Understanding the Lifespan of Point of Sale (POS) Hardware
How long can you expect each piece of POS hardware to last? Let’s take a look at the average lifespans of some key devices in the POS ecosystem.
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POS Computers – 3 to 8 Years
POS systems are heavily reliant on computers. The typical lifespan of a POS computer is anywhere between 3 to 5 years. However, many businesses tend to push their computers a bit further, often stretching their lifespan to 5 to 8 years, depending on the usage and maintenance.
Common reasons to replace a POS computer are, slowness, unsupported operating system, and general unreliability.
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Credit Card Terminals – 3 Years
Credit card terminals are another essential piece of POS hardware that typically has a lifespan of around 3 years. There are several factors that will limit a credit card terminals lifespan. One is the number of chip transactions that are processed. The chip reader has contacts that wear as cards are inserted and removed. As these contacts wear you may start to see more and more “chip read” errors. The second factor is that each terminal is certified by Payment Card Industry Pin Transaction Security (PCI PTS). This certification has an expiration date. As technology evolves, older terminals may not support newer security protocols or features, meaning they can become outdated after a few years.
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Receipt Printers – Dependent on Usage
The lifespan of a receipt printer depends on how often it’s used. Receipt printers have print heads that wear down as paper continuously feeds through them. The more receipts the printer generates, the quicker these print heads will deteriorate.
In high-volume environments like a busy retail store or discount grocery, printers might need replacement every 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, in low-usage environments, they can last much longer. Proper maintenance, such as regularly cleaning the printer and the printhead can help extend the life of your printer.
The most common reason to replace a receipt printer is faded or spotty printing.
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Touch Monitors – 5 to 8 Years
These devices usually have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years. Good’s Technology Services has been selling capacitive touchscreens for the last several years. This is a mature technology that does not wear or degrade over time. Internal electronic failure or physical damage to the screen such as moisture or scratches to the screen are the most common causes of failure.
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Customer Display Monitors – 5 to 8 Years
Customer display monitors are used to show transaction information to the customer. Much like touch monitors, their lifespan typically ranges from 5 to 8 years and the most common reason of failure is internal electronic failure.
Conclusion
POS hardware plays a crucial role in the daily operations of a business, and understanding the expected lifespans of the different components can help you plan for upgrades, replacements, and maintenance. While each piece of equipment has a typical lifespan, the actual durability of your devices depends on usage, maintenance, and technological advancements. Regularly assessing your POS system and replacing or upgrading components when necessary can help you keep your business running smoothly and efficiently, while also preventing unexpected downtime and security issues.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your current hardware, please contact us.
Good’s Technology Services
717-482-5252