Answers to your most common questions about Restaurant Point of Sale Systems

Aug. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- > POS systems vs. 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 waste anymore of your valuable time on these, try using a POS system that will record all sales, returns, taxes, inventory, etc. so you can concentrate on other aspects of the business. While POS takes an investment to get started, the time savings and productivity increase more than makes up for the expenditure.

> I don't know much about computers. Will I still be able to use a POS system?

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 proper training for you and your employees on how to use the system. And if you have a problem, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!

> What equipments are required to set up?

To begin, you'll be needing a phone connection, internet connection 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.

> How can POS help 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. And in case of discrepancies, it will raise immediate red flags so you can take care of the problem before it gets worst.

> Is POS good only for handling sales or to manage inventory?

Both can be handled by your POS with no problems! You can input all the data you want AND check out the invetory... the best part of it is that's only the beginning, there are so much more you can do with a POS. 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.

> When do I need wireless?

Wireless is best used for business people on the go, so they don't need to go back and fort to a POS terminal to process a transaction. Instead, they can easily process transactions using wireless technology.

> Should I buy a flat-screen LCD monitor, or a less expensive CRT monitor?

LCD monitors provides many benefits for a restaurant compared to CTR monitors. First of all, they look great on any counter tables, they take up less space, less electricity and they last 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.

> Which is better: a thermal printer or a dot matrix 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 suddenly breaks down during business?

This is one of the reasons why you should regualrly back up your database. System failures can happen any time – 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?

We’d like 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, look into the offerings of different vendors, take time evaluating each, and make a straight decision before purchasing.

> What if I need POS for 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.

> Does my POS software needs license?

You typically need an individual license for each terminal hosted on your network. There are POS vendors who'll offer you discounts depending on the number of terminals that needs licenses.

> Should I purchase a service contract?

It maybe part of the expense but surely worth it. 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.

Depending on the vendor, a maintenance contract can cost a few hundred dollars a year and provide you with peace of mind so you can concentrate on running and growing your business.

> Need more information or an online resource?

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

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