About what size restaurant is best for a POS system?
Because the cost of getting one terminal is usually a lot more expensive per unit than getting, say, 5 or 6, smaller operations with average traffic may choose not to get a system at the outset. But, if a restaurant can afford to purchase 1 terminal, it should to increase efficiency, better monitor its costs and avoid loss from theft, etc. For example, Aloha has several 1-station clients who have heavy traffic, and the system paid for itself over time.
What’s the difference between a regular cash register and a POS system?
The difference between a plain cash register and a POS system is that POS systems include opportunities for synchronicity not only with the terminals within the system, but with various accounting programs, as well as numerous loss prevention and security features, such as synching transactions with security video archives to watch servers as they handle cash. Some even feature the opportunity for remote monitoring of the system, so that owners can track transactions in real time through cellular or online updates.
What can you tell me about the POS industry and the systems they market?
A point-of-sale system can be beneficial to all sorts of foodservice operations, from cash-and-carry and quick service restaurants to casual and fine dining. The largest and most well known POS companies are Aloha, Micros, PosiTouch, and Squirrel, though there are a plethora of smaller independent systems, and a significant amount of large restaurateurs now develop their own systems.
Who should purchase a POS system?
Any restaurant that can benefit from increased efficiency on both front-of-house and back-of-house operations is a good candidate for purchasing a POS, whether an existing establishment or a new venture.
How much will a POS system cost?
Depending on the number of terminals and accessories in the restaurant, a POS system may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Costs typically include a server, touch-screen monitors with credit-card processing attachments, kitchen and receipt printers, and software which is customizable for the venue and creates a multiplicity of tracking and accounting reports.
