Restaurant businesses often mention that their food and labor costs fall among their biggest expenses. This is why restaurant owners began utilizing specialized restaurant point of sale (POS) systems that allow the following features, among many others:
- inventory management
- menu management
- online ordering
- automatic offers of loyalty perks to customers
- quick payment processing
When choosing the best restaurant POS systems, it’s important to weigh your needs against their costs. While there are free plans for a specific POS software, good POS systems can be very expensive, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best features for your brand.
5 Common Types of POS Systems
With today’s technological advancements, there are different types of POS systems offering a variety of software features that can be customized for a client’s unique needs.
Here are some of the most common types of POS systems available for restaurants and other food-and-beverage establishments:
1. Traditional POS System
1. Traditional POS SystemThe traditional register-based system is a common POS system for restaurants. However, its POS features can be quite complex and may require a dedicated staff member to manage and operate them, creating a challenge in employee management as well.
This restaurant POS system is commonly used by table service restaurants. It also does not need complicated POS software in order to function, unlike those used by quick-service restaurants.
A POS terminal that uses cash registers can be slow, inaccurate, and not as functional as other types of restaurant POS when it comes to payment processing.
However, table service restaurants still rely heavily on POS systems such as the cash register, which is typically the least expensive option.
2. Touchscreen POS System
Another type of restaurant POS system is the touchscreen POS system. It is a restaurant POS system that uses a modern POS terminal that is faster and more accurate.
Most POS systems of this type offer features, such as the ability to:
- track inventory
- automated customer order management
- online ordering
Restaurant iPad POS systems are an example of POS terminals used here. This is commonly used by quick-service restaurants, restaurants that host a digital menu board, or restaurants that enable online payment processing.
The advantage of a touchscreen POS system is that it can accommodate a more streamlined ordering process. Customers can order and pay for their food without the need to wait for a server.
Additionally, this type of system is much more accurate than register-based systems, which can help reduce mistakes in orders and payments.
3. Dedicated Server POS System
Dedicated server restaurant POS systems are the most expensive and require the most maintenance, but this type of restaurant POS system offers the most features and customization options.
This type of system is also the most complex, which means that it requires more IT support.
Dedicated server POS systems are common in restaurants that have a lot of customization options for their menu. They are also used in restaurants that want to track employee performance or those that need to offer online ordering and delivery.
The main advantage of this type of system is its scalability. A dedicated server can accommodate a larger number of terminals and software features than other types of restaurant POS systems.
Additionally, this type of system can be customized to fit the specific needs of a restaurant, which makes it ideal for businesses that want to offer a unique experience to their customers.
4. Cloud-Based Restaurant POS System
Cloud-based restaurant POS systems are cheaper and easier to set up, but they may not have all the features of a dedicated system. This type of POS system stores data in the cloud, making it accessible from anywhere.
Cloud-based systems also offer features such as:
- real-time data reporting
- inventory management
- customer relationship management
- table management
However, one disadvantage of cloud-based restaurant POS systems is that they require a reliable internet connection to work properly. If the internet connection is down, then the system will not be able to function.
5. Mobile Restaurant POS System
Mobile restaurant POS systems, which are becoming increasingly popular among restaurants of all sizes, are the most portable and can be used anywhere, but they may not have all the features of a larger system.
Compared to cloud-based systems POS, a Mobile POS system offer many of the same benefits but is even more portable and convenient.
Some advantages of using a mobile POS system include:
- The ability to take orders and payments anywhere in the restaurant
- Increased accuracy of orders and payments
- Improved customer service
- Reduced wait times
A mobile POS system can be used by restaurants that want to offer table service, quick service, or delivery.
4 Factors for Choosing the Best Type of Restaurant POS System
You need to know your business’ needs first to find the best restaurant POS system that fit your enterprise.
Choosing the best POS system for your restaurant will depend on several factors, such as:
- type and size of restaurant
- compatibility with your existing system
- features that are most important to the business
- budget and resources
The best type of POS systems for restaurants depend heavily on the business:
1. Type and Size of Restaurant
A smaller restaurant may not need the most complex restaurant POS software, so a cloud-based or mobile POS system may be the best choice.
A larger restaurant may need the POS features and customization options of a dedicated restaurant POS system. For example, a POS system’s capability for inventory management in a pizza restaurant would be different from a POS system for a sushi restaurant.
2. Compatibility
The most important factor to consider when choosing POS systems for restaurants is compatibility. Make sure that the restaurant POS software you choose is also compatible with your existing hardware. It should also be easy to use and understand, restaurant owners and staff should get the most out of it.
3. Functionality
Another important factor for any restaurant business to consider in choosing a system is its functionality. What features do you need in restaurant POS systems and its accompanying POS software?
Some restaurant-specific features include inventory management, table management, customer loyalty programs, gift cards, and online ordering.
Choose the best restaurant POS system for you by identifying the features you need to run your business effectively.
Restaurant owners should also consider the features of the restaurant POS systems and make sure that it has all the POS features that they need. For example, some POS systems for restaurants come with built-in inventory management, while others do not.
4. Budget
Finally, consider your budget. A POS system can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some POS systems can be quite expensive, so it is important to compare prices and find one that is affordable.
You could also take advantage of any free POS system offered in the market before you decide to pay per month for an advanced restaurant POS software.
Note, however, that top restaurant POS systems can be quite expensive. But in the end, you will have to choose a system with the right POS features that fit your needs and budget.
Finding the Best POS System for Your Restaurant Business
The best POS systems balance business cost and efficiency.
A POS system is important for restaurant owners because they ease inventory management, employee management, customer management, and sales tracking, among others.
A reliable restaurant POS software can help you run your business more efficiently and save money. If you’re thinking about getting the best POS system for restaurants, be sure to research all of your options so that you can choose the best POS system for your needs.
Restaurant businesses can choose any type of POS system but it is important to compare features and prices before making a purchase.
The best restaurant POS systems and restaurant POS software on the market can be a challenge to find. It should offer ease in table management, inventory management, employee management, delivery management, and menu management. One with less payment processing fee and allow the owner to track sales and easier inventory tracking.
How FoodTronix Can Help You with Your Restaurant’s POS System
If you are having difficulty finding the best restaurant POS system that suits your needs, you could always consult with a POS expert like FoodTronix who can help identify the needs of the business and recommend the best system for the job.
At FoodTronix, we have the restaurant owner in mind. Cost-efficiency, dependability, and functionality are at the heart of our business.
We offer a variety of restaurant POS systems that are designed to make your life easier. Whether you need a simple system for a small restaurant or a more complex system for a large restaurant, we have a solution that will fit your needs.
In addition, our team of experts can help you with the installation and set-up of your new POS system. We will also provide training to your staff so that they can be up and running with the new system in no time.
For more information on our restaurant POS systems, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your needs and recommend a system that is right for you.