A new study from Juniper Research has found that smartphone and tablet-based mobile point-of sale (mPOS) terminals will take on a significant role in businesses, handling 40% of all retail-transaction value by 2021, up from an expected 12% in 2016.

Juniper forecasts that the use of mPOS systems will account for more than one in three POS terminals by 2021, driven by larger retailers adopting mPOS as part of an array of point-of-sale options.

The new research, “Worldwide mPOS Markets: Devices, Technologies & Growth Opportunities 2016-2021”, found that mPOS will enable retailers to reduce queues and develop more targeted and situational campaigns, as well as offering automatic ordering systems in restaurants.

“We are seeing several vendors tailor their software to the needs of specific industries, integrating mPOS capabilities as part of broader cloud-based business software,” says research author James Moar. “These additional services can use sales data directly to manage inventory, monitor staff performance and other functions, which can all add more value to a business and justify a higher margin.”

The research has also found that mPOS is playing a key role in enabling smaller merchants in emerging markets, particularly across India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, to accept card payments and grow their businesses.

“Many of these vendors offer low transaction charges, and we believe this trend will continue, establishing market share, brand familiarity and stickiness. This gives incumbents a slight advantage over new entrants, but over time the market will tend towards lower and lower rates, driving out those who either cannot offer tailored services or cannot afford to operate at the cut-throat margins general payment processing will require,” he says.