Restaurants POS Systems

When it comes to software, restaurants have many needs that are unique to the food service industry. For example, a restaurant may need software to manage food costing or food delivery. However, one key technology tool restaurants need is common to many types of retailers: the point of sale (POS) system.

The challenge for buyers looking for restaurant point of sale (POS) systems is that, although retail POS solutions abound, the majority available lack restaurant-specific features, such as tip tracking, order entry and recipe costing. To find a system with traditional POS functionality along with features to satisfy restaurant operation requirements, buyers usually turn to large retail suite vendors. We developed this buyer’s guide to help restaurant owners understand the market and begin their search to find the right POS systems for restaurants.

Here's what we'll cover:

What Is Restaurant Point of Sale Software?
Common Features of Restaurant Point of Sale Systems
Deployment Options
Market Trends to Understand

What Is Restaurant Point of Sale Software?

Systems exist for both large- and small-scale establishments to support some to all restaurant requirements, including:

• Inventory
• Point of sale
• Accounts payable
• Reservations

General ledger, accounts payable and accounts receivable are typical features of POS systems. Historically, customer relationship management (CRM) has played a small role in restaurant software, but social media is driving change and innovation in this area.

Inventory is perishable and in many cases replenished daily or even more often. Therefore, inventory management is a common requirement for buyers. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) management compliance are also important for regulatory and insurance purposes.

Restaurant POS systems should also be able to adjust to different menus and prices for different times of day, and many systems have reservation functionality that integrates with Web-based reservation services like OpenTable. Bars can often use the same systems as restaurants, but some owners may elect to use more specialized bar POS software systems.

Ordering screen in Revel POS

Common Features of Restaurant Point of Sale Systems

In evaluating software, restauranteurs should evaluate the following functions to meet their unique requirements:

Deployment Options

Many small restaurants just need a basic restaurant management software system to run payments like a cash register would. Typically, these types of buyers will use small business accounting software like QuickBooks or standalone POS applications. But some buyers seek more advanced features such as integrated inventory management, customer relationship management, food costing and more. These buyers should consider a retail software suite with restaurant-specific features such as Aloha by NCR/Radiant Systems.

Home screen in Clover POS

Software buyers for larger restaurant chains are typically looking for scalable solutions with sales reporting features, a centralized pricing structure and robust inventory management. Systems like NCR or NetSuite would meet this requirements.

Market Trends to Understand

POS systems for restaurants is a market that is continually changing and influenced by mobile, consumer-facing technology. Here are two trends to keep in mind as buyers begin on the restaurant software search:

Consumer-facing technology. Restaurants are beginning to integrate iPad and consumer technology into the dining experience to meet client demands for faster checkouts, easier payment options with suggested gratuities, and entertainment such as gaming. In June 2012, the Wall Street Journal released a report about iPad apps that restaurants are rolling out to customers. Diners can order meals, pay bills or play games from these devices.

Servers using tablet hardware. In addition to consumer-facing iPad technology, we’re seeing an increase in iPads and mobile devices for line busting in quick service restaurant environments. Servers are using apps for iPhones, tablets, and other mobile devices to take orders in high-throughput restaurant locations. For more, see our guide on POS systems for mobile devices.