POS more evolution than revolution

“Revolution” is a word much bandied about in retailing, often with rather more seeking after effect than accuracy. (Of course we never use it ourselves!). Particularly has it been applied to the emergence of point of sale data capture; has it in fact been as radical as originally anticipated? Recently criticisms have been made of the role of the equipment suppliers in this “failed” revolution. Allegations have been made that suppliers have given retailers too little help, that they failed to take account of the very different systems needs of a wide range of retailers, and that suppliers were expected by their American parent companies to offer products to a very different UK retail market. This article is by way of a response to those criticisms and an attempt to put the POS “revolution” in its proper perspective.