DCRS Solutions, Industry News
Selecting The Best POS System For Your Restaurant
With everything that goes into running a restaurant, selecting a POS system may be the last thing on your mind. However, choosing the right POS system is essential to keeping your operation organized and improving customer service.
Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a POS system for your restaurant to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
Traditional Vs. Cloud
To start, there are two types of POS systems to select from: Traditional and cloud. Both have their pros and cons depending on your restaurant’s wants and needs, so understanding the differences is critical.
Traditional
A traditional POS system like Micros e7 is installed locally with an upfront purchase of the software. This type of POS system is also called a “Legacy” or “On-Premise” setup.
Traditional systems utilize local servers to store data from your restaurant, and that data is only accessible through the server or an additional web application.
This type of system is good if you prefer to install and maintain your software on-site. The downside to this is that if you need to access your restaurant’s data from another location, say across the country, you will not be able to do so unless you have access to the web application.
Cloud
A cloud POS system like MobileBytes or Toast is web-based and hosted on a server in a remote location. This means that your information is accessible via the cloud through any internet-capable device, and you don’t have to worry about maintaining your software. You will receive real-time software updates to keep your systems current and secure.
Cloud POS systems offer other advantages over traditional systems like the ability to consolidate your restaurant’s information across multiple locations – a very important feature if you have multiple restaurants across town, the state, or the country.
This system is also cost-effective since there are no upfront costs, have instant access to updates, and you only pay a low monthly fee. You also get less downtime from a cloud POS verses a traditional one if the system experiences a problem.
Does Your POS System Enhance Customer Experience?
You should also ask if a POS system enhances the customer experience in your restaurant.
For example, with a cloud POS system, you can easily implement a rewards program across your restaurants, as well as other guest-centric features including:
- Online Ordering
- Ordering ahead
- Kiosk
- Digital Gift Cards
- Digital Signatures
- EMV
Many of these features are now expected by consumers, and a modern cloud POS system allows you to easily provide an improved dining experience.
Is Your POS System Fast, Intuitive, Secure & Streamlined?
If a POS system is slow, difficult to use, and unsecure, your restaurant will see more problems than it can immediately resolve.
For example, traditional POS systems run a risk of losing data if it is not backed up and you experience a glitch or power loss. With cloud POS, your data is backed up in the cloud making it simple to restore information.
The right POS system should make your restaurant efficient and simple to manage, allow you to easily track inventory across your restaurants, include great local support including on-site and live 24 hour help, and improve customer experience.
If you are missing any of these features from your restaurant’s POS system, it may be time to consider a change.