What’s the Difference in Point of Sale Systems for the Hospitality Industry?

Many point of sale systems’ hospitality functions may appear much different on the surface than other small business types. But that assumption could not be further from the truth, when in fact hospitality-based businesses use all of the same core POS software features shared by industries and businesses of all sizes. There are differences though, in how these features are leveraged, thanks to the need to respond to some very industry-specific challenges.

Are POS Systems Able to Perform Hospitality Inventory Management?

Businesses that store perishable materials and products face more than their fair share of challenges when it comes to appropriately managing inventory. But what happens when your inventory comes with a self-destruct timer? Racing against a clock that starts ticking down from the moment stock arrives is the reality for almost every restaurant. And, unlike retail-based businesses, unsold items cannot be placed on clearance racks, instead landing in a dumpster and resulting in financial loss.

Hospitality-based businesses must get their ordering down to a science to reduce operational risks and waste. The advanced data management capabilities provided by top-rated small business POS solutions will safely store data in one format, regardless of source, and make this information available for analysis using included or customized reports. Having the ability to store and analyze data in this way is a potent combination for building a flexible and effective inventory strategy.

Where Can POS Tools Make a Noticeable Difference With the Customer?

Using technology as a marketing tool is a common concept in the business world. However, there is one key component where hospitality businesses differ from any other business type in the way POS tools can be used for marketing. This component is simple: hospitality customers do not expect to walk away with a product, but they expect to have an enjoyable experience interacting with their business of choice.

The most effective POS tool for building the perfect customer experience is one that involves time-saving features that add convenience. Faster payment acceptance, instant access to menus, and highly accurate filling of orders are just some examples of where innovative POS tools can step in to create a customizable and enjoyable experience. Leveraging POS-driven virtual experiences with your brand, and the ability to virtually accept payments, can take your reputation to the next level.

How Do Online Interactions Differ From Other Industries?

Bringing a hospitality business online will look different than if you were, for example, a boutique owner. Although some driving factors must be the same, i.e. building an eCommerce website using a template provided by your POS provider for seamless POS system integration, there are some nuances that hospitality owners must consider:

The recent emergence of the contactless dining experience.Proper deployment of virtual terminals to bridge your physical and virtual presence.Web-based invoicing software to digitize and automate catering and special events billing.Online ordering allows customers to request delivery from their favorite third-party service.Use of QR codes to streamline how the dining room flows.

Taking a page from other industries will guide you in some of the most important steps to take for effectively using your virtual presence as a marketing tool. But before you can achieve this goal, the POS technology you use must be built on the necessary framework that gives you limitless access to the marketing potentials that using virtual technology can achieve.

Can I Run My Restaurant Using Just Any POS Solution?

Although the short, simple to this question is yes, there are some finer points to consider when examining your POS solution options. Think of what you would like to see as a restaurant customer; you probably want to sit down quickly and get a menu in front of you as soon as possible. You also want to have your food come out of the kitchen made just as you asked, and have the ability to get drinks refilled or to settle the check without having to spend time and effort waving down a server.

Making these common dining conveniences the starting point to your POS shopping process will also need to include some additional pieces that have emerged over the recent year. Contactless dining experiences are trending, as is the ability to order and coordinate through the use of a third-party delivery provider. And then there comes into question your ability to accept payment for your services through any channel your customer chooses.

Apply Proven Point of Sale Systems Hospitality Industry Standards Today

The POS system needed for a restaurant in 2021 and beyond starts with a heavy emphasis on cloud-based computing and mobile-friendly interactions. Blend this with a POS partner-provided web-based menu that integrates into your POS software, round it out by mixing in virtual payment options, and you will find yourself with a masterpiece that transcends even your most popular dish on the menu in terms of overall reputation.

Building a customized POS solution for hospitality-based businesses has long been a talech specialty. We dedicate our POS consultants to your project, starting at the foundation of your business to build a forward-looking technology platform to help you stay ahead of the curve with the customer. Reach out to us today to sign up for a demo and to learn more about how talech can be your valued POS partner.