Erply POS: At a Glance

  • Extensive Integration Capabilities: Erply provides connections with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce (Magento) and NetSuite, streamlining operations and expanding reach.
  • Advanced Inventory Management: Its specialized inventory software offers real-time product tracking, product availability and management of online orders, showcasing its strength in inventory control.
  • No. 7 on Our Best-Of List: Erply secures a noteworthy position at number seven in our list of best POS systems for small business, specifically recognized for its prowess in inventory management.

Pros

Erply offers businesses a chance to fully immerse themselves into its platform with a 60-day free trial. This extensive trial period allows retailers ample time to explore and understand the system’s features, making sure it’s the right fit for their operations. Advanced Inventory Management gives retailers real-time insights into product tracking and readiness. The addition of a built-in self-checkout POS system means customers can expedite their purchase process, a feature that’s growing in demand as consumers increasingly seek out efficient shopping experiences.

While online tools are vital in today’s retail environment, Erply understands the importance of uninterrupted service. Its off-line capability ensures that transactions can continue smoothly even if internet connectivity is lost. An added touch of customer-centricity is evident in Erply’s layaway feature, allowing customers to reserve and gradually pay for their chosen products, catering to diverse financial preferences and promoting sales.

Cons

The depth and breadth of Erply’s features, while being its strength, can also pose challenges, especially for newcomers to the system. Given the multitude of tools available, there’s a potential learning curve as users familiarize themselves with all the functionalities. Cloud-based solutions, despite their modern appeal and convenience, do come with a set of concerns. Erply’s dependency on cloud connectivity might raise eyebrows among businesses that prioritize data security or those that have reservations about cloud reliability.

Another aspect to consider is that while Erply is extensive in its offerings, maximizing its potential might sometimes necessitate third-party integrations. This could mean that businesses might have to invest additional time and resources to bring other platforms into the mix to ensure seamless operations.


How Erply POS Works

Erply’s POS system operates on a cloud-based platform, granting businesses the flexibility to conduct transactions from a plethora of devices, from mobile phones to traditional desktops. As sales transactions are executed, data synchronizes in real time with the central Erply account, updating both inventory and sales records instantly.

Initiating and processing a transaction is direct and uncomplicated. Sales associates can swiftly add products to the cart, apply relevant discounts or promotions and process payments. If a transaction requires pausing, the “Save a Sale” feature allows it to be temporarily stored and later accessed from any location or device. This adaptability extends to inventory management as well. With a quick query in the POS, product details, stock levels and pricing become immediately available to employees, facilitating prompt and informed responses to customer inquiries.

Integrated financial tools assist businesses in closely monitoring their cash flows. Every cash movement in or out of the register is meticulously recorded, ensuring businesses can maintain accurate financial oversight and quickly pinpoint any financial irregularities.


Erply POS Core Features

Erply POS offers a suite of features that streamline operations and enhance the overall customer experience. Here are some of its core functionalities:

  • Cloud-Based Platform: Erply’s POS operates in the cloud, ensuring accessibility from various devices. Whether on desktops, tablets or mobile phones, retailers can manage transactions and access real-time data updates.
  • Real-Time Data Synchronization: As transactions occur, Erply immediately updates all associated records. This feature guarantees uniformity across devices and offers up-to-the-minute inventory and sales details.
  • “Save a Sale” Functionality: Retail transactions don’t always conclude immediately. Erply provides the ability to temporarily store a sale, permitting completion at a later time or from a different location.
  • Inventory Management: Quick and efficient stock checks are pivotal. With Erply, product details, availability and pricing are a mere search away, allowing staff to address customer queries promptly.
  • Integrated Layaway Feature: Recognizing diverse consumer financial capabilities, Erply’s layaway option permits reservation of items with payment flexibility. The system effortlessly adjusts inventory levels and tracks layaway payments.
  • Financial Oversight Tools: Erply prioritizes financial accuracy. Each cash movement, be it addition or removal, is recorded meticulously, providing businesses with clear financial oversight and facilitating quick identification of discrepancies.
  • Employee Timeclock: Efficiently manage and track employee hours with Erply’s digital timeclock. This feature replaces outdated paper systems, creating permanent, accessible records and minimizing manual errors.
  • In-Store Pickup Orders: Bridge the gap between online shopping and physical stores. Erply lets customers order online and pick up in-store, driving in-store traffic and potentially boosting impulse purchases.
  • Recent Sales Lookup: Build strong customer relations by accessing recent transaction details. Whether reissuing a receipt or verifying a recent purchase, Erply ensures previous transaction data is within reach.
  • Cash In/Out Tracking: Cash management is simplified with Erply’s tracking feature. Every cash transaction is recorded, fostering accuracy and providing detailed financial insights.

What Sets Erply POS Apart

In a market flooded with generic POS systems, Erply POS distinguishes itself through its deep commitment to versatility and operational adaptability. While many systems offer cloud accessibility, Erply’s platform excels in its consistent performance across a variety of devices and physical locations, ensuring retailers can serve customers without hitches or glitches. The real-time synchronization isn’t just about speed; it’s about the accuracy it brings to inventory and sales data, a feature many competitors often struggle with.

