A point-of-sale (POS) system is essential in helping restaurant professionals manage orders, inventory, schedules, and more. POS systems are designed to help restaurants improve efficiency and boost revenue. Successful restaurants rely on a POS system to keep their business running smoothly.

If your restaurant has various components to the business—such as a gift shop or a bakery, you may want to consider a POS system that offers support for multiple workstation terminals. This will include various types of hardware such as cash registers and touchscreens. For smaller restaurants, like a bar and grill type of operation, hardware may be purchased on a “as needed” basis.

POS Systems Save You Time

Bartenders, servers, and cooks all use a POS system in the restaurant business. It saves much time, as most operations are just a few clicks away from completing a transaction. For example, a server can place an order for drinks and entrees at the same time.

The order for drinks could be printing at a terminal at the bar, and the order for entrees will go to the kitchen. Instead of having to make a stop at each station or terminal, the order can be completed in one place. When your POS system is setup correctly, this process will be executed seamlessly.

Less Errors

POS systems reduce the rate of human error. Sometimes servers can take an order down but write the wrong details. If the chef misreads your order or follows your error, the wrong food may be prepared which will cause a loss to the restaurant when the order is sent back. When you use a POS system to take the order down, a clear and orderly list is printed which is easily to follow.

Process Credit Card Payments

When using a POS system for your restaurant, you are giving your clients the ability to pay either by cash or credit cards. As most individuals like to pay by card, you can easily track your sales for the day. You can run different business reports as well, without having to have a credit card machine installed separately.

However, detailed reports are what matters most to restaurant managers. They help you gauge growth, efficiency, inventory, and sales, all in one place. A POS system will help you track how you’re doing through the day, in real time. This way you can see if your team needs to hustle more for the rest of the day.

Also, you can view what items are most popular and even process refunds if necessary.

Controlling Theft

A common issue with most restaurants, especially if you carry lots of liquor in storage, is employee theft. When bartenders don’t pay for their own drinks, or give a patron free drinks, your business is losing money. By using a POS system, you can track exactly what drinks your restaurant sold and compare it to your inventory. This way you can know if funds are missing from your operation.