The Importance of Point of Sale (POS) Systems in the Restaurant Industry
Working in the restaurant industry, I’m constantly evaluating all aspects that go into creating a satisfactory dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick delivery on Friday night, a dine-in brunch on Saturday afternoon, or takeout on Sunday, there are several factors that can make each dining experience or touch point with a restaurant enjoyable and seamless. Oftentimes, the variables that control a diner’s experience go unnoticed but are vital and dependent upon a functioning Point Of Sale (POS) systems .
Streamlining the Online Ordering Experience with Point of Sale (POS) Systems Integration
Today, ordering food is as simple as pushing a button, and delivery is at an all-time high with apps such as Favor, UberEats and DoorDash. It’s imperative for restaurants to take this into consideration when selecting a point-of-sale system. A bad experience or a wrong order can jeopardize a restaurant’s relationship with a customer. Integrating apps such as ToGoTechnologies, Open Dining Network and MAVN with a POS system can completely change the playing field for online ordering.
By incorporating these apps into one POS system, restaurants can eliminate the need for multiple iPads behind the counter, each receiving orders from a different app, and can have one system receiving online orders. With a more seamless setup, less employees are needed to oversee online orders, thus reducing order errors and making a restaurant more efficient. Due to the current spike in online ordering, delivery and takeout, restaurants are adapting their interior space by expanding their pickup area to accommodate the increased foot traffic from food runners and customers.
Improving Wait Times with Long Range Systems’ Table Tracker
Speed of service is always a top priority when visiting a restaurant for the first time. A new concept that is being implemented in the industry to improve wait times is Long Range Systems’ Table Tracker. Customers are given pagers when they place their order at the counter, allowing them to sit wherever they want and simply place their pager on the table. Servers are then able to track the customer to their table for streamlined food delivery. The pager eliminates the traditional process of having the customer leave their table to pick up their food from the counter. This concept caters directly to the customer’s needs.
Enhancing the Dining Experience with Shared Payment Integrations
Other improvements in the industry include shared payment integrations such as TabbedOut and MyCheck, which make it easier for groups to split the check.
Efficiently Managing Inventory with Point of Sale (POS) Systems
One of several factors that goes unnoticed by the average diner is that POS software helps restaurants manage their inventory and resources, such as employee work schedules, to ensure they are prepared and properly staffed. An entire staff can access this schedule, and restaurant managers can regulate how and when employees can or can’t clock in. Restaurant employees play a major part in creating a memorable dining experience, so having an efficient and accurate scheduling system in place ensures that everyone is in the know and giving customers the best experience possible.
Embracing Technological Advancements in the Restaurant Industry
My role in the restaurant industry is unique and constantly evolving, and that’s one of the best parts of my job. As technology advances, there are always new ways I can support and improve my clients’ businesses through their POS systems. I enjoy the challenge of staying on top of industry trends, and I am always looking for ways to make my clients’ lives easier. With increased efficiencies comes increased profits, and I hope to help my clients enjoy that success.
About the author: Tristan Child is the Chief Operating Officer at Focus Point of Sale. Child focuses on new business opportunities, streamlining current business operations and staying informed on current industry trends and technologies. He attended Texas Tech University and the University of Houston, and is certified as a Qualified Integrator and Reseller by the PCI Security Standards Council. For more information, call 713-412-1886 or visit www.focuspointofsale.com.
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