Benefits of POS Systems in Restaurants

A point-of-sale (POS) system is a computer system used for ordering, tracking and ringing up sales. POS systems are custom designed and programmed to suit the individual needs of different types of restaurants to increase profits and efficiency. Many successful restaurants rely on POS systems to keep their operations running smoothly.

Some of the benefits are:

• A POS system simplifies communications between the kitchen and the wait staff. Orders go through the computer, directly to the kitchen printer.
• POS programs can track everything from food usage to the most popular menu items.
• It acts as a time clock, it can also help prepare payroll. This can save you a lot of money in your bookkeeping department.
• A POS system can organize profit and loss statements and sales tax.

• Error Control:

Point of sale systems in restaurants also eliminate or at least reduce, the rate of human error. Poor penmanship sometimes results in misinterpretation of handwritten orders. If an order is misread by a chef or bartender they may prepare the wrong item which results in waste and loss of profit. When ordering through a POS system, orders are neatly printed and easily read.

• Detailed Business Reports:

One of the most popular benefits of a restaurant POS system among managers is generating detailed reports. Because every order of business is recorded in real-time through the system, generating reports for sales, credit card transactions, a sales record, stock, inventory, popular items, profits, and losses can be achieved in any terminal, at any time. Implementing a point of sale system in your restaurant can aid in creating simple and efficient record-keeping and eliminate excessive hard copies by creating a digital file cabinet of sorts.

• Credit Card Processing:

When purchasing a POS system for a restaurant, you will have to be undoubtedly sure about secured payments. With an advanced POS system, you can run reports and keep detailed records of all credit card transactions without having to purchase and install a separate credit card machine.

• Theft Control:

A common profit reducing the problem for many restaurant owners is theft. When a system neglects to charge customers for items or takes orders home without paying for them, it may create a considerable loss in profit. By using a POS ordering system, restaurant owners and managers can track exactly what was ordered, and by whom.

The high volume of cash and credit cards that pass through a restaurant each day make a POS system a necessity. A POS system not only tracks every penny of your sales, but many POS programs also act as credit card processors. This makes swiping credit cards more secure for both the customer and the business. Servers are accountable for all their sales, and it is impossible to alter checks on the computer unless you have the password. This helps cut down on employee theft.

If you are planning a very small operation, such as a sandwich shop etc, you may not need a POS system at the opening time, especially if you aren’t going to take credit cards. If you have dreams of expanding or franchising, then you may have to purchase a POS into your opening costs.