Running a restaurant smoothly is all about speed and service, which is made possible by an excellent setup. That starts with the control centre of any business – a Point of Sale (POS) system. Whether you’re an independent cafe or a multi-group establishment, the right POS system not only streamlines operations and maximises efficiency, but also improves overall customer experience.
In this article, we’ll put all you need to know about the point of sale on the table, covering the benefits, key things to look out for, and most importantly, the top POS systems for your restaurant.
Let’s get straight to the point.
What is a restaurant POS System?
If you’re a new restaurant owner looking to set up your tech stack, this might be your first entry to the world of POS systems – at least from the other side of the counter! A point of sale, or point of purchase, refers to a system that combines software with hardware to enable your restaurant to record orders and process sales and transactions for customers.
Why invest in a reliable POS System?
A robust POS system goes beyond just processing transactions; it’s an all-in-one tool that integrates multiple aspects of restaurant management. From order processing and inventory management to customer relationship management (CRM) and reporting, a good POS system acts like the command centre that can transform the way you run your restaurant.
What to look for in a POS System
The top things businesses typically look for in POS systems are ease of use, functionality, ordering data and price. These give you a good place to start, but there are more things to consider. Let’s break these down:
1. Ease of use
Chances are, a cloud-based system that offers flexibility and accessibility from anywhere is what you’re looking for. In fact, 95% of businesses, restaurants and others, already use cloud-based POS.
You’ll also want to look for a POS system with a user-friendly interface that reduces training time for your staff. In the hospo industry, POS systems tend to come with multi-year contracts for a good price. So before investing in one, ensure the system is easy enough to navigate and can do its job of speeding up transactions.
2. Functionality
Features are inevitably one of the top considerations when it comes to choosing a POS system. In 2023, 71% of restaurants said they plan to purchase new features or functionality for their POS system.
At the very least, a POS system should be able to handle orders efficiently, including options for modifiers, split bills, and seamless kitchen communication. A great POS system can also track inventory in real-time, export sales data with ease, offer a loyalty program for your customers, and more.
3. Integration and compatibility
According to a trend report by Hospitality Tech, 69% of restaurateurs said the most important criteria when considering new POS software is integration with other systems. On average, restaurants use at least three technology vendors to manage their business. That’s three times the handling, back and forth and communication to deal with.
That’s why a POS system that integrates with other restaurant management tools, such as accounting software, online ordering platforms, and table reservation software can make a huge difference for your operations.
4. Data and Analytics
Your POS system should provide detailed reports on sales trends, popular menu items, how customers are ordering and more. When it comes to making decisions about your business, whether it’s menu changes or pricing and operational updates, insights into diner behaviour can contribute a great deal.
Today, as many as 71% of restaurants use data from their POS to optimise menus, inform discounts, and boost customer engagement – you should too.
Top POS Systems that integrate with Now Book It
For a top-of-the-shelf POS system that can manage payments, track inventory, crunch those sales reports, and integrate with our table reservation software, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order:
- Tevalis
- Square
- Bepoz
- Lightspeed
- H&L
- Impos
- OrderMate
- NCR
For the full list of POS systems that integrate with Now Book It, learn more here.
Choosing the right POS system
for your restaurant is a crucial decision that impacts daily operations and overall profitability. Whether you’re looking for a system that boasts mobility, flexibility or simplicity, we hope this article has helped get you to the point of success!
Remember, the right systems empower you to focus on what matters most—delighting your guests with exceptional dining experiences. Ready to do the same with restaurant reservation software that simplifies table management?
Book a demo to learn more about Now Book It today!
