Restaurant POS Software: Five Features That Fill the Bill

POS (point-of-sale) systems are a blessing to entrepreneurs of a number of industries, especially restaurant owners.  Automated systems improve performance and communication. Using pos for table service restaurants, patrons directly relate to cooks in the kitchen as well as managers and executive chefs.

Timing is an essential element facilitating a successful restaurant.  Furthermore, word of mouth is an incredible and free marketing tool.  Every impression counts, making a lasting legacy.  Therefore, restaurant owners embrace POS systems for better clarification, communication and consistency.

Those who want to ‘cut the fat’ out of their processes, mind the following POS features.

Mobility

POS systems of ten years ago were much like desktop computers.  Today, desktops still function and work well, yet people are getting more use out of mobile devices such as smart phones and iPads.  Therefore, the point of sale systems technologies have molded toward the age and user preference.

Depending on layout and logistics, restaurant owners have servers, bartenders and executive chefs leverage respective, mobile, and POS-connected devices.  It’s a way for all employees to ‘stay on the same page,’ regarding customer services and brand consistency.

Integration

Early POS systems helped owners track money in drawers.  Later, robust systems helped owners and employees communicate remotely in addition to a number of other advantages granted.  Today, POS systems integrate on and offline entities, allow guests to order takeout from smart phones, and instantly post reviews to a brand’s Facebook page.

Smaller restaurant brands quickly gain acclaim over established competitors with advanced integrated systems.  Consumers are accustomed to convenience and real-time results.  Those who tailor service win long-term patrons.

Dashboards

Dashboards help owners gain macro and micro-level intelligence whether working in-house or remotely.  Dashboards offer smaller pods or windows of intelligence regarding stock, revenue, employees, benefits, etc.  It’s a great method helping to streamline and automate a number of restaurant processes.

For example, severe weather may modify store hours and conditions of operation.  Owners quickly and effectively communicate with entire staff remotely, using particular POS dashboard functions.

Cloud-Based Storage

Depending on store layout and tech demand, an owner may opt to leverage cloud resources.  Maintaining servers and other hardware may be an inconvenience, or depending on particular system, add-ons may be obsolete given affixed resources.

Cloud-based storage allows owners to elasticize POS resources.  Would you like to add a specific feature, needing additional storage space? Use the cloud.  Discuss additional cloud-based benefits with chosen vendors.

Tech Support

Because a restaurant owner uses technically advanced implements does not assume they are incredibly tech savvy.  Nor should an owner assume their employees come to understand the technical intricacies of a given POS system.  Therefore, a great tech support relationship with a vendor is necessary.

Ensure vendors are available in some capacity around the clock in addition to an understanding of who is responsible for updates, etc.

Point-of-sale systems are incredible communication and business tools.  Helping restaurants advance service in real-time and through better preparation and streamlined processes.  Seek more information, providing specific information to chosen vendors.

Chris Allen has worked with a number of POS systems over the years. He is passionate about businesses understanding how POS systems can effect efficiency and what current options are.

1 thought on “Restaurant POS Software: Five Features That Fill the Bill”

  1. Scalability is big too!

    As you continue to grow your retail or hospitality business, it gets challenging to manage inventory, sales, and labor reporting across all those stores. Many iPad POS systems like Revel, can track that across all your stores from the comfort of your home, and you can even get alerts to your phone if something is “off”.

    Check out Revel if you need a new Point of Sale.

    Patrick Donnelly,
    Director of Marketing, Revelsystems.com

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