Introduced in 1991, the 4694 became a flagship model for the company's SurePOS system.

The system consists of a PC-based controller, and PC-based POS Terminals—typically an IBM keyboard and monitor, or touch screen.

The system requires the IBM 4694 computer which is used as a "Controller", or also more or less, as a server on the network.

The controller can be set up to boot from a floppy disk, or from a main server on a network.

The 4694 was a best-selling POS System, widely used in most large chain stores such as supermarkets, department stores and restaurants.