A restaurant POS system, or point-of-sale system, is more than just a glorified cash register. A restaurant POS is a touch-screen computer that enables, records and charts all transactions made within a restaurant.
Even less-complex models have the capacity for fully-integrated
accounting, inventory management, service management, customer
relations management (CRM), real time video and payroll modules. Since
restaurant POS systems can be customized to meet specific needs, they
work well with any restaurant concept.
Restaurant POS Systems: Guest Service
Restaurant
POS systems can help improve speed and efficiency in your operation. As
soon as an employee enters an order into the system, it is instantly
sent to the kitchen via printer or monitor. The POS system allows
managers and employees to monitor check times and deliver food
promptly. Intuitive touch screens speed order entry and reduce training
time.
POS systems improve guest service since servers can easily
access open checks at any time to verify the accuracy of an order or
split checks among large groups.
Restaurant POS Systems: Marketing
POS
systems can also track the effectiveness of certain marketing efforts,
such as rewards programs. These types of programs help increase brand
loyalty by offering guests special discounts after spending a
predetermined amount of money.
All information entered into a
point-of-sale system is saved and organized in statistical data form.
Servers are able to monitor their alcohol sales, comps, voids, credit
card tips and per-person check averages.
A POS system can help
managers evaluate these �progress reports� and determine areas in which
their serving staff needs improvement. POS systems can even be used to
monitor server contests, such as highest beverage sales, to generate
increased revenue or highlight items of higher profitability.
Restaurant POS Systems: Tracking Sales
A
point-of-sale system provides detailed information about your menu by
identifying top sellers and the most profitable menu items. POS systems
also can track consumption and immediately deduct it from your
restaurant�s inventory, eliminating the risk of ringing in sold-out
items.
Not only can restaurant POS systems be used to monitor
your staff�s sales, they can also monitor their hours to provide you
with detailed labor cost data. You can even create employee schedules
directly within your POS system and use it as a time clock, enabling
employees to punch in and out on the monitor.
A POS system helps
increase your restaurant�s bottom line by protecting your restaurant
from employee theft. In order for any food to be prepared, it must
first be sent through the POS system. Every item entered into the POS
system is automatically deducted from the restaurant�s food supply. At
the end of each week, a point-of-sale system automatically calculates
your inventory, enabling you to examine discrepancies and make better
purchasing choices.
Introducing a Restaurant POS System to your Operation
Whether
you are installing a restaurant POS system for the first time or
updating your current system, it�s essential to work out all kinks
beginning from day one.
Ask your operator about maintenance
contracts, repair services, upgrade charges and training. Request a POS
system representative to be onsite the first day the restaurant POS
system is put into service to assist with training and other technical
problems.
You have to do your part to maintain your POS system,
too. Update it with any new menu items, and make system familiarization
part of the standard training program for new employees. Maintaining
the integrity of your POS database should be high priority.
Types of Restaurant POS Systems
Two
of the most popular hospitality-specific POS systems on the market are
MICROS and Radiant Systems� Aloha. Both are Windows-based and offer
serving, management and analysis features. Most POS systems can run on
many hardware types, but it is important to determine that the
restaurant POS system you are planning to install meets your budgetary
and operational needs.
MICROS
boasts a list of high-profile clients including, TGI Friday�s, Panera,
and Se�or Frogs. It is the most-widely used point-of-sale system for
entertainment and leisure. Aloha�s clientele includes Johnny Rockets,
Tijuana Flats and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Both companies have a wide
product range, from basic POS models to wireless handheld table service
models.
The restaurant POS system is considered a
front-of-the-house system and is merely one piece of technology needed
to run a restaurant. But if you want to increase your restaurant�s
efficiency, nothing drives home the point better than a point-of-sale
system.
.
|
