Wednesday 16 January 2013

Important Points to Consider When Buying the Best Restaurant POS

There are many options available when it comes to choosing a restaurant POS. The task is often confusing and difficult because of the number of options. The following things should be catered to in choosing the best restaurant POS.

1. Hardware durability – The hardware that is used in this system should be durable, sturdy and water resistant. Often people spill drinks on them and therefore the restaurant POS should be capable of resisting it. The payment processing system in case of a restaurant business is much different from the retail business because of this reason.

2. Large Touch screen – the servers and bartenders are usually very busy and often they have no time to relax. This is why the place needs a very efficient server and easy to use systems. Orders and payments can be speeded up using large touch screens.

3. Multiple functionality – Along with the regular features, additional features like timeclocks, employee schedule management and employee tips record may be present. This saves time and need for keeping paper based items. Keeping track of the inventory, tracking the sales history, identifying some popular items, discount monitoring, refund management, reduction of checkouts and pricing errors.

4. Choose compact hardware – If the system occupies large space in the bar or the restaurant area, it can be very disastrous for the business. The decorum and space in a place like an eatery or bar is of great importance. The whole of the area just cannot be occupied by the restaurant POS system. Some customers may like to watch some sporting events and do some other things. Space can be allotted for these things instead.

5. Customer Support system and online installation – look for such systems that have a free installation facility. It can be a very cumbersome job otherwise. Also such suppliers should be chosen who provide 24x7 technical support and customer service. This is of keen importance when there is an emergency need with the system. It can be a very difficult task to locate a technician otherwise.

There are many options and the business should go for that option which satisfies most of its needs given the budget restriction. More the features in it, the more will be the price. Some companies also offer customisation which means that the whole system can be customised according to the specific needs of the business. This way the whole setup would be more effective and better functional.

It is important that while purchasing such a system the business maintains the budget and doesn’t cross it. Moreover while locating a good supplier, the reputation and the track record of the supplier should be checked. There are many good and reputed suppliers of POS systems online for both restaurant and retail businesses. Good deals and easy comparison of one or more products make online buying suitable.





Friday 4 January 2013

What to Consider Before Buying Restaurant POS Equipment

Restaurateurs around the world rely profoundly on point of sale technology to run their business. However, it can often be confusing or overwhelming to take a decision regarding the right restaurant point of sale software and hardware. This is why it is important to take into consideration certain points that would help you take the right decision regarding the POS system for your restaurant. 

The restaurant POS equipment typically comprises of a point of sale software, cash drawer, display monitor, receipt printer, card reader, barcode scanner, and other peripherals connected by data lines. A carefully purchased POS system an assist you in ensuring quick checkout and bill clearance, sales tracking, inventory management and smooth business operation. Different software programs are available for different segments of the industry – like quick service, fine dining, hotels, casual dining, bars, pubs etc. 

Presented below are some handy tips that can help you make the right choice with your restaurant point of sale system –

1. Customised or standard software – The kind of software program you choose for your restaurant POS system largely impacts the time spent, cost incurred and efficiency achieved when performing the daily operations at your restaurant. The off-the-shelf software programs available in the market often come with limited features and you cannot tailor them as per your specific needs. This why it is best to get a customised software, designed for your unique business.
2. Single point of access or multiple-access points – If you have a small restaurant, a POS system with single point access would be enough. But for mid to large sized restaurants, POS system with multiple-access points can be suitable. This way your staff can take orders from multiple locations that include the bar, cash counter, and kitchen.
3. Reputation of the POS vendor – To determine the quality and reliability of your POS system, you must consider the reputation of the POS vendor in the market. A vendor with experience in customised POS systems can be a good choice for your business.
4. Post-purchase support & maintenance – When buying POS software and hardware, it is important to consider the post-purchase service offered by the vendor. Overlooking this service can put you in a tricky situation whenever your system breaks down or it needs maintenance.
5. Training – Another crucial factor to consider when buying a restaurant POS is the training required. It is always better to choose an easy-to-use POS system for your business. However, for large-scale restaurants, the POS system can often be confusing, especially when more than one person has to manage it. This is why you must opt for a training that should be provided by your POS vendor to your staff. 

These are few of the points that should be contemplated before actually buying your restaurant POS equipment.

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Bar POS System - Keeps You a Step Ahead

Bar POS System
There was a time when all the records related to the transactions in the shop were written down manually. But with the advancement of technology the bar POS system has been invented. It has led to the decrease in the time that is taken in recording all these matters. You can easily record the orders, billing, taxes, stocking, discounts and all other things. You can also keep a track of the customer by saving their name, contact number and address. 

Before installing the bar POS system software you will have to check whether it is user friendly or not. The demo can make you understand that. Initially operating the software can be tough but with time you can be an expert in controlling the software. The security of the software is very important as otherwise your software might get hacked and you may lose all the information’s. 

The monitor that comes have features such as it is touch screen. It comes along with other parts such as a receipt printer, credit card reader, bar code reader and also a cash drawer. The orders that have been placed can be notified to the kitchen staff in a monitor which is installed in the kitchen. In this way you get enough time to look at other waiters and staffs. 

The software is being used in all the retail shops, food outlets, fast food joints, etc. it saves a lot of your time from recording the database. It also keeps backup of all the transactions which have been recorded. The record are so easily managed that it also becomes easier to check during inventories and auditing. 

The coffee shop POS are also there. Now-a-days even coffee shops are using this software in order to keep the records safe and sound. The pos solution is system is a bit costly but it’s worth buying it.