Advantages of a Quick Service POS System – How and Why They Help Restaurant Businesses Grow

Across the entire world of hospitality, speed and convenience are more important than ever before. Smartphone technology and apps have not only changed the way we approach food but also dramatically increased the plethora of choices for consumers.

As the food service industry has shifted, so have the capabilities of point-of-sale systems. POS systems can now handle everything from in-house operations to connecting with third-party apps and delivery services.

Improve Daily Operations:

Quick service POS systems will streamline your operations across countless areas. This includes aiding the day-to-day duties of counter hands, waiters/waitresses, floor managers, kitchen staff, chefs and owners. Of course, this is most effective when you acquire a centralised all-in-one hospitality platform. A brand-new quick-service system will cover the following

• Front of House Efficiency & Counter Sales
• Kitchen Management
• Back of House Control
• Dashboards and Reporting

POS systems not only improve operations between staff within the restaurant but also facilitate greater connectivity with off-site staff – whether they be in the field of accounting or the owners themselves. This is particularly critical if you are running multiple locations as it will save significant time and energy.

Managing Staff:

Beyond the obvious day-to-day duties throughout the restaurant, POS systems also allow you to manage staff across a variety of different areas. Critically, the software is excellent for the purposes of rostering, timesheets, pay cycles, stock inventory and accounting. The software can also include vital QR code technology and scanning to ensure that you meet any current health and safety guidelines.

Tracking Inventory:

POS systems offer dynamic integration that streamlines real-time data off-site. As a result, restaurant and franchise managers can easily keep track of how many items are sold and maintain a database of all current stock. Overall, this practice is essential for budgeting purposes and ensuring that stock never runs out of fails to meet the customer demands.

A new point-of-sale system is also fitted out with easy connectivity to third-party delivery apps/businesses. This, in effect, allows managers to track how much inventory is required to meet any online orders.

Accounting:

The combination of physical timesheets and paperwork equates to serious effort and time demands. POS systems, on the other hand, track data digitally in real-time. This means that accounting information is documented as it occurs and promptly streamlined with ease. From here, the data is readily accessible to your accounting staff, personnel, and department.

Importantly, integrated digital software saves you from potential human accounting errors. Be it automated timesheets, digital orders and receipts, or pay slips, the data is all there in one integrated channel – ultimately making the process more convenient for your operation as a whole.

Customer Loyalty:

These days, hospitality is all about interacting with your customers in a way that they feel comfortable with. Whether it be in the form of online delivery, self-serve checkout, tap-to-pay functionality or membership loyalty cards, the onus is now on each food establishment to provide a simple and convenient experience for their customer base.

When fully integrated into your POS network, customer loyalty apps are an excellent way to garner consistent business and build real traction with the public. Loyalty apps may include regular deals, discounts and special incentives for repeat customers – the options are endless!

Partner with Delivery Services:

Following on from our last point, one of the major benefits associated with upgrading your POS system is the connection with third-party delivery services. Be it through a website like Menu Log or apps including Door dash and UberEATS, home delivery services continue to dominate the hospitality industry (alongside all goods and services-based operations).

Unless they are a well-established family chain or establishment, food outlets that are not partnered with these delivery services can lose out on serious business. In addition, competitors with fully integrated POS systems can leapfrog your position simply due to the fact that they are featured on delivery apps and sites.

Attract and Track Online Orders:

As we have just covered, a lion’s share of the public has now transitioned to the convenience of online orders. While it is true some do remain true to traditional ways and prefer the in-house experience, trends continue to point toward online ordering as the dominant way forward. In particular, this trend only increased following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With all of this in mind, it is essential that your online platforms provide a simple and seamless ordering experience for your consumers. An all-new POS system will ensure that the website and app are highly responsive and track data in real-time. Remember, this is also essential for customers that want to pick up their orders at your restaurant or take them away from the store.

Reaching and Retaining New Customers:

The food industry is more competitive than ever before. In large part, this is driven by each individual’s ability to easily access a wide variety of food and drink options via Google or any range of delivery apps. Food establishments and franchises that fail to adapt and embrace newer technologies may, unfortunately, be left behind.

Investing in a fully integrated quick service restaurant pos system works across multiple levels. Not only will it work to attract new customers, but it will also afford you the chance to retain any new business that comes your way. Key features can include

• A brand-new online ordering platform
• Rapid integration from in-house to off-site staff
• Integrated loyalty programs and incentives
• Single-point management of menu and pricing
• Repeat marketing opportunities

These are only a snapshot of the countless opportunities available. If you want more information, your best bet is to reach out to an experienced POS systems supplier. In particular, look for a knowledgeable supplier who holds tangible experience in the field and can demonstrate how their systems serve to benefit your business operations.