How to Start and End a Shift (Check In and Check Out)
Every POS session begins with a check in and ends with a check out. This process tracks who operated the register, how much cash was in the drawer, and all transactions during the shift.
Starting a Shift (Check In)
When you open the POS screen, the system automatically prompts you to check in:
- The Check In dialog appears
- Enter the opening cash amount — this is the amount of cash currently in the drawer (the starting float)
- Click Check In
- The system records:
- Who checked in (your user account)
- The date and time
- The opening cash amount
- The POS screen is now ready for sales
Manager Authorization: If your role does not have the Shift Check-In permission, a manager must authorize your check-in by entering their credentials.
During Your Shift
While your shift is active, the system tracks:
- All sales transactions
- All payments received (cash, card, check, etc.)
- All refunds issued
- All returns processed
- All safe drops performed
- All cash drawer openings
Ending a Shift (Check Out)
To close your shift:
- Go to the Action Menu (bottom-left of the POS status bar)
- Click Check Out
- The Check Out dialog appears showing:
- Expected cash — What the system calculates should be in the drawer (opening amount + cash sales − cash refunds − safe drops)
- Actual cash — Enter the actual amount you counted in the drawer
- Variance — The difference between expected and actual (should be $0.00)
- Enter the actual cash amount after counting your drawer
- Review the shift summary
- Click Check Out to close
- The system generates a Shift Report showing all activity
Cash Variance
If the actual cash does not match the expected cash:
- A positive variance means you have more cash than expected (overage)
- A negative variance means you have less cash than expected (shortage)
- Both are recorded in the shift report for management review
- Depending on your settings, the Approve Variance permission may be required for large discrepancies
Tips
- Always count your drawer carefully before checking out
- If you need to leave the register temporarily, use Logout from the Action Menu (the shift stays open)
- Multiple users can check in and out on the same machine throughout the day
- Shift reports are available in the Reports area for management review