POS vs. gateway
Identify what each component does and what it might cost to switch.
Explore →Payment operations intelligence
Payment technology is business infrastructure.
A processor quote matters less if the solution cannot support the workflow that keeps your business operating.
Map the stack
Who controls the checkout—and the data?
Payments can involve a terminal, POS, gateway, processor, acquirer, software platform, and bank. Understand which participant handles each function.
Embedded payments
Understand how payments appear inside industry software.
Explore →Card present vs. not present
Payment methods change risk and operational requirements.
Explore →ACH vs. cards
Compare methods by experience, settlement, and exceptions.
Explore →PCI DSS basics
Understand scope and shared responsibilities.
Explore →Merchant account checklist
Ask about system ownership and portability before committing.
Explore →Ask about dependencies before swapping vendors
A restaurant POS may manage menus and tips; a service system may coordinate estimates, invoices, and field technicians; an ecommerce system may rely on subscriptions and stored credentials. These workflows can be hard to migrate without disruption.
Identify the data owner, supported integrations, token portability, settlement flow, access controls, contract terms, and exit procedures before choosing an alternative.