Using a POS system is a great way to boost the productivity of your business. With so many restaurant technology trends out there, you need to be aware of them so that they are used properly. Here are some do’s and don’ts that need to be followed.
Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
When it comes to choosing a POS, the biggest mistake you could make is basing your choice solely on price. While affordability is important, you can’t use that as your only reasoning. It’s important to do your research. Find out how a point of sale is going to help you with your operations.
If you have already noticed a few flaws within your operations, find out if a POS is going to help you achieve the assistance you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for a demo so that you can see how the system will work within your operations.
Don’t Ignore Key Features
The benefits of a POS system are significant. However, many restaurants don’t use it to its fullest potential. This is a mistake. Be sure that you understand all of the key features so that you can utilize them on a day-to-day basis.
There are quite a few features to be aware of:
- Table management
- Order taking
- Inventory management
- Real-time reporting
Too many restaurants use their POS software solely for taking orders. When you do this, you’re not utilizing all the features your POS system has to offer. If you want to effectively compete with the other restaurants out there, you have to embrace the restaurant technology trends. Figure out how technology can help you provide better service, offer more services, and generate more revenue. Then, use the reports in order to focus on food cost and other expenses so that more is going to the bottom line.
Do Upgrade Periodically
Technology evolves regularly. This means that your POS may be outdated. Don’t think that you can’t benefit from a newer program simply because “I already have a system.” If your software isn’t allowing you to take advantage of the latest features, you could be negatively affecting your operations.
Do Train Your Employees
When you use a point of sale, you have to recognize that not everyone is tech-savvy. Training employees on the system is an absolute must. Don’t make assumptions about what new hires do and don’t know about the system, even if they say they have used the same system at a previous restaurant.
Your training needs to include all of the components of the POS that you use. This includes everything from clocking in, to taking orders to running reports. Your servers, hosts, bartenders, cooks, managers, and everyone else should know how to use the system based on their job responsibilities. When you provide more comprehensive training, you can be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth out of the software.
A POS system is only as good as you allow it to be. Focus on a system that will fulfill all of your needs and then some. It will make it easier for you to run a successful business.
