Part 3 of 5: Choosing the right POS system

Choosing the right restaurant POS system is critical for your business. Understanding the specific needs, and what is not needed, are the keys to success for your restaurant.

Make sure you establish the following before moving forward with choosing a
POS system:

Figure out what you your goal, wants and needs

Just like when you are looking for anything, really, the search becomes much easier if you know what you want. The very first step on your hunt for the right POS is to identify your goal. What do you wish to achieve? Don’t start the process by staring at a list of features and functionality – let the list be the result of evaluating needs and wants based on your
goal(s). Put them on paper so you can go back and reference to your list at the comparison stage.

Based on your goal, fuctionality could be:

• Payments
• Terminals
• Customers & repeat business
• Inventory
• Location(s)
• Gift cards/loyalty programs
• Mobility, etc.

Choose a long-term solution that can grow with your business

One POS system could seem to be a perfect fit if implemented today, but don’t forget to look further down the road. Where is your business in a year? In 3 years? Choose a system where you can add necessary functionality along the way as your business grows.

Functionality such as:

• Workforce/staff management
• Accounting
• Inventory
• iPads (tablets)
• Kitchen displays
• Centralized administration
• Analytics
• Reservations & bookings 
• Gift cards, etc.

Determine your budget

How much should you spend on your new POS system? This typically depends on the size of your business and the functionality you need. But disregarding of the type of business you run – ROI is key. If the POS system can help make your business be more efficient, lower costs and allow you to sell more – the returns will be outstanding. Make sure to see
the whole picture when you determine your budget.

Research, audit and compare POS systems

It is funny to think of POS shopping as if it were a game show – this is the part where you would phone a friend or ask the audience. While Google can certainly be a great starting point when looking up POS solutions, don’t rely on it alone. Talk to fellow restauranteurs about their POS system and ask how it is working for them – they can tell you what works and what doesn’t.

See the POS in action - but make sure to include all types of users when taking the system for a test drive

To do this, you can request for local references from the POS vendors you are considering and ask those restauranteurs if you can see how their system works first hand.

Make sure you look for:

• Speed
• User-friendliness
• Interface
• Functionality
• Relevant integrations

When you have decided which POS system to invest in, make sure to:

Get the right setup for your business

You’ve chosen a POS vendor and all the necessary hardware is in place. Now it’s time to set up your new system and get everything up and running – customized to your needs. Rather than doing it all yourself, have the chosen vendor set up the system together with you and your staff. Established POS vendors usually have technicians that can help  customers implement their new solution.

Get the most out of your POS system

While POS systems are mainly used for orders and payment, most modern solutions enable you to do so much more. Ask your vendor for tips and tricks and use them to your advantage. Look into extra features, add-ons, or hardware that can enhance your POS and make your life easier. Are you making full use of the system? Re-evaluate and see if there is functionality that can help you save time, do more, and better understand your business.

Don't forget to:

• Evaluate
• Ask for employee opinions
• Ask for references or customer feedback
• Check out apps/add ons for your POS
• Ask vendor for suggestions to improve usage
• Training programs & other resources
  
  
  

Get a complete overview of what to look for in a POS system, the importance of having one, how you choose the right one, trends that influence the development of the POS-systems in the future and how Trivec could be an option for you in our complete buyer's guide. We will also provide you with checklists to use when mapping out your needs and comparing suppliers. Download below.