The point-of-sale system (POS) is the central point of any restaurant business. Here is where the action takes place, where servers can take orders and collect payment.
Businesses have become more dependent on restaurant POS systems to maintain their business. Technology and customer experience have improved. Restaurant POS systems seamlessly process orders, take payments, and check inventory levels.
Despite its importance for all industries, not all restaurants are on board. Many small businesses still use spreadsheets and analog cash registers to update inventory and conduct transactions, and they aren't using the functionality offered by restaurant POS systems.
Let's look at the possibilities for restaurants with the right POS system.
These eight features make it easier for restaurants to manage their business and simplify operations.
Inventory Tracking
It is crucial to strike the right balance between customer demand and ingredients. The industry has faced many challenges in predicting which products will be most popular and which items will remain on the shelves.
By keeping inventory levels updated, POS software can minimize those numbers. It allows you to keep track of inventory levels and which customers are interested in.
Some POS systems can notify you when certain items are running out, which is important during high-volume times. You don't want to run out of your most popular entrée on a Saturday night.
Sales Reporting
Managers can use POS software to develop sales reports to track the success of multiple restaurants at different locations. This information helps organizations focus on revenue-generating products by revealing which items are selling quickly.
This information can be crucial for revenue forecasting and demand forecasting.
POS systems may have reporting capabilities that include
- Total sales.
- Sales for any period.
- Prices per item or category.
- Sales per item or server.
Entrepreneur magazine reports on how independent retailers can save up to 10% using an integrated point-of-sale system.
Customer Management
Restaurant POS systems can store customer information such as names and contact details. Salespeople and waiters can utilize this information to customize the dining experience for consumers and increase loyalty.
Collecting consumer information allows retailers to identify valued clients and plan for their orders.
It is a comforting thought to go somewhere everyone knows your name and order your dinner.
Kitchen Communication
Solid communication and order accuracy are key features of POS systems at your bar or restaurant. The best Restaurant POS software allows you to track orders easily and ensure customers receive their food on time. You can send orders directly from your restaurant POS system to the kitchen by pressing a button.
Labor Tracking and Payments
POS system for restaurants allows you to track hours and total sales and taxes, voids, discounts, and payments made by credit card, cash, or gift card.
Also, you can check labor summaries as hourly labor costs or percentage of sales. Software solutions also allow you to see the hours of employee and employee classes.
In-Depth Reporting
You should consider the reports you want from your restaurant POS software when choosing one. The right POS software will allow you to view detailed information about everything, from labor to sales to activity.
Security
A cash drawer is an essential part of a POS system, and it helps manage security at the point-of-sale terminal. Each cash drawer is assigned to a single server by attaching two cash drawers to a shared POS terminal.
Managers can hold their employees responsible for the integrity and security of the till with this type of cash drawer and POS system.
Combo Builders
Restaurant owners can create "combos" or combinations from menu items. This is an excellent way for them to be creative in building their menu items. One example of a combo could be a soda, hamburger, and fries all combined in one combination. It is easier to group items for servers, and it is more efficient for kitchen operations.
Other Restaurant Software Features
Restaurants are investing in their most critical resources by bringing in the latest innovations in POS systems. Although POS software solutions can offer many features, they are most effective when companies concentrate on the critical.
See more features in a restaurant's POS:
- Schedule Shifts
- Customer Database
- Global Outreach
- Make Vendor Relations and Processing Simpler
- Improve Profit Margins
- Items to Transfer to Meet Location Needs
- Go Green
Final Words
Choosing the best restaurant POS system can be a difficult decision. RetailGraph restaurant POS system is highly rated and can be used to benefit your business.
Get our Beginner's Guide To POS Systems for more information on how our POS systems can meet your requirements and exceed your expectations.