Since POS systems were first introduced to restaurants, they have been seen as vital operational tools for the industry. The latest version – cloud-based systems – now offer a multitude of advantages that make them the preferred choice for many operators.
The first POS systems were designed for retail outlets, but hospitality businesses soon saw the potential and adapted them for use in restaurants.
Today’s cloud-based POS systems, however, are worlds away from those early innovations, being purpose-built to match every evolving requirement of a modern hospitality business. Investing in the software is a great way to superpower your restaurant and keep it in good shape for the future.
Restaurant management systems create these 6 advantages:
- Online reservations and ordering
- Tableside ordering and billing
- Efficient seating management
- Customer loyalty
- Labour control
- Stock and waste management
Online reservations and ordering
Deploying a cloud based POS system in your outlet simplifies the process of managing your online reservations and ordering. This reduces the need for extensive involvement from your staff, and enables customers to place orders online easily, including takeout and delivery options.
Tableside ordering and billing
Tableside ordering on handheld devices or tablets is highly convenient for customers and streamlines service by sending orders directly to the kitchen. Introducing iPad software for restaurants or mobile-integrated software reduces the need for your waiting staff to rush constantly to the kitchen, allowing them more time to engage positively with your guests for advice and upselling.
Quick and accurate payments taken at tableside also enhance the dining experience for your guests, encouraging them to make repeat visits.
Efficient seating management
POS systems with graphical seating plans allow your front-of-house staff to minimise wait times, manage customer expectations and optimise table placements. This results in increased table turn and keeps your guests happy – fewer walkouts from diners fed up with waiting to be seated.
Customer loyalty
Building customer loyalty is crucial, whatever style of outlet or group you run, and can put you ahead of your competitors. POS systems help you engage in building conversations with your customers via social media, fostering a real sense of community that encourages them to choose your outlet.
Loyalty programs integrated with a good pos system for restaurants also capture valuable data for targeted email offers and integrate with CRM systems to gain insights into customer preferences.
Labour control
It’s hard to get good staff these days, and it pays to hang onto those you have. Restaurant management software supports a more staff-friendly management style, and also helps match staffing levels to busy and quiet periods. This ensure that your restaurant maintains excellent customer service with the correct staffing levels, while reducing staff stress. Accurate forecasting tools included in your EPOS software assist in organising staff rotas in advance.
Stock and waste management
Restaurant management systems provide a real-time overview of stock levels and identify the most popular dishes, helping your kitchen to minimize waste. Comprehensive reports and forecasts on sales, inventory, and labour — all accessible in real time online—offer a complete view of operations.
The advantages of hosting your POS system in the cloud
Unlike traditional on-premises systems, cloud-based POS solutions store all data securely in the cloud—such as on platforms like Microsoft Azure —and provide you with access via the internet.
This eliminates the need for an on-site server in your restaurant, and ensures that sales data, inventory levels, and customer information are accessible from anywhere. This is good news when you need to make quick decisions, providing supporting evidence to take away the guesswork.
This end-to-end view of business supports more a more agile and responsive style of restaurant management, which is invaluable in an ever-changing industry. Moreover, in the event of a disaster like a fire or flood at your premises, cloud-based systems offer greater business continuity because it’s easier to recover essential data fast.
Traditional POS systems can require significant upfront investment in hardware, software and licensing. By contrast, cloud-based POS systems typically operate on a subscription model, spreading costs over time and eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure.
Automatic updates and maintenance included in the subscription keep the system current without additional costs, and reduce the burden on whoever is responsible for IT in your operation.
For your customers, cloud-based POS systems enhance the experience journey in a number of ways, ranging from ease of making a reservation to better quality service, accurate billing and a more satisfying opportunity to engage with your serving staff.
Because CRM tools help track your customers’ preferences and purchase history, they enable personalised service and offers that also enhance the customer experience – a free glass of fizz when they book on their birthdays, for example.
Preparing for growth
If you have ambitions for your business to grow in the future, a cloud-based system offers the flexibility to scale effortlessly as you bring new locations online or expand your existing premises. New functionalities, terminals, or locations can be added without extensive overhauls – this adaptability can also be useful if you see seasonal demand fluctuations.
A cloud-based POS system integrates seamlessly with other business systems, such as accounting software, creating a unified platform for managing restaurant operations. Integration and automatic updates reduce manual data entry, minimizing errors and saving time.
Conclusion
Many successful hospitality businesses have already adopted cloud-based EPOS software and are successfully streamlining operations, gaining valuable insights and delivering superior dining experiences.
It’s a long-term recipe for flexibility and growth, and a highly worthwhile investment in your business with a positive ROI that’s all about increasing turnover, boosting reputation and building a great following you can rely on.
Learn more about the benefits of cloud-based POS systems:
