Target POS: Which System Do They Use? Overview, Key Features, Pros, Cons & an Alternative

If you’re wondering, “What POS system does Target use?”, the answer is a custom, enterprise-level system built to handle large-scale operations efficiently. Understanding how Target manages transactions, inventory, and customer data can help you make smarter choices for your growing retail business.

In this post, we’ll break down Target’s POS, its features, benefits, and limitations—and explore why a modern solution like KORONA POS might be a better fit for smaller operations.

What POS System Does Target Use?

Target currently uses a customized, enterprise-level POS system, designed to support thousands of transactions across hundreds of stores seamlessly. One of its most innovative components is POSSUM, Target’s open-source layer for managing hardware, such as scanners, printers, and self-checkout devices.

While it works well for large retailers, smaller stores may find the complexity and cost prohibitive. For operators exploring scalable solutions, modern POS systems offer many similar capabilities without enterprise overhead.

Overview of the Target POS System

Target’s POS architecture is modern and distributed, combining microservices with a smart hardware layer. Their system supports fixed registers, self-checkout kiosks, and handheld devices, all tied together through a central platform for inventory, pricing, and loyalty management.

The POSSUM layer sits in between — translating POS software commands into hardware actions via a standard web API. This lets Target swap or upgrade devices without rebuilding the entire checkout system.

Key Features of Target’s POS System

Target’s POS provides powerful tools for managing complex retail operations. Here are some of the most notable features:

Key Feature #1: POSSUM-Based Hardware Abstraction

POSSUM is a Java-based software system that lets Target connect all its checkout hardware—like printers, scanners, and scales—through one standardized setup. It utilizes manufacturer-provided “drivers” to enable smooth communication with various devices, eliminating the need for custom code for each one.

Key Feature #2: Inventory Management

The system tracks stock levels in real-time across all locations, reducing out-of-stock issues and overstock. Smaller retailers can find similar efficiency with retail inventory management tools built for multi-store operations.

Key Feature #3: Self-Checkout Integration

Target POS supports self-checkout kiosks that speed up transactions and reduce lines. This type of hardware integration is a key consideration for any small business POS system aiming to improve customer experience.

Key Feature #4: Multi-Store Reporting

Corporate dashboards offer detailed sales, labor, and inventory metrics across hundreds of locations. Multi-location retailers can also benefit from multi-store POS systems to efficiently monitor performance across their locations.

Key Feature #5: Loyalty & Promotions

Target’s POS system links customer accounts to loyalty programs, automatically applying discounts and rewards. Operators, whether running a convenience store, a clothing store, or a multi-location operation, can achieve comparable results with KORONA POS loyalty programs.

Key Feature #6: POS Hardware & Integration

The system connects seamlessly with various hardware, including scanners, printers, and tablets, supporting fast checkout and inventory tracking. POS hardware solutions are critical for any retailer seeking to modernize operations.

How Target’s POS System Improves Operational Efficiency

Target’s enterprise POS drives efficiency by centralizing data, automating processes, and reducing manual errors. Retailers can learn from these benefits and implement scalable solutions in their own stores.

Streamlined Checkout

Self-checkout and mobile options reduce lines and improve the shopping experience, similar to features found in the best self-checkout POS systems.

Centralized Inventory

Real-time tracking across stores prevents stockouts and overstock, an approach reflected in retail POS systems for small chains.

Enhanced Reporting

Automated dashboards allow managers to analyze sales trends, labor, and inventory with minimal manual work. The best POS systems also provide these analytics for small operators without enterprise costs.

Integrated Loyalty & Promotions

Integrated rewards programs encourage repeat purchases by making it easy for customers to earn and redeem points.

Scalable Operations

Target’s POS supports hundreds of locations, making it easy to manage inventory, sales, and staff across stores.

Pros of the Target POS System

Before looking at how Target builds its own checkout technology, here are some of the most significant advantages of the company’s POS system.

Enterprise-Level Efficiency

Target’s POS offers centralized dashboards for managing sales, inventory, and customer analytics across multiple locations. This helps large retailers maintain consistency and streamline operations.

Seamless Integration

It supports self-checkout, mobile payments, and loyalty programs, making the checkout process smoother for customers. Integration of these tools increases speed and accuracy at the register.

Reliable Hardware Support

The system works with scanners, printers, tablets, and other devices to ensure fast and accurate transactions. Reliable hardware reduces downtime and keeps staff focused on serving customers.

Cons of the Target POS System

Despite its strengths, Target’s POS system also comes with some drawbacks to consider.

High Cost

Enterprise-level setup, licensing, and maintenance can be expensive for smaller retailers. The investment may not be justifiable for single-location or mid-sized stores.

Complex Implementation

Installing and managing the system requires IT support and staff training. Smaller operations may struggle without dedicated technical resources.

Limited Flexibility

Customizations often require corporate approval, limiting local adjustments. This makes it harder for individual stores to tailor promotions or workflows.

Best Alternative to Target POS System: KORONA POS

For small- to medium-sized retailers, KORONA POS offers enterprise-level tools at an affordable cost. It provides a user-friendly interface, integrated inventory, loyalty programs, and multi-store dashboards—perfect for operators who want efficiency without complexity.

Key Features

• Multi-Store Dashboard: The system tracks sales, inventory, and employee performance across all locations from one intuitive interface.
• Inventory Management: KORONA POS automatically monitors stock, generates purchase orders, and prevents shortages with retail inventory management.
• Loyalty & Promotions: Users can launch digital rewards and offers without extra software, driving repeat business effortlessly.

Pricing

Where KORONA POS Shines

• Scalability: Users can manage multiple locations from one dashboard
• User-Friendly Interface: KORONA offers staff onboarding and requires minimal training
• Integrated Loyalty & Promotions: Retailers can drive repeat business without having to purchase additional software

Where KORONA POS Falls Short

• Enterprise Customization: KORONA POS is flexible for massive retailers than large legacy systems
• Hardware Options: Some of the hardware options are less rugged than specialized enterprise terminals
• International Compliance: KORONA POS may require add-ons for multi-country setups

Customer Reviews

Users on G2 and Capterra praise KORONA POS for simplicity, fast setup, and excellent support: “We had our second location live in under a month,” reports one reviewer.

Who KORONA POS is Best For

KORONA POS is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of retailers, offering scalable and user-friendly solutions that help businesses run smoothly and grow efficiently. Here are the system’s best-suited users:

Growing Chains

Retailers expanding to multiple locations can access enterprise-style tools without the high costs of traditional legacy systems. KORONA POS provides scalable solutions that grow with your business.

Multi-Site Operators

Operators managing several locations benefit from centralized dashboards that track inventory, sales, and staff across all stores. This ensures consistent operations and easier oversight.

Owners Prioritizing Efficiency

KORONA POS simplifies onboarding, streamlines workflows, and automates routine processes. Owners can save time, reduce errors, and focus more on growing their business.

Simplify Retail Management With an All-in-One POS System

Small- to medium-sized retailers can achieve the efficiency of large chains without the complexity. KORONA POS combines inventory control, loyalty programs, and multi-store dashboards in one user-friendly platform, making it easy to scale operations smartly. Start your free trial today and simplify retail management.