While most systems provide inventory details, Erply goes a step further, integrating customer-focused features such as layaways and in-store pickups, acknowledging the modern shopper’s need for flexibility. Its advanced financial tracking tools and employee management features are designed not just for the sake of technology but to bring tangible operational efficiency and transparency to businesses, setting Erply apart from run-of-the-mill POS systems.


Erply POS Pricing and Plans

  Point of Sale Inventory for E-Commerce Inventory + Retail POS Franchise + Chain
Monthly Price (if Billed Annually)
Free
$39
$69
Custom
User Accounts
One
Two
Two
Custom
Inventory Management
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Gift Cards
No
No
Yes
Yes
Promotions and Coupons
No
No
Yes
Yes


Erply POS Setup

  • Cloud Account Creation: Begin by setting up an Erply account online, ensuring you have a central location for all your business data.
  • Product Importation: Upload your product listings. Erply allows for mass data imports, which means you can quickly populate your POS system with all the items you’ll be selling.
  • Hardware Integration: Connect your chosen hardware—be it tablets, mobile devices or traditional POS setups—to the system. Erply is compatible with a variety of hardware options, accommodating diverse business needs.
  • Payment Configuration: Set up your preferred payment methods. Erply supports multiple payment options, from credit cards to EMV payments, and even integrates with popular third-party payment systems.
  • Employee Access: Assign unique logins or PINs for your staff. This step ensures that every transaction can be traced to a specific employee, aiding in accountability and potential troubleshooting.
  • Finalize Settings: Review and configure additional settings such as tax rates, discounts, promotions and loyalty programs to personalize the system according to your business’s specific requirements.

Erply POS Ease of Use

Erply POS’s design prioritizes a logical flow of operations, making daily tasks, such as inventory checks and transaction processing, direct and manageable. This emphasis on clarity and functionality ensures that businesses can focus on serving customers rather than navigating software complexities.


Erply POS Security

Erply POS prioritizes data protection with a heavy investment in diverse safety measures. Key features include 24/7 human-monitored data systems, region-specific high-security data centers, encrypted data transfers and real-time backups in dual locations. Physical equipment undergoes regular renewals, and data protection insurance is available for larger clients.


Erply POS Customer Service and Support

Support is available in eight countries, and Erply also has a wiki with documentation, FAQs and release notes. We had to hunt in its wiki to find support hours of 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, with no specification of whether it’s daily or only Monday through Friday. When attempting to speak with its “live chat” on a Sunday, it said support was online, but we received no response.


The Fine Print

While Erply does integrate with known payment systems such as Shift4, Cayan, Adyen and PAX, potential additional fees or agreements with these third-party payment providers might be necessary. It’s essential to review the terms with your chosen processor before committing fully to Erply’s platform.


Erply POS Alternatives and How They Compare

  Erply POS Square Shopify POS Clover
Integrations
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Contactless Payment
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Invoicing
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Monthly Fee Starts At
Free; $39
Free
$14.95
$14.95
Learn More
Read Reviews

Erply POS vs. Square

Both Erply POS and Square provide a broad spectrum of integrations, contactless payment and invoicing. While both have free starting options, Erply’s paid plans begin at $39 per month, and Square remains free with transaction-based fees. Square is well-suited for small businesses with straightforward needs, whereas Erply provides more specialized inventory management features.

Erply POS vs. Shopify POS

Erply and Shopify POS offer similar basic features. Erply’s monthly fee starts at $39 (with a free option available), while Shopify POS begins at $5. Shopify POS, as a branch of Shopify, leans heavily into e-commerce integrations, making it a go-to for businesses with strong online sales. Erply, on the other hand, emphasizes intricate inventory management.

Erply POS vs. Clover

Clover and Erply both cater to businesses seeking an integrated POS solution. Clover’s starting monthly price is slightly higher at $14.95 compared to Erply’s $39 plan (after its free tier). While Erply shines with its advanced inventory features, Clover offers a more diverse range of hardware options and a slightly more intuitive interface for newcomers.


Who Is Erply POS Best For?

  • Retail Chains and Franchises: Erply’s advanced inventory management tools and multi-location compatibility make it apt for businesses operating across multiple sites.
  • E-Commerce Businesses: With integrations for platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce (Magento), Erply assists online businesses in maintaining inventory accuracy.
  • Brick-and-Mortar Stores: The POS system, especially with its off-line capability, ensures that physical stores can process transactions even in the absence of an internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Erply POS work off-line?

Yes, Erply POS has been designed to operate both online and off-line. This ensures that businesses can continue processing transactions even if their internet connection is temporarily interrupted.

How does Erply handle data security?

Erply places a strong emphasis on data security. It employs 24/7 human-monitored data systems, uses region-specific high-security data centers and ensures all data transfers are encrypted. Additionally, large retail enterprises can sign agreements for more control over data handling across different locations.

Are there additional fees for third-party payment integrations with Erply POS?

While Erply POS integrates with third-party payment processors such as Shift4, Cayan and Adyen, businesses should consult with these individual payment providers to understand any associated fees or costs for their services.