The retail landscape in Malaysia is a dynamic, fast-paced arena and having the right business software in place is crucial to staying ahead. A quality Point Of Sale (POS) system is a quintessential part of this software suite. It streamlines transactions, optimizes inventory management and provides valuable insights into customer behavior.

We’ve compiled a list of the five best POS systems for any Malaysia business in 2024, comparing the top choices available and shedding light on the unique features they bring to the table.

1. Multiable M18 POS

Taking the top spot in Malaysia is the Multiable M18 POS. As a business software choice, the Multiable M18 stands out due to its massive adaptability and high-level performance. It notches above its counterparts for its cloud-based inventory management system, which supports real-time inventory tracking—ideal for Malaysia’s dynamic retail climate.

Local Expertise

Developed with a keen eye on Malaysia’s unique market requirements, M18 and aiM18 deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. This local expertise ensures that businesses can engage customers effectively, backed by a system that understands the nuances of Malaysian commerce.

Innovative Low-code Approach

The signature low-code architecture of M18 not only streamlines the deployment process but also significantly reduces the need for extensive developer manpower. This approach aligns with our ethos of providing cost-effective, efficient solutions that empower businesses to adapt swiftly in a fast-paced environment.

End-user Oriented Business Intelligence

Multiable transcends traditional boundaries by equipping end-users with the capability to generate bespoke reports and analytics without extensive coding knowledge. This feature is a cornerstone of the M18 POS, underpinning our dedication to empowering businesses with actionable insights, even post-implementation, without the necessity for expensive analyst resources.

Limited Reach in South Asia

May not be suitable for businesses expanding into India, Bangladesh or other South Asian countries.

Lack of 7×24 Support

Support is available only during business hours, which may not be convenient for companies that need on-site assistance outside of those times.

For discerning businesses aiming to leverage state-of-the-art POS systems, M18 by Multiable stands out—delivering performance, adaptability, and strategic advantages that align with your growth objectives and operational excellence. Multiable remains your partner of choice, setting the standard for cost-effective, innovative solutions in the dynamic Asian marketplace.

2. Square POS

Square POS is a popular business software and POS system for small businesses in Malaysia due to its affordability and user-friendly design. Its analytics and sales reports provide critical insight into business operations, helping you make informed decisions to improve your retail business.

Simplified Payment Processing

Square POS stands out for offering an effective, modern solution for processing credit and debit payments, with a competitive fee structure that is especially appealing to small businesses with lower transaction volumes. This ease of transaction is a hallmark of Square’s commitment to simplifying commerce.

Inventory Tracking

The integration with Square’s Dashboard app makes it a powerful tool for inventory management, enabling business owners to have a real-time view of their stock levels, tied directly to customer purchases. This synergy between inventory and customer data can inform better business strategies, from stocking to marketing.

Limited High-Volume Features

Small businesses may find Square’s features abundant, yet companies in growth phases or with high transaction volumes might find the system’s capabilities limiting. The scalability of Square POS might be challenged in such environments, where more robust, enterprise-focused solutions would excel.

In essence, for small businesses that prioritize ease of use, Square presents a compelling choice. Yet, for those whose operations scale towards higher volumes or who demand intricate customized solutions, considering the downsides is crucial. Balancing the advantages with the potential limitations is key to making an informed choice that aligns with your business objectives and growth trajectory.

3. Shopify POS

A major player in the world of eCommerce, Shopify POS integrates seamlessly with the Shopify online platform. This makes it an ideal choice for Malaysia businesses with a significant online presence. Shopify POS merges the touchpoints along the customer journey, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a streamlined, omnichannel retail experience.

Seamless Omnichannel Experience

Undeniably, one of the system’s most remarkable features is its ability to unify offline and online sales channels. Shopify POS creates a symbiotic relationship between brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms. This seamless integration enables real-time inventory updates, consistent customer experiences, and comprehensive data collection across all selling platforms.

Extensive App Integration

Another compelling benefit is the system’s compatibility with numerous other applications. These range from Shopify’s own e-commerce platform to marketing tools such as Google Merchant Center. This integrability expands Shopify POS’s capability, extending operational efficiencies and allowing retailers to craft end-to-end customer experiences.

