The way we pay has always reflected the technology of the time. In 1879, the first mechanical cash register solved a simple but pressing problem: keeping accurate records and deterring theft. Its clanging bell and printed receipt became symbols of trust between merchants and customers.
Let’s explore how the POS system has changed over the years
By the late 20th century, electronic cash registers and barcode scanners had taken over, combining speed, accuracy, and inventory tracking. Point-of-sale (POS) systems brought hardware and software together, enabling retailers to process payments and manage operations more efficiently than ever before.
The 2000s introduced a new era: touchscreens. Lightweight, intuitive interfaces replaced physical buttons, and mobile POS systems freed transactions from the counter entirely. Contactless payments soon followed, making checkout nearly invisible.
“Every leap in payment technology has been about removing friction,” says Alex Guseff, CEO of Tectum. “From mechanical registers to mobile wallets, each step brought us closer to instant, effortless transactions – but never quite all the way.”
Yet, for all this progress, traditional payment systems still rely on intermediaries, transaction fees, and settlement delays. The next leap forward will not be defined by hardware — but by eliminating these frictions altogether.
Blockchain technology offers exactly that. Tectum’s SoftNote combines instant settlement, zero fees, and global accessibility, representing the logical next chapter in the history of payments.
“SoftNote is not just another payment app,” Guseff explains. “It’s the missing link – the bridge between the speed and convenience people expect, and the security and freedom blockchain can deliver.”
From the mechanical ding to the silent confirmation of a blockchain transaction, the evolution continues – and its future is already here.
