What is a restaurant point of sale system?
A restaurant point of sale system is comprised of hardware and software. The components of a POS system may vary depending on the type of restaurant you own, but it’s recommended you purchase all the components from a single vendor for ease of integration and maintenance. Restaurants are full of hazards that can harm POS equipment, so choose devices that can withstand accidental splashes, steam, temperature fluctuations and particles.
Looking to build the perfect POS system? Make sure you include these components:
POS terminal: The POS terminal is the brain of the system. It runs the software and syncs with other peripherals, platforms and mobile devices.
Tablets: Tablets are popular because they facilitate faster ordering and table turns and take up less space than a traditional terminal. They can be stationary or carried.
Receipt printer: Choose a receipt printer that has a minimum IP rating of 54 for resistance to damage from liquids and dust. Don’t forget to consider the price of ink (if necessary) and receipt paper over the life of the printer when you make this purchase.
Kitchen display system: A KDS routes orders from POS terminals to the appropriate kitchen stations, so dishes can be prepared consistently and served in a timely manner. It eliminates the need for a kitchen printer.
Cash drawer: A restaurant is a busy place, so it’s important to have a well-constructed, full-featured cash drawer to keep money and credit card slips secure.
EMV chip card reader: If the POS system doesn’t have an integrated EMV chip card reader, you’ll need an external one to process EMV credit card transactions.
Power conditioner: A system’s lifespan can be extended with a power conditioner, which protects electronics from voltage spikes, line noise, surges and other issues.
Scales and barcode scanners: These items are used in quick service restaurants and locations that sell food by weight.
What types of processes can a restaurant POS system handle for me?
POS systems can save you hours by easily handling back office functions. Automating these processes means more time serving customers and less time on paperwork:
Customer Management: Staff can enter customer preferences, allergies or special requests into CRM software. Customers will appreciate that their server can remember what dishes they enjoyed previously or special requirements they have.
Inventory Management: Ingredient tracking helps monitor inventory levels and safeguards against overbuying and waste.
Sales/Reporting: Many solutions generate sales and inventory information and reports in real time. Leverage these analytics to provide customers with better dining experiences.
Employee Management: Labor schedulers help you make informed decisions about how many employees to schedule per shift and calculate the total cost of labor by the day, week or month.
Payroll Integration: The POS system’s clock in/out function accurately tracks attendance, hours worked and paid/unpaid breaks. At the end of a pay period, this information is sent directly to the payroll processor.
Mobile POS: Mobile POS allows servers to take orders tableside and sends them directly to the kitchen, cutting out double work and mistakes.
What improvements will my customers notice?
A restaurant POS system may also include several ancillary functions that enhance customer experiences and build loyalty. These include online ordering, gift cards and loyalty rewards. In addition, if your restaurant accepts reservations, Heartland Guest List is reservation and table management solution, allowing hosts to control table availability and give guests prompt attention.
A restaurant point of sale system is the key to managing your business efficiently and profitably. Choose a vendor that offers industry proven solutions that reduce costs, increase profits and gets you the best ROI for your restaurant.
