to ensure consistent growth. But if you’re not reaching out to financial investors and partners, growing your business can be challenging.
A very effective way to entice professionals to invest in your business is to create informative and engaging business presentations. While you could make these presentations on your office desktop or laptop, using a tablet like the iPad Air might be the better choice.
Not only are iPad Air tablets compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote, but they’re also capable of broadcasting presentations wirelessly. Of course, you can also use the iPad Air’s USB-C port to create a wired connection between your tablet and a projector.
Final Thoughts
An iPad Air could be a valuable and multipurpose tool for any small business. After all, this easy-to-use device can function as a portable POS system and a scheduling tool.
An iPad Air can also help you access detailed business information, including labor percentages, expenses, and invoices. Another useful function is creating and sharing presentations, either wirelessly or via the iPad Air USB-C port.
