Point of sale (POS) systems have evolved from early cash registers into modern integrated software and hardware solutions. Early POS systems were simple mechanical cash registers, but the introduction of computers in the 1970s led to more advanced electronic registers. Modern POS systems combine specialized software with hardware like barcode scanners, cash drawers, receipt printers, and touchscreen devices to automate the entire sales process and management of retail businesses. POS software provides functionality for tasks like sales, returns, exchanges, payments, inventory management and customer loyalty programs. Retail businesses benefit from POS systems through features that streamline operations, online sales, marketing and accounting integration.