What is a Restaurant Point of Sale System? 

A restaurant point of sale (POS) system is a piece of software that is designed to handle a range of restaurant related tasks digitally. This can include activities such as: 

  • Taking and handling orders.
  • Taking payments.
  • Managing inventory.
  • Tracking trends such as revenue, order statistics, customer behaviour.  

POS systems play a key role in keeping busy restaurants running smoothly, making life easier for both staff and customers. A well-designed system helps your team work more efficiently, whether on the floor or in the kitchen, and ensures your customers enjoy a seamless dining experience.

 

Types of POS systems for restaurants 

Hospitality POS systems come in a variety of forms, tailored to meet the unique needs of different venues. From traditional restaurants to hotels, pubs, bars, and nightclubs, each system is designed to handle the specific demands of its environment. Here are some of the most common types of restaurant POS systems:

  • Cloud-based POS systems: The most common type of restaurant POS is a cloud based system. This technology works by storing data within the cloud, allowing for remote access. Cloud based POS systems can run on computers or tablets.
  • Mobile POS (mPOS) Systems: Portable cloud-based  devices such as tablets or smartphones which can be used to process orders and payments. These systems allow staff to serve customers directly at their tables.
  • Drive-through POS systems: For restaurants offering drive-through services, these POS systems allow customers to place orders directly from their vehicles, with a focus on speed.
  • Kiosk POS systems: Some dine-in restaurants also offer takeaway, with self service solutions such as kiosks becoming increasingly popular. Kiosk POS systems allow customers to place orders directly at a standalone station.

 

Key Features of Restaurant POS systems

With a range of different of point of sale systems for restaurants available on the market, it can be difficult to understand which may work best for you and your business. By better understanding your venues requirements you can better narrow down the system that will be best suited. Below are some key features to look out for when searching for the best restaurant POS system.

 

1.Inventory Tracking & Stock Management 

One must-have capability of a restaurant POS system is  an in-built inventory and stock management program. This is when the software allows for staff to track inventory automatically, by detecting stock levels based on items sold. Some systems also provide available portions features, providing visibility to when items are nearing being sold out. This helps create a streamlined ordering process, by allowing for greater precision in ingredient ordering, timed alerts when stock levels are low, and better overall ability to forecast inventory. This results in cost efficiencies, and less errors on the floor. 

2. Payment Flexibility 

Customers may wish to pay in a range of methods when visiting your venue. This can include via Apple Pay, Credit Card, or by using Cash. A point of sale system that allows for ultimate flexibility in payment methods accepted accommodates for all guest types, meaning no one is turned away. Other advanced customisable payment features to look out for when determining which restaurant POS to use,  includes allowing for public holiday surcharges to be easily included onto bills, the ability to create package deals on items, and adjusting promotions settings. 

 

3. Analytical Features and Reporting Capabilities

Analytical features that are in-built within a POS system is crucial in helping restaurant owners make data-driven decisions. Types of data that that can be collected via the right POS system includes: 

  • Sales tracking – sales data such as revenue, profit margins, sales trends by time, and top selling items. 
  • Inventory reports – tracking inventory in real-time to prevent waste and error.
  • Customer behaviour – client demographics and spending patterns such as average visit time, spending frequency etc. 

The ability to visualise restaurant data through easy to understand reporting and insights tooling is vital in helping restaurant owners make strategically important decisions to drive profitability and efficiency in their restaurant.

 

4. Communications Channels 

The final feature to look for when choosing a point of sale system is in-built staff messaging functionality. Having an in-built messaging system allows for streamlined communications between front and back of house staff, and management. It can work to improve service during peak times, increasing both the efficiency and speed of staff performance. Other benefits include better serving coordination between courses, staff-wide alerts, as well as providing a great place for instant feedback to improve performance.

 

The Best POS Systems for Australian Restaurants 

With 30 years experience, H&L POS are the market leaders in POS systems in Australia, with a specific focus on restaurant-specific POS software.  Our robust technology allows for a range of integrations and terminal types,  and can be tailored to suit any restaurant venue no matter the size. Or POS systems includes essential features such as order and table management, inventory and stock control, customer engagement and analytics tooling, staff communication tools, financial management capabilities, as well as a range of customisable features. 

Book a demo, or contact us to find out more about our restaurant POS software today.