There can be an overwhelming number of options when choosing the right POS system for your hospitality business. Some features are critical to daily operation, while others may be bells and whistles you could live without. Modern POS terminals do a lot more than just take payments, and finding the right hardware and software combination for your company can help to maximize efficiency.
Below are what we feel to be five of the most important factors to consider when selecting a POS solution for a hospitality business.
Price
Cost is a critical factor when choosing your POS system regardless of your business type. Luckily, current POS models are not prohibitively expensive even for a small business.
It’s also important to consider that, although a new POS system may require an upfront capital investment, in the long term it will likely save you thousands of dollars that would be spent running an outdated, inefficient system.
It can be difficult to tell a great POS system from an average one based on price alone. Look for easy to understand and straightforward pricing. Contracts are fine and can save money over time, but a mandatory contract can be a bad sign.
If you do decide to pay a monthly fee, ensure it includes full customer support and system updates. At some point during the life of your POS system, you will inevitably need to reach out for support, so 24/7 coverage is a must-have to avoid losing potential sales and other issues due to system problems.
Usability
A new POS system should be intuitive and easy to navigate even for newer staff. Modern terminals are built from decades of feedback and development, and have been optimized for ease of use. Training on newer systems should take mere minutes, as opposed to the hours required in the past. From the first day your new POS system is installed, it should be easy to understand and not overwhelming for staff.
A system that is easy to use will be more efficient at serving customers quickly. From seating parties to splitting a bill, you want every part of the process to go as smoothly as possible. Modern POS terminals can interface with iPads and other mobile devices, making transactions fast and easy at the customer’s table.
Resilience
The hospitality environment can wreak havoc on electronic systems if they are not properly designed. Heat, grease and spilt liquids can quickly turn your POS system into a mess. Consider the durability required for systems that will be installed directly in a kitchen, as they will be exposed to high temperatures and steam on a regular basis. Look for a system specifically designed to handle the rigours of a restaurant environment. There are plenty of models out there that are aesthetically pleasing yet still able to withstand a harsh work environment.
Reporting
Besides collecting payments, POS systems offer other important benefits for managers and business owners. Look for a system that can handle inventory and employee management, as well as generate a wide variety of reports such as top selling items at your location, and manage inventory to automatically reorder when stock gets low. A POS system also allows you to check sales and other values at any time, remotely using your tablet or phone when you’re not onsite.
Customization
You want to make sure that staff are working with your POS system, not working around it. Your system should be customized and easily able to easily handle the specifics of your business such including:
- Cooking preferences
- Table management
- Split billing
- Age restrictions on alcohol
- Making menu changes on the fly
- Implementing discounts
- Online reservations or ordering
Scalability is a final important factor to consider. Will your system be able to grow as your business expands? What changes would be required to support additional POS stations, kiosks, tableside or online ordering as needed?
Find the Perfect POS System for Your Hospitality Business
AURES provides a wide selection of POS hardware─from terminals and displays to kiosks, printers and other peripherals to run your restaurant at peak efficiency. We know that implementing a new system can be a daunting task, but we can help you find the right solution. Call or email us today to find the POS hardware most suited for your business today.