Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but with restaurant technology management systems evolving so quickly, choosing the right POS system for your business can be a daunting task.
Point of sale systems used to serve a single function—get the order to the kitchen quickly and efficiently. In the early days, that meant having a cash register.
Now, POS systems have morphed into dynamic, intelligent platforms that not only offer point-of-sale solutions, but an entire suite of helpful features such as online ordering, CRM, gift cards, and much more.
Today, restaurant owners can choose from a myriad of POS systems that offer valuable insights into customer behavior and can uncover opportunities for improvement. But with so many options on the table, what should a business be looking for in a POS system to ensure they maximize their investment?
Not all POS systems are created equal, and no one POS system will work for everyone. Here are five features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a POS system.
Easy To Use
Time is money, and you can’t bog down operations with technology that’s difficult for you, your employees, and your customers to grasp. You’re looking for a platform that’s simple, intuitive, and manageable.
When it comes to choosing a user-friendly POS system, a little research can go a long way. Many companies offer a free trial period, as well as videos, complimentary consultations, and tutorials that cover the ins and outs of their POS system.
Marketing Perks
Some POS systems are more robust than others, and if you want to increase efficiency, you should look to integrate your technology wherever possible. For example, OneDine’s contactless order and pay technology integrates with your POS system to offer mobile menu browsing, contactless ordering and payment, as well as a host of dynamic features that enable businesses to enhance their marketing, attract more customers, and cut on labor costs.
A platform that seamlessly integrates orders with key metrics to drive smarter business decisions will not only equip restaurants to exceed customer expectations, but to evolve with changing consumer preferences and continue thriving in the digital marketplace.
Matches Your Budget
Investing in a new POS system shouldn’t break the bank, and you don’t necessarily have to choose the most expensive option to get the greatest ROI. While a more expensive option may offer more features, you also want to consider your personal goals and needs.
Every feature under the sun might not be necessary for your restaurant; get clear about what you’re trying to accomplish and which features can enable you to reach those goals.
Good Customer Service
There’s nothing like having to jump through hoops and wait on hold for several minutes when you’ve encountered a problem with your software in the middle of happy hour. The ability to quickly access a real human being who can get you the help you need in a timely manner is crucial.
How can you tell if a company has good customer service? Try them out. If you schedule a consultation, notice their response time and their communication style. How friendly are they, and how quick are they to follow up with you? Are they transparent and proactive in their communication, or do they leave you feeling frustrated and confused?
All successful restaurant owners know not to underestimate the importance of the customer experience. Take your own experience into account as you’re shopping around for a new POS system.
Features You Need For Your Specific Business
With the advent of COVID-19, many restaurants now have to decide if they want to implement mobile menu browsing for the convenience and safety of their customers, or if they want to invest in disposable paper menus.
Consider the needs of your business. Is it important for your restaurant to offer mobile menu browsing? Does your POS system need to offer a loyalty program, track menu favorites, and enable online ordering for delivery or pickup?
Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can narrow down your options to the POS systems that offer those specific features, and further investigate which one can best meet your business needs.
POS Systems Are Changing The Restaurant Industry
Modern POS systems are evolving with consumer patterns, and enhancing the customer experience. Enabling restaurants to streamline their services and eliminate inefficient tasks, (such as running back and forth between the customer and the kitchen) POS systems are ultimately increasing levels of service.
Restaurant owners can now predict with surprising accuracy what their staffing needs will be based on data, which allows them to reduce labor costs and optimize their employees’ schedules.
Whether you’re simply looking for the ability to split a check or build a custom menu, the right POS system can improve every facet of your restaurant’s operations to boost profits, increase loyalty, and draw in more customers.
