Enhancing Retail Operations Through Remote Management of POS Terminals

Abstract

As retail technology continues to advance rapidly, the efficient and secure management of point-of-sale (POS) systems becomes essential for seamless business operations. This study introduces an innovative management system specifically designed for POS terminals, supporting remote setup, control, and management of software parameters across diverse terminal environments. Utilizing a Virtual Device Identifier (VDI), the system enables the association and initialization of POS terminals without physical intervention, adapting to various operational scenarios with ease. Furthermore, this study details the system architecture, including the Terminal Manager (T-Man) software, which acts as a bridge between physical hardware and payment applications, thereby eliminating the need for complex integration protocols. The study also covers remote parameter management, activation procedures, and the handling of application-specific parameters, emphasizing the system's capability to maintain operational continuity and security through modular updates and comprehensive version control. By streamlining these processes, the system significantly reduces operational disruptions, enhances the security posture of terminal management, and paves the way for more resilient and scalable POS systems. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.