Concerns About Restaurant POS Systems? Here Are The Answers!

Aug. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- > Does POS systems do better than paper records?

Everybody knows that recording data by hand takes a lot of time, now imagine recording every business transaction by hand, you'll think it'll probably take you weeks or even months. And that doesn’t even include the time to duplicate the information into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! If you don't want to regret loosing valuable time on these tasks, try using a POS system that will record all sales, returns, taxes, inventory, etc. so you may concentrate more on other aspects of the business. While your POS system do the tiring and crucial task of recording business data, it saves time and increses productivity more than makes up for the expenditure.

> I’m not that good with it comes to computers. Will I be able to use POS and its functionality?

Sure! A vendor can help you set up the software to do the things that you want. And then be able to navigate a POS system's menu easily. When the vendor sets you up, they shall provide full training for you and your employees on how to use it. And if you have a problem, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!

> What equipment do I need to get set up?

You will need a phone connection, Internet access, and working electrical outlets. If you have these components, vendors can set you up with POS in a cinch! You don’t even need to own a computer since most vendors provide one as part of the entire system package.

> Can POS help me prevent theft?

POS systems provide multiple tools to stop shrinkage before it eats into your profits. Various applications allow you to track every item in your inventory so you can estimate exactly how much profit you should realize for every sale and pinpoint problems with your margins. If there are discrepancies, it will raise immediate red flags so you can address the problem head-on.

> Can I rely on POS to handle my sales or to manage my inventory?

Your POS can handle both task! You can enter your daily transactions AND check inventory… but that’s just the beginning! POS terminal and software also allows you to track sales performance, generate different reports, set up reminders for inventory that’s getting low, and plan future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect to target effective sales campaigns and stock your shelves with the items they purchase the most.
Is wireless required?

If you're a business person on the go, especially doing tradeshows or processing orders in a restaurant, it's best if you use wireless technology. With this, you can easily process any transaction without having to go back to a POS terminal.

> Should I go straight for a flat-screen LCD monitor, or start off with CRT monitors?

Flat-screen LCD monitors provides many advantages for a restaurant compared to CTR monitors. LCD monitors are far more attractive for customers, easy to place on top of any counter table, uses less electricity and lasts longer. CRT screens are fine for low volume sales and if you’re not sure that POS is right for your business. But with the additional benefits afforded to flat screens, there will be little cost difference between the two.

> What printer is best for my restaurant: a dot matrix printer or a thermal printer?

For most businesses, a thermal printer works best. There are less moving parts so it’s less likely to break down. It’s also the only option if you are going to work wirelessly. However, dot matrix printers are safer choices in hospitality kitchens since the heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could damage the paper and ink of thermal printers.

> What happens if my POS breaks down while conducting business?

This is one of the reasons why back ups are so important. System failures can happen for a variety of reasons – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By implementing a backup solution (preferably offsite so your critical data is protected), you are assured of being able to restore lost or damaged files, and be able to run the business back in no time. More importantly, by backing up data, you ensure you can retrieve all customer information, sales figures, and custom reports you have saved prior to the crash.

> What kind of customer support can I expect?

As much as we'd love to give you a simple answer, unfortunately there isn't one. Customer service policies will vary from vendor to vendor. While one might have round-the-clock telephone support and local repair technicians, others may only have phone support during normal business hours and can only schedule repair requests a full day in advance.

That's why it is very important to keep in contact with your POS vendor in case of problems, especially if you baught separate POS equipments from different vendors, you can look into the offerings of different vendors and take your time before making a purchasing decision.

> What if I have multiple locations?

For large businesses that need several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. The first is each location operates independently with its own terminal and software. You can then send reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or week.

The second option involves connecting all terminals to a central server allowing reports and sales figures to be uploaded and downloaded in real time. The benefit of the second option is that it’s available remotely. However, with several terminals working on the same server, backlogs are possible if all locations try and send information over at once.

With both solutions, it’s imperative to have a robust back up solution since the central server connects all locations – if it fails, every location could be inoperable.

> POS software licensing?

Each terminal hosted on your network needs individual license. There are vendors who'll offer you discounts depending on the number of terminals that needs licenses.
Should I purchase a service contract?

It’s certainly worth the expense if you want your business up and running all day. Once you get set up with a POS system, you will use it for day-to-day operations and future business analysis. If the machine breaks down or you experience a disaster, you probably don’t want to be without it for too long.

There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a few hundred bucks per year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate in making your profits grow.

> Need more information or an online resource?

For more information on restaurant POS systems or to have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry, you may visit http://pos-for-restaurants.com

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