How a POS System Improves Restaurant Operations

Managing a restaurant is very tough, especially in the times we’re in. That’s why an updated restaurant point of sale system is so important to the smooth running of your restaurant operations.

Having an amazing experience with the food, service, and environment is what diners expect when they dine at your restaurant. A good point of sale system can help with everything from organization and efficiency with your staff to the excellent preparation of food.

A good point of sale system should do all the heavy lifting when it comes to daily tasks and allow you to focus on the service and experience you’re providing to your customers.

In this post, we’ll go over what a restaurant POS system is, POS features, and how it can help improve your restaurant operations.

What is a Restaurant POS System and how is it different from a cash register?

The point of sale is the time and place where a retail transaction is finalized, also known as POS. At the point of sale, the merchant determines the amount owed by the customer and indicates the options for the customer to make a payment.

These systems include the hardware and software that manage sales transactions like credit card processing, receipts, inventory management, and more.

Payments with credit or debit cards, ApplePay, and others should all be taken with the POS and the system should quickly and securely process the transaction.

A good restaurant POS will better streamline your operations and improve your staff communications, as well as track data related to sales, inventory, resources, and more.

The end result of seeing up an updated POS is greater profits, revenue, management, and improved customer service.

Components of a Restaurant POS system

When it comes to the hardware of a POS system, it should be able to take a beating and be resistant to easy wear and tear from rough handling by many people.

The POS terminal, sometimes referred to as a touch screen register, is the main heart of the system and where the transactions are entered in. From the terminal, sales are entered, orders are sent directly to staff members, bills and tips are received, and tables and staff are managed.

One new trend we’ve seen for restaurants (mostly on the fast food side) is kiosks that allow customers to place their own orders. Research from the National Restaurant Association shows that 42% of customers that eat at restaurants would rather order themselves through the kiosks.

On the software side of POS systems there are many plug-ins and apps that can be installed, if the POS doesn’t already have the functionality, to help with a variety of tasks and help simplify operations and avoid mistakes in the kitchen.

Updated-Restaurant-Point-of-Sale

Mobile POS

Mobile POS systems allow for taking quicker payments at the customers table and can improve the customer experience when they are in a hurry to pay and leave.

It used to be that the POS systems where too bulky to move and just stationary, but now not only are there mobile POS devices that you can take payments on the go, but also POS systems could be run on phones, tablets and other devices, depending on the type of computer or device you’re going to run the POS software on, like android, apple, or windows operating systems.

Benefits of Having an Updated Restaurant Point of Sale System

POS system Works as a Database

Restaurant Point of Sale System not only allow you to simplify your restaurant operations, but also act as a database to collect, integrate, and store important data that will allow you to further improve your processes and increase profits.

Convenience for Customers and Waiters

One of the biggest benefits of a POS for your restaurant is the convenience it offers for your employees to quickly take orders and process payments on the go or at customers tables, this way, once the customer is ready to order or pay, they can immediately get their order or bill on the spot.

Gone are the days of wasting time going back and forth to a stationary terminal. This convenience of easily taking orders and process payments provides better service.

Seamless Integration and Instant Updates

Many POS systems allow for seamless integration with ecommerce platforms and other apps to have your inventory streamlined across the website and terminal.

A restaurant POS can also help you save time with instant updates to the kitchen on the latest orders or changes to orders so that meals can be ready faster. Tracking and managing data is much more simplified with a great Restaurant Point of Sale System.

Save Space and Headaches

Over the past decade, POS systems have become much smaller and much more capable than before. This allows for consolidation into in all-in-one device with less clutter instead of having several machines taking up space with high depreciation costs. The result is more space in your restaurant, more money saved in depreciation costs, and less clutter.

Updates from Anywhere

With the cloud based technology, POS systems can be updated on the go from anywhere without having to have someone physically at the restaurant or back into an office to check on updates. Since all data is stored in the cloud, the data can be easily accessed and integrated, saving lots of time and making operations easier for your staff.

Customer Profiling that Works

Another huge benefit from a good restaurant POS is the ability to better understand your customers and how to target them better. All the data captured by the POS and the integration with CRM’s and loyalty programs results in not only better targeting but quicker payments. This will save you time, improve the customer experience, and increase your revenue when you can get them coming back.

A restaurant POS is one of the best tools that can improve your business and help you gain a competitive edge. POS systems work in congruence with all your other systems and software to allow your employees to be more efficient and better trained. Not only will you be able to better profile your customers but also give them a better experience and increase your revenue.