mPOS & SoftPOS: Integrating Tap-to-Pay Across the Store Network

With mPOS, SoftPOS, and Tap-to-Pay journeys, retailers are now equipped to transform payment acceptance into a true performance driver. This evolution is redefining unified payment management and creating seamless customer journeys across the entire network.

This article provides an operational guide to understanding these technologies, comparing their benefits, and integrating them effectively into a unified retail environment.

mPOS vs. SoftPOS: When to Choose One, the Other… or Both?

mPOS solutions rely on a smartphone or tablet paired with a secure payment terminal. This model is ideal for retailers who require the ability to accept all payment methods / options.

SoftPOS, conversely, directly transforms an NFC-compatible mobile device into a contactless terminal. It is the go-to choice when rapid deployment and mobile payment capabilities are top priorities. SoftPOS streamlines operations and paves the way for Tap-to-Pay adoption.

For most networks, the optimal strategy involves a hybrid approach. mPOS ensures full compatibility with all payment methods / options and handles complex sales scenarios. Meanwhile, SoftPOS is perfect for absorbing traffic peaks, significantly expanding in-store mobility, and reducing total cost of ownership.

Integration Architecture

Integrating a mobile POS solution hinges on the communication between the POS software and the payment module. Two primary approaches exist:

• App-to-app integration launches the payment application directly from the POS interface via a secure URL. It is quick to deploy and minimally intrusive to the existing architecture.
• SDK integration runs deeper, offering extensive control over data flows, logs, and the user experience. It optimizes performance and reliability in high-intensity retail environments.

The payment gateway centralizes transaction management, tokenization, authorization rules, and compatibility with EMV schemes. When combined with Single Sign-On (SSO), authentication becomes seamless for store teams. Furthermore, Mobile Device Management (MDM) ensures that all devices remain compliant and secure.

In an mPOS model, peripherals complete the architecture: card readers, charging docks, and portable printers. Conversely, the SoftPOS model limits hardware constraints to the NFC-compatible mobile terminal.

Security & Compliance

Mobile POS security is grounded in strict adherence to PCI standards. SoftPOS architectures are built on CPoC and CPoC+PIN frameworks, which outline the technical requirements for accepting payments on commercial off-the-shelf devices. Conversely, mPOS solutions rely on PCI PTS certified hardware.

Compliance with EMV schemes dictates how transactions are protected. Data flows must adhere to EMV mechanisms for cryptogram generation, online authorization rules, and tokenization processes. Additionally, OS attestations certify the integrity of the operating system and ensure the device has not been compromised.

To learn more: Orisha Commerce strengthens its collaboration with Decathlon through the deployment of the Orisha Commerce mobile POS solution.

PIN on COTS & Operational Limits

Accepting a PIN on a commercial device (PIN on COTS) expands SoftPOS capabilities by enabling the processing of payments that exceed standard contactless limits. This model is based on enhanced security requirements defined by PCI CPoC+PIN, allowing the terminal to perform transactions requiring strong authentication.

Despite these advances, certain limitations remain. Transaction limits authorized by banks and EMV schemes can vary by country and card type. Furthermore, scenarios involving PIN entry on a touchscreen must meet specific constraints regarding brightness, readability, and screen resistance.

Not all smartphones are eligible for PIN on COTS; lists of certified devices are updated gradually. For many retailers, this necessitates a hybrid approach: using SoftPOS for quick, contactless transactions, and an mPOS equipped with a certified reader for payments that require PIN entry.

Offline Mode & Recovery

Offline mode allows for the temporary acceptance of payments without network connectivity. Strict rules govern amounts, the number of consecutive transactions, and the types of allowed cards. However, this operation exposes the retailer to a risk of rejection during subsequent synchronization. Therefore, the payment engine must include guardrails, such as dynamic threshold control, anomaly detection, or the automatic deactivation of offline mode in the event of suspicious behavior.

As soon as the connection is restored, pending transactions must be uploaded to the gateway. For a store network, centralized monitoring prevents financial losses and allows for the continuous adjustment of authorization policies.

Device & Network Prerequisites

Devices must be listed on the certified models register provided by the SoftPOS vendor or CPoC/CPoC+PIN programs to guarantee compliance. Furthermore, hardware used in-store must be rugged enough to withstand drops, handling, and frequent charging cycles.

Wi-Fi infrastructure must be scaled to handle load peaks with low latency. A LAN fallback is often essential to maintain payment continuity. Finally, the use of an MDM (Mobile Device Management) application is critical for ensuring centralized control and security.

To learn more: 3 reasons why a mobile POS system increases sales

Use Cases

During peak traffic, queue-busting strategies reduce wait times by rapidly deploying mobile checkout points. Sales associates can finalize a purchase directly in the aisle or guide a customer through a hybrid self-service journey.

In pop-up stores, temporary corners, or shop-in-shop configurations, the lightweight nature of SoftPOS eliminates the need for hardware installation, allowing staff to operate autonomously. Click & Collect also benefits from this approach: sales associates can scan items, hand over the order, and accept payment for any additional purchases on the spot.

Finally, events (private sales, fashion shows, animations, product launches) represent ideal terrain for mobile-first solutions capable of absorbing fluctuating transaction volumes.

KPIs & Monitoring

Managing an mPOS or SoftPOS deployment relies on tracking specific KPIs:

• Time Per Service (TPS): Measures the time required to finalize a transaction, from payment request to authorization.
• Mobile Payment Share: Measures actual adoption by sales teams by tracking the percentage of transactions processed on mobile terminals.
• Checkout Wait Time Reduction: Acts as a direct lever for customer satisfaction and conversion rate optimization. Tracking wait times helps quantify the benefits of in-aisle payments.
• Payment Acceptance Rate: Reflects the system’s ability to correctly process authorizations.

TCO & Deployment

SoftPOS lowers initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) by eliminating the need for specialized terminals. mPOS, while requiring dedicated hardware, offers maximum compatibility with all payment methods / options.

In an mPOS strategy, charging stations, holsters, and portable printers represent additional costs. With SoftPOS, hardware costs are primarily focused on refreshing smartphones or tablets, battery management, and OS hardening policies.

Successful deployment depends heavily on sales associate training. While the simplicity of SoftPOS facilitates adoption, teams must still master authorization rules. For mPOS, the use of additional hardware requires a more structured learning curve.

Mobile Terminal vs. mPOS vs. SoftPOS

60–90 Day Blueprint

The first phase involves launching a multi-store pilot that is representative of the network’s diversity:

• High-traffic points of sale;
• Smaller stores;
• Environments with connectivity or space constraints.
  The objective is to validate device compatibility, network stability, gateway performance, and team adoption.

The second phase focuses on industrialization:

• Standardization of the mobile fleet;
• Stabilization of network configuration;
• OS hardening;
• Formalization of the sales associate journey;
• Implementation of centralized monitoring.

By blending mPOS and SoftPOS technologies, retailers can reduce operating costs while increasing operational fluidity. However, the true value lies in the quality of the integration and the ability to deploy these use cases at scale.

Networks that structure this transition effectively strengthen their commercial performance and enhance the in-store experience. Payment acceptance becomes simpler, more mobile, and truly omnichannel.