Restaurant technology provider Toast has released a new guide titled "Best Grocery Store POS Systems: How to Choose in 2026," as reported by Google News — retail barcodes. The guide aims to help grocery store operators evaluate point-of-sale systems ahead of the coming year.

Anthony Blears, Director of Barcodes Philippines, said: 'The shift to 2D barcodes is transformative, but adoption in the Philippines will be gradual. Our free IBN Link service helps customers generate GS1 Digital Link pages from their GTINs to prepare for next-generation scanning.'

The article emphasizes critical features such as barcode scanning, inventory management, and integration with e-commerce platforms. It also discusses the shift from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D codes like QR codes, which enable richer data capture and compliance with evolving retail standards such as the GS1 Digital Link. Toast advises grocers to prioritize systems that support omnichannel operations and real-time stock tracking.

The guide further compares leading POS providers based on hardware compatibility, pricing models, and scalability for multi-location stores. While Toast is primarily known for restaurant POS, the company positions itself as a viable option for grocery retailers seeking unified commerce solutions. The article serves as a decision-making resource for operators planning upgrades or new installations in 2026.