The Future of Point-of-Sale (POS) implementation in Asia-Pacific

The POS system, traditionally a tool for transaction processing, has evolved into a multifaceted platform integrating sales, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and analytics. In APAC, this evolution is accelerated by factors such as high smartphone penetration, government initiatives promoting cashless economies, and the rise of e-commerce.

Market Overview

Market Size and Growth

The APAC POS terminal market was valued at approximately USD 62.94 billion in 2024, accounting for 61.4% of the global market share.

Growth Drivers

Digital Wallet Adoption

In 2024, APAC became the only global region where digital wallets accounted for the majority of both POS and e-commerce transaction values.

Mobile POS (mPOS) Expansion 

The APAC mPOS market is projected to reach USD 32.12 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2024.

Cloud-Based Solutions

The global cloud POS market is expected to grow from USD 6.9 billion in 2024 to USD 8.37 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 21.3%. 

Technological Trends

• Integration with E-commerce: Retailers are adopting omnichannel strategies, integrating POS systems with online platforms to provide seamless shopping experiences.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Analytics: Advanced POS systems leverage AI for predictive analytics, helping businesses forecast demand and personalize customer interactions.
• Contactless and Mobile Payments: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless payments, with NFC-enabled POS terminals becoming standard.

Case Studies

India’s mPOS Revolution

India has witnessed a significant shift towards mPOS adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Government initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have facilitated this transition, enabling businesses to accept digital payments with minimal infrastructure.

Singapore’s Smart Retail

Singapore’s retail sector has embraced smart POS systems integrating CRM, inventory management, and analytics. For instance, local retailers utilize cloud-based POS solutions to track customer preferences and optimize inventory, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Considerations

Data Security

With increased digital transactions, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations like GDPR is paramount.

Infrastructure Disparities

While urban areas rapidly adopt advanced POS systems, rural regions may face challenges due to limited internet connectivity and digital literacy.

Cost of Implementation

For small businesses, the initial investment in advanced POS systems can be a barrier, necessitating affordable and scalable solutions.

Future Outlook

The POS landscape in APAC is poised for continued innovation, with trends such as AI integration, biometric authentication, and blockchain-based transactions on the horizon. As consumer expectations evolve, businesses must adapt by adopting flexible, secure, and customer-centric POS solutions.

Cegid’s Strategic Position in Asia-Pacific’s POS Evolution

Cegid has emerged as a pivotal player in the transformation of POS systems across Asia-Pacific, offering cloud-based solutions tailored for the dynamic retail landscape.

Cloud-Based POS Solutions

Cegid’s cloud POS offerings have been instrumental in streamlining retail operations. Their solutions provide real-time data access, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing customer experiences. The adoption of cloud POS systems in Asia-Pacific is projected to grow significantly, with the market expected to reach USD 20.67 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 25.3% from 2025.

Integration Capabilities

Cegid’s POS systems are renowned for their seamless integration with various enterprise solutions:

• ERP Systems: Ensuring synchronized operations across different business functions.
• CRM Platforms: Enhancing customer relationship management by providing a unified view of customer interactions.
• E-commerce Platforms: Facilitating omnichannel retailing by bridging online and offline sales channels.

Such integrations enable retailers to offer consistent and personalized shopping experiences, crucial in today’s competitive market.

Cegid’s Impact in real life

Shiseido’s Digital Transformation

Shiseido, a leading beauty brand, embarked on a digital transformation journey by implementing Cegid’s SaaS platform across its Asia-Pacific operations (*Source: Cegid’s website). This initiative encompassed:

• Geographical Scope: Deployment across Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• System Integration: Seamless integration with SAP for inventory management and Salesforce for CRM.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Implementation of Mobility POS in Singapore to offer a more personalized shopping experience.

This strategic move resulted in improved operational efficiency and a more cohesive customer engagement strategy.

L’Occitane’s Regional Expansion

L’Occitane, a global skincare brand, leveraged Cegid’s POS solutions to support its expansion in Asia. Starting with 35 stores in Australia, the company successfully deployed the system across 350 stores in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. This rapid rollout underscores Cegid’s capability to support large-scale, multi-country retail operations. 

Future outlook: Cegid’s vision for retail in Asia-Pacific

Cegid continues to innovate, focusing on:

• Enhanced Mobility: Developing mobile POS solutions to cater to the increasing demand for flexible retail operations.
• Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging analytics to provide retailers with actionable insights for inventory management, sales forecasting, and customer behavior analysis.
• Sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly practices within POS operations to align with global sustainability goals.

As the retail landscape in Asia-Pacific evolves, Cegid’s commitment to innovation positions it as a key enabler for retailers aiming to adapt and thrive in a digital-first world.