When a manager uses a POS system, what data do they primarily track in real-time?

When a manager uses a POS (Point of Sale) system, the primary data tracked in real-time is sales transactions. POS systems are specifically designed to process sales by recording transactions as they occur, enabling the management to understand how much product is sold at any given time. This real-time tracking allows for immediate insights into sales performance, peak transaction times, and revenue generation.

By focusing on sales transactions, managers can analyze customer purchasing trends, adjust staffing levels, and make inventory decisions based on actual sales data. This capability creates a more effective response to demand and helps in maximizing operational efficiency. Although inventory levels, customer preferences, and even supplier payments might be important aspects of retail management, they are typically secondary or ancillary functions to the core purpose of a POS system, which is to facilitate and track sales transactions directly.