Installing a restaurant's point-of-sale system doesn't take too long, provided you already know what to look for ahead of time. No matter which one you ultimately choose, there are plenty of options on the market – and not all of them work as well as you'd think. Whether you need to add new menu items quickly or handle a large sales volume, the POS you select can significantly affect your restaurant's efficiency overall, especially from an inventory control standpoint. Here are a few additional tips to point you in the right direction when narrowing down your POS system installation services options.
Focus on features that increase efficiency
First of all, the POS you select needs to increase efficiency and not impede the pace of business. Buying and installing a POS alone doesn't mean you'll automatically be more efficient; you merely have a solid foundation to build upon down the line. No matter how you look at it, the idea is to use technology to increase efficiency at the front and back of the house.
For example, a sound POS system needs to have clear options for modifying menu items without the need for manual typing. If a restaurant guest wants a steak and prefers sauce on the side, the system needs to have a pre-set button. The alternative is to have your servers and bartenders type in every modification, which is too slow and tedious for a successful restaurant. The goal is to increase efficiency with a proper setup from the start.
Maximize sales to include online takeout and delivery orders
Now that the pandemic is winding down, people are starting to return to restaurants, but there’s a clear shift toward more online takeout orders, including deliveries. The catch is that restaurants nationwide are turning away from third-party delivery apps and providing takeout and delivery services on their own. Still, you need to have the technology in place to do that successfully, and it has to be optimized as such.
Previously, legacy POS systems had few, if any, automation and integrations with online ordering platforms; however, you have more options nowadays. The challenge is deciding on a tech platform and staying committed to it during the implementation process. If you set up everything nicely, your staff won't miss a beat whether they serve guests in person or provide additional service like curbside takeout.
Not only that, but a solid POS installation sets the table (no pun intended) for more upgrades in the near future. The great thing about restaurant technology is that it's still evolving at a breakneck pace, so with the right POS system, you can be at the forefront of innovation. In contrast, your competitors will most likely lag far behind.
Indeed, there are many other considerations during a POS implementation, but those are the easiest low-hanging fruits to pluck. Still, if you're unsure where to start, it's always best to bring a POS installation company on board.