Your guide to restaurant POS systems

In this ever-evolving tech-driven world it’s hard to keep up with what’s coming and what’s going. We’re already in 2022 and if you haven’t digitized your payment methods, you better catch up!

As a restaurant owner, it’s imperative to know what the latest technology is and how it can help you and your business grow. You don’t have to be tech-savvy or even an ardent user – but getting ahold of these tools and learning to use them can easily boost your performance.

Years ago, it might have seemed non-essential but we’ve entered into an age where everything digital – is essential. Ever since the pandemic, Dubai-based delivery platforms have really expedited this process. Digitization is everywhere and it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon.

Most, if not all restaurants that have re-opened have converted to digital solutions to accelerate their business, from QR codes to online payments, to multiple delivery services. Restaurant owners need to stay on top of this revolution and embrace it, but where should one start?

Start with: what is a POS System?

A POS system or point of sale system is a computerized operating machine that requires hardware and software to accept payments and record transactions.

There have been many points of sale systems over the years dating back as far as 1973. Things have evolved rapidly – and in Dubai, you can find at least 150 different POS systems (companies) all varied in utility, differing based on payments and the recording of transactions.

What’s the software?

The programs help you to manage your transactions. There are many to choose from, some free and some affordable and some a bit more pricy. For the best results choose software that best suits your business model, because a fine-dining restaurant might differ from a neighborhood ice cream shop.

In addition, some software can be installed in person and some can be installed remotely.

Did you say hardware?

The main piece of hardware in your POS system allows you to access and operate your software. The POS terminal is a digital cash register that can be used on mobile devices, computers, or tablets. Making it simple and easy to use.

Other aspects include receipt printers, kitchen terminals, and payment terminals (or credit card readers).

The goal like everything is to keep things running smoothly and promote a more efficient way to save time and boost your restaurant’s performance!

What should you look for in today’s POS?

On busy nights, when your restaurant’s packed and your staff is struggling to catch up – a steady and reliable POS system is your best friend. It’s not just a payment processor, it does way more. With such smart systems, you can manage better, serve food faster, book tables, and track your data across the board without breaking a sweat.

Below you’ll find some reasons why using the right POS can help you!

Check-out with ease

The point of choosing the right POS is to help track and close out transactions without more pens, papers, and calculators. A solid POS should integrate into your payment terminal and help you keep track of every ticket and order.

Track payments in real-time

POS systems were used before digitized systems, to help businesses keep track of their transactions and to produce daily reports.

Nowadays modern POS systems help you stay on top of everything in real-time with more than half the effort. If you’re managing multiple restaurants, this feature can be more than just useful — it can help you stay ahead of your accounting.

Table management

No matter the number of tables the best and easiest POS systems will give you access to any and all of your restaurant’s tables. Stay on top of the rush and no your exact layout without any extra stress.

Transparent reservations

Managing the floor with little to no effort means booking more tables faster, and more orders out of the kitchen. You’ll see how many tables are free and when.

Orders at the table

Using mobile POS systems, staff no longer need those pens and paper to write down orders, nor will they need to even remember them. Digital orders reduce mistakes and misunderstandings between customers, the kitchen, and the front of the house.

Synchronize the front-of-house and kitchen

The right POS system can make all the difference. Further reducing wasted time, staff no longer need to run back and forth from the kitchen. Orders are entered into the POS and then displayed on a terminal or printed on impact printer (heat resistant) tickets in the kitchen.

Take inventory

Take stock before it’s too late! With mobile POS systems, staff has the ability to check exactly which items are still available in the kitchen so you never get stuck without a dish and an unhappy customer.

Manage your Staff

POS systems even tell you when your staff is available and who can fill in last minute if needed. No need to manually enter your staff’s schedule, everything is automatic and organized.

Instant data and statistics

Which dishes were the favorite tonight? Do guests prefer dinner on Wednesdays? Did happy hour meet your quota? Was this Saturday slower than the last?

Any information is good information, even if it means you’re losing sales. With this data, you’ll be better prepared to pivot and make changes where it’s absolutely necessary. Stay ahead before the overwhelm takes hold!

Market place

Another essential aspect to keep in mind is POS systems that provide marketplaces for third-party integrations. These platforms otherwise known as APIs ( Application programming interfaces) are a set of functions that allows applications to access data and interact with external software components, operating systems, or microservices.

To simplify, an API delivers a user response to a system and sends the system’s response back to a user.

The more tools you use the more possibilities to elevate your business. Spades seamlessly integrate over a dozen different POS systems with marketplaces that are key to restaurants and the F&B industry from delivery, marketing, accounting, and much more!

Some of our partners include Foodics, Aloha, Micros Systems, LS Retail, Revel, Tevalis, iiko, Lightspeed, Linga, Maitre’D, Par, Positouch, and Squirrel!

About Spades

While using POS systems has changed the game, the digital revolution has just begun! There are many more tools in the pipeline for business owners to utilize and take advantage of.

With Spades, our web-based solution seamlessly integrates with POS systems. Guests can scan a QR code or tap the NFC to view the menu, split, tip, and pay all from their smartphones.

There’s faster table turnover, higher average basket sizes, more tips for staff, and more engagement with guests!

For restaurants, our end-to-end POS integration means if an order shows up on Spades it also shows up on the restaurant’s POS system. Boom. No more, pens, papers, calculators, or running back and forth. Everything is automatic and in real-time: this means even the transactions, reports, and payouts are all in one place for your staff and management.

Everything is changing, not just us but every sector across this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

If you’re interested in what we do and how our solution integrates with your POS….check what Spades can do for you.