Point-of-sale restaurants use computer technology to record data, capture orders, and display tickets. Waiters, waitresses, and cashiers at these establishments use Restaurant POS systems to easily and conveniently take and enter food and beverage orders.
POS Application Capabilities
A POS fulfills the role of a computer as well as a cash register. As a general rule, a restaurant POS may consist of credit card terminals, multi-stations, display screens, receipt printers, server stations, and hostess stations. A properly equipped POS system can add higher levels of accuracy and convenience and also save valuable time during busy peak hours. Some of the capabilities and functions of a smart POS system are:
* Calculations of cash due for each order entered into the system.
* Keep a record of the form of payment.
* Preparation of sales report by hours and days.
* Register of average daily checks of each worker on the restaurant floor.
* Keep track of all menu items purchased by guests.
* Record details and information about regular customers.
* Keep track of the cash present at any given time at the register.
How do internal staff use POS systems?
It is important to note that the features and functions of different POS systems vary from one another. User processes must be customized to suit the service style and restaurant type of various establishments. The common steps involved in taking orders with a restaurant POS are:
* The employee’s name and/or user code is entered on the system’s initial touch screen. This allows access to the secure POS system.
* A new check or order is prepared on the lines of the menu items selected by the customer. Full service restaurants typically look for pre-created checks or order lists and the clerk simply adds the table number and selected items to this list.
* POS system sends in order of menu selection to kitchen counter or bar through digital screen monitor or printed ticket.
* Bar or kitchen employees review the order and begin preparing it for the wait staff, butler, or other employee waiting to serve the guest.
* Restaurants that cater to customers looking for express or quick service often program their POS systems to take orders and charge customers all at once. By contrast, employees associated with full-service restaurants present the check, wait for the customer to pay, and then enter the required figures at the POS.
The reliability, precision and speed of results offered by POS systems installed in restaurants are reaping great advantages for their users and are becoming more popular every day.