Using a Tableside POS System in Small Restaurants

The cozy, quiet atmosphere that you have been able to design in your small restaurant has been a hit. Diners often point out that visiting your restaurant after a long day to unwind and relax has often led to long conversations and putting themselves in a good frame of mind. After all, between the personal touches that servers in a small restaurant can offer and the personalized experience, there are no perks or experiences that larger restaurants offer that you cannot.
The technology you use is no exception to this, and in fact, can actually give small restaurateurs more of an advantage over their larger competitors. Emerging POS technology, such as tableside POS systems, can not only help you match up to the competitors but also exceed them in terms of customer service and the overall personalization of the dining experience. They will also work to improve the quality of service you provide, as long as you stick to several key guidelines.

Using Data to Determine Menu and Service Offerings

As a small restaurant, you most likely rotate specials and menu items based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. An important aspect of using a tableside POS system is having the ability to use mobile technology to present your menu at each table, and this must include timely updates to the menu. The menu decision-makers in your restaurant, whether that is just you or your cooks weighing in as well, must accurately represent the trending desires of your diners.
The tableside technology options you select should integrate directly into your POS system. When your tableside devices are compatible with your POS software, you gain a high level of data continuity and as such, you can run sales reports that give you a more accurate picture of what menu options are in high demand. With this, you can update your menus in your POS software, and be confident in knowing that your tableside devices will automatically present the new items to your diners.

Selecting the Right Hardware Benefits Customers and Staff

Determining what devices to use at your tables will be dependent on answering these questions:

1. How much space can a device take up at my tables without interfering with dining?
2. Is it possible to place devices on movable stands that can be moved out of the way when the food arrives?
3. Can the touchscreen handle the inevitable food and drink debris that will arrive from dirty finger touches?
4. Is the platform easy to use?
5. What type of support is there for malfunctioning devices?

Conducting research into this short list of questions will cover the basics around the placement and use of tableside ordering devices at your tables. Ideally, you should start by looking into using iPad tablets, as these come with a variety of mounting options and award-winning support. They are also very easy to use, which helps your customers feel confident in navigating menus, paying their tab, or diving into any tableside entertainment options you present.

Select a POS Provider that Gives you an App

Almost as important as choosing the best hardware to reside at your tables and booths is the software you load onto them. While there is no shortage of apps that allow you to present menus and place orders, a majority of these are severely limited in their ability to fully integrate into popular POS software platforms. Also, these apps can lock certain important features, such as a limited amount of menu updates, until a premium version is purchased.
The better way to go about this is to select a POS software that gives you an app as part of the overall solution. The seamless integration of data, and the important ability to manage devices from an app on your smartphone, make this the hands-down winning option for small restaurant owners. This provides an easy to understand interface that is consistent for customers and staff alike, and assures you that the data you rely on to build an enticing dining experience is highly accurate.

Giving the Customer Control Over the Dining Experience

The newfound ability to place iPads at each table in an optimized position, loaded with an app provided by your POS solution, gives you a highly capable and inspiring tableside POS system. Your customers will notice the changes immediately, as the accuracy of your orders reaches near-perfect levels and servers are freer to provide an extra special personal touch. But this is not all that customers will notice with your new tableside POS functionalities.
Customers can utilize the provided tableside technology to create the meal of their dreams. The ability to apply multiple custom options to a featured meal, and to easily compare specials to their old reliable choice without the pressure to order while a server is standing there builds a more relaxed dining environment. And, your customers can use your app on their smartphones, allowing them to easily order takeout, delivery, or to reserve a table for that special night out.

Selecting your POS Partner is as Important as Selecting Tableside POS Technology

Choosing the technology platform that forms the basis of a tableside POS strategy requires more than technical knowledge. You need someone at your side to see the things you miss, and to put the technical pieces together using a broad spectrum of POS implementation experience. Having a POS solutions partner by your side through the implementation of tableside POS technology will give you a more complete solution that will maximize the ROI you will see.

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Using the experienced consultants that talech can provide gives you a personal guide into the world of emerging POS technologies. This, when blended into our acquired business wisdom and experience in the restaurant industry, gives you a tableside POS solution that is built around your goals and uses well-defined best practices. Contact us today to sign up for a free demo and find out how we can help you to create the perfect POS solution for your needs.