Finding a point-of-sale (POS) system can feel like a high-stakes decision. Businesses want a solution that meets their current needs, while also scaling with them as they grow. The fear of outgrowing a system — and the headache of having to rip and replace it later — is a common pain point.

This is where the partnership between KORONA POS and North changes the game. KORONA POS, developed by COMBASE and known for its customizable, German-engineered software, and North, a leading fintech and payments company renowned for its reliable and supportive services, have teamed up to offer a solution that eliminates this fear. Together, they provide a platform built for the long term, empowering businesses to grow with confidence.

KORONA’s unique strength lies in its API-first philosophy, a core principle born from its German engineering roots. This isn't just a technical detail; it's a fundamental business approach. The software is designed from the ground up to be adaptable and customizable, built to last. This means a small, single-location liquor store and a massive enterprise with over 4,500 locations can use the exact same core product.

How is this possible? The platform’s architecture allows for deep customization without altering the core product. As Till Freier, CEO of COMBASE USA, explains, this approach came from the need to serve enterprise clients with very specific, niche requirements without constantly modifying the standard product. This flexibility has allowed KORONA to support its customers at any scale, proving the platform’s immense power to adapt to any need.

This design also paves the way for a “headless” future. In this model, partners and developers can build a completely custom user interface (UI) on top of KORONA’s robust backend. This lets them focus on creating the perfect front-end experience for a specific vertical, like liquor stores or amusement parks, while KORONA’s platform handles all the complexities underneath — from promotions and taxes to inventory tracking and terminal integrations.

KORONA’s powerful software is only half of the equation; a reliable payment infrastructure is equally critical. This is where the partnership with North shines. North, powered by our EPX processing platform, provides a stable, dependable payment solution that minimizes downtime. For any merchant, this is everything — every minute a system is down means lost revenue and a poor customer experience.

North’s value goes beyond just payments, thanks to its POS Pros division. Many payment providers force a one-size-fits-all POS solution, a common industry pitfall. However, North’s POS Pros team acts as a dedicated resource, helping agents find the right software for each individual business type, from liquor stores to general retail. This proactive approach ensures a better fit from the start, avoiding the frustration of mismatched technology.

This partnership also ensures seamless deployments. North’s team understands the technology, providing KORONA with the correct work sheets and configurations needed for a smooth rollout. As a result, merchants get a ready-to-go terminal delivered directly to them, requiring little more than a simple unboxing and plug-in. This efficiency is a massive advantage and a testament to the strong collaboration between the two teams.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared philosophy of customer-centricity and empathetic support. As Till Freier puts it, "If we have hold times, we either don't have enough support people, or we need to fix the product." This belief demonstrates a profound commitment to product reliability and customer well-being. Both KORONA and North understand that they are a key part of their customers' success. If their systems aren't working, businesses lose money and their customers have a frustrating experience.

This shared value extends to a focus on specialization. Neither company tries to do everything. KORONA concentrates on its core strength — the POS platform — and integrates with other best-in-class solutions for capabilities like e-commerce and CRM. North, similarly, excels in card-present payments and providing a robust payment infrastructure. This focus on what they do well allows both companies to deliver a superior, more reliable experience for their clients.

The partnership between KORONA POS and North is a powerful example of how two companies, each excelling in their respective fields, can create a solution greater than the sum of its parts. By combining a flexible, API-first POS platform with a reliable, well-supported payment infrastructure, they empower businesses to not only meet their immediate needs but also to confidently pursue growth.

This is more than just a POS and payment solution. It’s a foundation for the future, built for business resilience and long-term success.