The POS system is a key component in any successful foodservice business. Why? Because it enables both management and staff to track the flow of transactions and manage inventory effectively. Additionally, it also provides customers with menus, promotions, point-of-sale announcements, as well as detailed reports of each transaction they make. Here are questions to ask when shopping around for a POS system:
What form of payment will the system support?
While most POS systems are able to accept cash, debit cards and credit cards, some can take special payment methods. For example, there are POS systems that support mobile payments made via apps on smartphones. Also, there are even restaurant POS systems in Malaysia that accept digital currency such as Bitcoin. So when choosing a POS system, find out what kinds of payments it can accept and check if it can integrate with your software or hardware.
What is the size of the company?
The size of your company will have a direct impact on how much you need to spend on a POS system. If you have a small business, look for a system that is built around your needs. On the other hand, if you are looking for an enterprise-level POS system, weigh the cost against what it offers.
What kind of hardware is necessary?
Think carefully about hardware when choosing a POS system. Some systems only require certain components and do not include other peripherals such as scanners or printers. Depending on your preferences, you may also be able to find more than one type of hardware that can work with a given system. If you have a multi-site restaurant and want to offer discounts to your customers, you may want to consider a remote POS system that can be installed at your other locations.
What type of software do I need?
The type of software that is included with the POS system will depend on the brand and model you choose. At least, make sure it is compatible with your existing software or hardware. It is also important that you check if the software solution can work with your existing business management systems like CRM systems and ERP applications. Some POS systems even have built-in mobile applications for point-of-sale as well as barcode scanners for smartphone users.