Revel Systems POS system turns iPad into cash register

After a limited test, Revel Systems has released a point of sale (POS) system that operates on Apple iPads or iPhones, turning them into cash registers. The company has tapped the Best Buy Geek Squad as its professional services partner for the launch, meaning that small businesses can turn to those technicians to help get them up and running.

The system, called Atlas, can be configured with a receipt printer, cash drawer and kiosk stand. The solution doesn't require a back-office server, as it runs against a cloud service offered by Revel Systems. It was designed with both SMBs and enterprise customers in mind.

I'll list some of the core features of the POS solution in a moment, but one of the biggest things you should know about Atlas is that it comes with an application programming interface that allows companies to integrate outside applications and systems. For example, Atlas can be teamed up with mobile payment systems from Square and PayPal.

Working with LevelUp, creator of a QR-code based payment system, the Revel Systems solution charges 2 percent per swipe for major credit cards. The solution also integrates with Perkville, which is one of the POS-based customer loyalty program applications.

Other core features of the PCI-compliant system include:

• A purchasing systems that alerts you when inventory
• A time clock that tracks who is using the system, and when
• An offline mode, which means the POS system can keep working even when there is an Internet disruption
• Digital menu board support, which can be used to change menu displays
• Kiosk support, for allowing customers to use the system without an attendant

Revel Systems charges several different prices, depending on whether the POS system is intended for a retailer, quick service operation or table service restaurant. For example, it costs $1,000 for a retail edition that works on one iPad in one location. There is a cloud fee of $100 per month.