Integrated Card Machines and EPOS
Linking tills to terminals cuts mis-keying and speeds reconciliation — but integration style changes PCI scope, project risk and who you call when an update breaks tipping. This guide separates semi-integrated from fully integrated setups for UK SMEs.
Next step: Compare acquiring options that certify with your EPOS. Contact us with your software name and version for a tighter shortlist.
Semi-integrated — amount pushed, card data stays in the terminal
The EPOS sends the amount and reference; the PIN pad handles PAN entry and encryption. The till never sees raw card numbers, which usually simplifies PCI-DSS. Trade-off: you depend on vendor-certified middleware or cloud handshakes — test refunds and voids in staging before go-live.
Fully integrated — single workflow, higher coupling
Deeper integration can mean shared receipts, tab management and automatic line-item data for chargeback evidence. It also means EPOS upgrades and acquirer certifications must stay in lockstep. Ask your vendor for a written supported combinations matrix (EPOS build × terminal firmware × payment app).
Reconciliation and reporting
Integrated stacks should produce one daily settlement file that maps to your ledger. If online and in-store use different MIDs, decide whether finance wants consolidated reporting — see one provider vs two.
Failure modes
When broadband drops, integrated lanes may stall together. Keep a failover playbook and know how to fall back to standalone mode if your stack supports it.
Related guides
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