For UK businesses in retail and hospitality, effective stock management is key to running a smooth operation and overstocking wastes money, while understocking means missed sales.
Fortunately, EPOS systems can do much more than process payments — they can help automate and streamline your entire inventory control process.
Let’s explore how EPOS systems support stock management, reduce human error, and save valuable time.
What is EPOS Stock Management?
EPOS stock management refers to using your point of sale system to track, analyse and manage product inventory in real time, so instead of manual spreadsheets or basic till systems, a smart EPOS platform can update your stock levels automatically as items are sold.
All of this helps enable:
- Real-time visibility of inventory
- Automated low-stock alerts
- Efficient reordering
- Better demand forecasting
- Reduced wastage and shrinkage
Benefits of EPOS Inventory Systems
1. Real-time stock tracking
As sales are processed, stock levels are instantly updated which allows you to keep a close eye on bestsellers and slow-moving items without manual counting.
2. Low stock alerts and reorder automation
You can set minimum stock thresholds to trigger alerts or even automatically reorder from your suppliers when levels fall below a certain point.
3. Multi-location inventory control
If you operate across multiple locations or channels (e.g. in-store and online), a centralised EPOS system lets you manage all stock in one place.
4. Waste reduction
For hospitality businesses, ingredient-level tracking helps you reduce over-ordering, spoilage, and wastage — especially for perishable items.
5. Detailed Inventory Reports
Run reports on inventory turnover, top-selling products, seasonal trends and supplier performance. Make smarter decisions based on real data.
6. Barcode Scanning and Product Imports
Many systems let you upload product catalogues in bulk or use barcode scanners to speed up sales, returns, and audits.
How EPOS Inventory Helps Different Business Types
Business Type | How EPOS Inventory Helps |
Retail Shops | Tracks SKUs, automates reordering, manages returns |
Cafés & Coffee Shops | Tracks ingredients, forecasts demand, reduces waste |
Takeaways | Manages stock linked to online orders, integrates with delivery apps |
Restaurants | Tracks portions and ingredients, automates kitchen reordering |
Salons & Beauty | Tracks product usage, syncs with supplier restocks |
Top UK EPOS Systems with Stock Control Features (2025)
Provider | Best For | Key Stock Management Features | Starting Price |
| Retail & Hospitality | Multi-location stock, purchase orders, low stock alerts | From £59/month |
| Small to Mid-Sized Retail | Stock sync, barcode scanning, ingredient tracking | From £55/month |
| Cafés and Pop-ups | Free POS with basic stock tools, easy app integration | Free + transaction fees |
| Small Shops & Mobile Traders | Product library, low stock alerts | Free app + reader |
| Cafés and Restaurants | Ingredient-level tracking, daily reports, wastage tools | From £29/month |
| Hospitality & Pubs | Menu-level inventory, smart reordering, recipe costing | From £45/month |
What to Look for in an EPOS Inventory System
- How easy is it to use?: The interface should be easy for staff to learn and use daily.
- Cloud-based access: Manage inventory remotely from a laptop or tablet.
- Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your product range or business size.
- Supplier integration: Some EPOS systems let you order directly from suppliers.
- Custom reporting: Customise your analytics to focus on what matters most.
Common Inventory Challenges Solved by EPOS
Problem | EPOS Solution |
Stockouts during peak times | Real-time tracking + low stock alerts |
Overstocking of slow-moving items | Inventory reports + product performance insights |
Wasted ingredients in kitchens | Ingredient-level tracking + portion control |
Poor visibility of multi-site stock | Centralised dashboard with branch-specific data |
Our Final Thoughts
We think that inventory control doesn’t have to be a manual headache and with the right EPOS system, you can enjoy accurate, automated and data-driven stock management. We think that choosing an EPOS with strong inventory features will not only save you lots of time, but help cut your waste and boost your profitability.
As your business grows, having a scalable solution in place helps ensure you’re always stocked for success.
Need Help Choosing the Right EPOS System? Compare top UK providers based on pricing, inventory tools, and industry fit with our free EPOS comparison tool.
Read more about EPOS Systems here: