Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on point of sale systems are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Predictive Analytics has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

Despite this potential, many existing point of sale systems were not originally designed with predictive analytics in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in predictive maintenance that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Predictive Analytics can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to predictive maintenance within point of sale systems remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of predictive analytics despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around predictive analytics.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a predictive analytics-based approach to improving predictive maintenance in point of sale systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Predictive Analytics in enhancing predictive maintenance within point of sale systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying predictive analytics in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can predictive analytics be applied to improve predictive maintenance in point of sale systems?
2. How effective is Predictive Analytics at enhancing predictive maintenance within point of sale systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying predictive analytics in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in predictive analytics for their own point of sale systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied software technology / IT by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

As a study of this kind, its scope is confined to designing and evaluating a predictive analytics-based solution for point of sale systems, focused specifically on predictive maintenance; broader deployment considerations fall outside this scope.