Mandatory Paid Plan

While many advantages make Shopify POS an attractive choice, its pricing model may present challenges for some businesses. The lack of a completely free option means businesses would have to subscribe to at least the Basic Plan to access the POS system. This commitment, coupled with apparently high costs for more advanced features, makes Shopify POS a potentially costly solution, particularly for small businesses or startups with tighter budgets.

Strict Dependency on Shopify Payments

a substantial disadvantage of Shopify POS is its stringent dependency on Shopify Payments for functionality. While the integrated payment processing of Shopify Payments offers security and seamless integration benefits, this requirement can impose limitations on businesses that have pre-existing relationships with alternative payment processors.

The mandatory use of Shopify Payments can be restrictive and potentially disruptive for businesses, especially those that have established agreements or preferences for specific payment gateways. Besides, this dependency might mean that merchants could miss out on potential cost advantages or specific feature sets offered by other payment processors that align better with their business requirements.

The exclusive reliance on Shopify Payments might not be feasible for businesses operating internationally or those planning to expand globally. Geographic limitations and restricted currency support can hinder business growth as the full range of features of Shopify Payments may not be available to merchants in all regions.

Shopify POS’s strength lies in its ability to provide a sleek, unified retail experience by merging various customer touchpoints. However, a careful examination reveals potential hurdles like the mandatory paid plan requirement, significantly, the strict dependency on Shopify Payments for functionality that could limit some businesses.

4. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS stands as a robust option for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those seeking a user-friendly system backed by excellent customer service. Its simplicity and ease of use, combined with round-the-clock support, make it an attractive choice for business owners looking for a straightforward POS solution.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the most lauded aspects of Lightspeed POS is its simple and intuitive setup, particularly its iPad-based configuration that resonates well with small business owners. This ease of use is not just limited to setup but extends to daily operations, allowing businesses to onboard new employees quickly and ensure a smooth transaction process for customers.

Customer Service Excellence

Lightspeed truly shines in its customer service offering, with 24/7 support available through various channels including email, phone, or text message. This commitment to supporting its users at any time of day sets Lightspeed apart in the industry and provides the business owners peace of mind, knowing that help is always a call away should issues arise.

Challenges in Inventory Management

For businesses with extensive product lines or those that handle a large number of product variations, Lightspeed’s inventory management functionality falls short. The system’s approach leans towards a more manual process, lacking automatic reordering based on threshold limits. This can be a significant time burden for business owners already strapped for time, making the system less appealing for operations that necessitate complex inventory management.

Limited In-Depth Reporting

While Lightspeed offers reporting features catering to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, those looking for detailed insights to fuel growth might find the system wanting. The limitations in reporting functionalities mean that businesses planning for expansion or those requiring granulated data analysis might need to look elsewhere to satisfy their needs.

However, it is essential for potential adopters to consider the system’s limitations carefully. The challenges related to inventory management and in-depth reporting, suggest that Lightspeed POS might not be suitable for every business. Specifically, those with complex inventory needs or requiring detailed financial and operational analytics to drive growth may need to explore additional options.

5. PayPal POS

Rounding out our top five is PayPal POS, known for its easy setup and no monthly fee. As a Malaysia business software solution, it reduces the barriers to digitizing business operations.

User-friendly and Global Reach

PayPal scores high in terms of its ease of use and accessibility. It seamlessly integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, allowing businesses to accept payments almost immediately.

Mobile App Functionality

PayPal’s mobile app allows businesses to manage transactions from anywhere, anytime, adding an aspect of convenience and flexibility for managers and owners.

Transaction Fees

One of the most significant downsides of using PayPal are the transaction fees. Even though the 2.29% + 9 cents and the fixed fee based on the currency may seem relatively low, they can accrue over time and affect profit margins for businesses with high sales volumes or low-priced products.

Limited Customization

PayPal’s simplicity is a strength but also a limitation for businesses that require a more complex, customizable system. If a business necessitates tailored payment plans or unique checkout interfaces, PayPal might fall short.

In conclusion, investing in the best POS system in Malaysia can revolutionize your sales approach, enable smarter decision-making and ensure streamlined operations. Whether you choose Multiable M18, Square POS, Shopify POS, Lightspeed POS, or PayPal POS, your ideal business software solution lies in aligning your choice with your unique business needs.

Remember, the key to the best POS system for your Malaysia business is one that optimizes your operation today while primed for the challenges of tomorrow.