4 steps for comparing restaurant point of sale systems

Deciding on a restaurant point of sale system can quickly spiral out of control. Digital-this, e-that, and cloud-based promises quickly pour out of your screen and into your head. Getting it all straight may feel impossible, but not if you stick to the fundamentals. By following these four steps, you will be able to quickly assess and determine which point of sale (POS) system is a good fit for your restaurant.

Step 1: Determine the technical needs of your restaurant

Before you can make any POS product comparisons, you must first understand what your technology needs are. Do you want to use digital receipts instead of paper?  How will you reduce errors in orders between the table and the kitchen? Are you looking to offer online ordering to customers?

Modern point of sale solutions for restaurants will virtualize many of the manual tasks that occur in your restaurant. This means that orders move away from paper and pen and are integrated digitally to reduce errors, waste, and loss of sales. There are also several different payment options for customers, and they can complete transactions from their table. 

Once you know the areas in your restaurant that you want to improve or upgrade, you can better identify a POS system that will benefit your business. For example, with cloud-based POS solutions, you will not only be able to monitor and order inventory in the same system that holds your sales data, but you can use your POS integrated website to further broaden your reach to your customers. 

Step 2: Learn how data management requirements may differ

Adding online ordering, contactless dining, or delivery services will add layers to your data tracking. Ingredients used to make a dish must be recorded the same as small details such as broken plates and glasses or misplaced silverware. And of course, the data from the sale itself must be stored with tips and employee hours for accurate payroll. 

A modern approach to data management via a POS system should start with storing all business information in the cloud as opposed to on-site. This will provide you with an online reporting console that can be accessed using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone while saving you a trip to your office. These detailed reports, default or customized, will give you more insight into how your business is operating and provide you with open advanced operations metrics.

Step 3: Discover if mobile POS is suitable

All businesses are having to adopt mobile technologies into their processes to support consumer-driven expectations. Although mobile may not have been on your radar before, it warrants consideration, especially if the crowd you attract can be seen on their devices while sitting at your tables. Connectivity and the cloud are two big factors with using mobility in a restaurant, and the lack of access to either will quickly set you on the path for more of a traditional POS approach.

Outside of questions about internet connectivity or a customer dynamic that shuns technology, there is no longer any reason to avoid embracing mobility. Servers can take orders via a graphics-based menu and send them directly to the kitchen without delay. Online menus offer advanced options for takeout and delivery while offering the option of using QR codes for quicker and faster service. 

It is a new world out there, and the ability to have freedom in how you run your business will surely help build your reputation and profit.

Step 4: Analyze customer data and staff performance

Tracking customer behaviors, whether it is through sales data or marketing statistics, will give you valuable insights into preferences, your regulars, and market trends. Your customers will appreciate your predictive ordering and loyalty offers. With the right POS, your customers won’t be the only ones letting you know what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Maximizing performance, accuracy, and overall service are all dependent on your ability to give staff the proper tools necessary to excel. The POS system you choose must be simple and effective to use for your staff who will need to manage many different aspects at a single moment when you are open during peak hours, especially.

A restaurant point of sale system should fit your business personality

Comparing the point of sale systems on the market should start with knowing what areas in your business need improvement. From here, you can quickly create a defined list of features that will serve to meet the expectations of the modern consumer while providing performance-enhancing tools to your staff. But before taking on this project alone, consider adding a partner that has built a strong reputation for helping restaurants get their technology right.

The business-savvy consultants at talech have used their combined business and POS knowledge to create a restaurant point of sale system that works for your specific technology needs. With this, you can enjoy the benefits of using advanced POS functionalities to drive your business success. Reach out to us today to sign up for a demo and to learn more about how talech can be your valued POS partner.