Having Proper Computer Systems Helps Improve Your Restaurant POS System

July 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Are you in the process of looking at a new computer system? Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or restaurant, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.

1. Network cabling. The majority of systems are computer-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. This means that the workstations and peripherals most likely will communicate over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, the preferred method is to "hardwire" your computer stations. Some vendors include this service in their bid; others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.

Regardless of who will work on the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each piece of equipment will require a cable drop. A drop is considered a cable that runs from a remote printer or PC back to the networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.

For POS systems, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a "home run" area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, because these devices can sometimes cause communications interference.

2. Electrical. Installing a dedicated and isolated circuits for your POS equipments such as your POS computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems that can share. No other electrical equipment should be on this circuitry. I would prefer getting your network, phone, and electrical service to be near to each other. An isolated circuit means that the circuit has a ground separate from that of the main electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and surges that may destroy motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, you may still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Properly designed workspace. When it comes to designing workstation areas, be sure to leave some extra space to comfortably fit your needed equipments. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to hold your computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you plan to use separate credit card equipment. There should be enough space directly underneath the tabletop to hold the computer, surge protector, power strip and a battery backup (UPS).

If you plan to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, have your contractor pre-drill holes if needed to run cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole should give sufficient space for cords and cables on most POS systems.

For cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop space should also be ample enough to fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5- to 4-inch height. Be sure to get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath the counter.

4. Service Plans. Most venders may offer some type of service plan as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of materials that will not last forever especially in restaurants. POS printers will eventually break, fans will fail, and hard drives will crash. How often is dependent upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are the most common threat to office and restaruant POS equipment.

I've seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing a restaurant owner can do is to invest in good equipment and maintain it to reduce future damages. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service plans that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of the original purchase price.

Computer systems represent a sizable investment. But if you set a time to make sure that the above steps are included in your checklist, then you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.

If you wish to know more about restaurant POS solutions or to simply have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry, you may visit http://pos-for-restaurants.com

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