POS systems have come a long way in the last decade and now do more than payment processing. The right POS system can help you schedule employees, manage inventory, and deliver a better customer experience. The right point of sale system can make all the difference in running your restaurant efficiently but the wrong system can hold you back. Here’s what you should look for in a new POS system for your restaurant.
Front- and Back-House Communication
Teamwork is important in a restaurant to manage the very different tasks of the front and back of the house. Without good communication, there is bound to be a disparity in efficiency and service. A restaurant POS system can help unit the front and back of the house by allowing servers to take more efficient orders and the ability to enter clear details for cook staff. Once entered on the POS interface, orders can be instantly delivered to the back without gaps or miscommunication. Information is sent directly to the right area of the line to improve workflow and eliminate communication errors.
Detailed Inventory Management
The inventory management needs of a restaurant are very different than those of a retail store. Some POS systems allow for ingredient-level inventory management in real time, sometimes even with the ability to send a purchase order through the system.
Mobile Payment Support
Mobile payments are on the rise and they definitely aren’t going anywhere. Accepting mobile payments at your restaurant can improve sales and give customers the option to use their preferred payment method. If your restaurant is in a metropolitan area, college community, or has a younger clientele, mobile payment support is a must when choosing a merchant services provider and POS.
Off-Site Processing
If your restaurant offers food delivery, it’s important to have reliable support for off-site payment processing. Handling your own deliveries with a robust system that supports mobile payments and online orders can help your restaurant maintain its margins without costly commissions charged by third-party food delivery companies.
Other Features to Consider
POS systems have become very comprehensive over the last decade and many now include a variety of features that can help you manage your restaurant such as check splitting and tip support and support for online reservations that may be built-in or integrated with OpenTable.
Before choosing a POS system, make sure it offers the following reports to manage cash flow, monitor sales, and catch employee theft:
- Daily Sales Report (DSR) or end-of-day report. This ensures your expected cash at the end of the day is what you expect.
- Comp and discount report. This tracks discounts and promotions you offer and it may be used to spot potential food preparation or training issues to address.
- Product mix report. This can be used to calculate food costs, measure kitchen performance, and make menu changes to improve margins.
- Transfer report. This shows items that have been transferred from one ticket to another or to another employee. This can help you catch employees who steal by moving items off one ticket to another when customers pay in cash.
- No-sale report. This shows when an employee rings up an item and hits “no-sale” to void the transaction and open the register.
- Void report. This shows when items are voided often and it can identify theft or training issues.
- Labor summary report and timekeeping report. These reports help you keep labor records, submit accurate payroll numbers, and schedule staff on your budget.
Looking for the right POS system for your restaurant? Host Merchant Services offers comprehensive restaurant merchant service accounts, free payment processing equipment, and Bonsai Point of Sale, a cutting-edge and customizable POS system developed for restaurants. Get started today with no term agreements, no cancellation fees, and no hidden charges to get the payment tools you need to grow your business.
FAQ About What You Really Need in a POS for Your Restaurant
What is a Mobile POS system?
A Mobile POS system, or Point of Sale system, refers to a software and hardware combination that allows restaurants to manage sales transactions and streamline operations using mobile devices like tablets or smartphones. It replaces traditional cash registers and offers features like order taking, inventory management, tableside ordering, payment processing, and more.
What are the benefits of using a POS system?
Implementing a POS system in your restaurant can bring numerous benefits. It enables efficient order-taking and processing, reducing errors and improving customer service. Inventory management becomes easier, helping you track stock levels and prevent shortages. POS systems provide detailed sales reports, aiding in decision-making and analysis. Additionally, they facilitate seamless integration with other systems like online ordering or kitchen display systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
What features should I look for in a POS system?
When choosing a POS system for your restaurant, consider essential features such as intuitive interface for ease of use, menu and order customization capabilities, table management tools, and split bill options. Integration with payment processors and compatibility with various hardware devices are important factors too. Robust reporting and analytics functionalities help monitor sales and identify trends. Additionally, opt for a POS system that offers inventory management, employee management, and customer relationship management features, tailored to your restaurant’s specific needs.
How do I choose the right POS system for my restaurant?
To select the right POS system, start by assessing your restaurant’s requirements. Consider factors like your budget, type of restaurant, number of employees, and anticipated growth. Research different POS providers and compare their offerings, pricing, customer support, and reputation. Seek recommendations from other restaurant owners and read reviews. Request demos or trials to test the usability and features firsthand. Ultimately, choose a POS system that aligns with your restaurant’s needs, is user-friendly, reliable, and offers excellent customer support.
How do I implement a POS system in my restaurant?
Implementing a POS system requires several steps. Begin by ensuring your hardware (tablets, terminals, printers) meets the system’s specifications. Install the necessary software and configure the menu, inventory, and employee settings. Train your staff on how to use the POS system effectively. Transfer your existing data, such as menu items and customer information, into the system. Conduct thorough testing before going live. Communicate the changes to your staff and schedule a transition period to minimize disruptions. Monitor the system’s performance and address any issues promptly.
