As one of the fastest-paced small businesses, restaurant owners typically do not have time to dabble in the nuances of their business during rush times. Managing inventory, staff performance, and customer expectations requires you to have powerful technology at the core of your operation. It is here that innovative restaurant POS systems can deliver a powerful punch and put an end to the days of you grasping for minutes just to check on the overall health of your restaurant.
The main difficulty in upgrading or implementing modern POS technology is that the list of POS features will initially seem overwhelming. There are several POS technology ideas that you should already have in mind before engaging with a valued POS consultant. Having a firm grasp of these ideas will be instrumental in a successful POS implementation that addresses your challenges and allows you to stay focused on improving your customer experience.
Funnel Information Into One Easy-to-Access Location
One of the most important processes in today’s business world, regardless of industry, is the proper gathering, storing, and usage of data. Information forms the backbone of business changes, and is primed to introduce game-changing predictive models into the restaurant industry. These data models will tell you with a high degree of precision where your menu’s weaknesses are, as well as where individually targeted specials could yield improved revenues.
Monitoring staff performance is another crucial area where having advanced data management is greatly beneficial. It presents you with on-demand reporting that can reveal who your most accurate order takers are, as well as those who need additional support. Also, the combination of sales and inventory data will provide you with an accurate measurement of ingredient usage and waste, giving you an additional set of eyes in the kitchen when you are not there.
Further Leverage Integrated Data Through a Kitchen Display System
It is nearly impossible for you to maintain a watchful eye over everything simultaneously. This is especially true when it comes to the management of kitchen staff. Hidden from view, it is very easy for them to escape your notice unless something goes terribly awry. As we pointed out above, the powerful data analysis tools included in modern restaurant POS systems can help you monitor how things are going, but since these analyses are based on historical data, any corrections made will not bring back lost time or money.
Keeping real-time tabs on the inner workings of your kitchen can be accomplished by implementing a POS system that integrates into a powerful kitchen display system (KDS). A KDS keeps your kitchen workers on task and helps to ensure that they are using only the exact amount of ingredients necessary to create a dish. This boosts your ability to effectively manage inventory, reduce waste in all forms, and create some valuable breathing room in your margins.
Use POS Mobility Tools for Additional Online Ordering Options
The widespread use of mobile technology in all aspects of our lives can also be harnessed by restaurants. A forward-thinking POS vendor will have already likely noticed the increasing demands by dining customers to view or order their food online, and as a result, created a fully customizable online ordering template specifically for use by restaurants that can easily be woven into a restaurant’s POS platform.
This adds new avenues for promoting your restaurant beyond the limitations of your current marketing reach. Offering online ordering options will increase the likelihood of attracting new customers, and will provide you with valuable new data that is based on views or clicks that can signal a menu item’s lack of appeal, popularity, or need for adjustments. Online ordering options also naturally segue into the world of online, automated table bookings.
Hasten the Pace of Ordering and Checkouts Using QR Codes
A trending technical option that has only just recently started to gain traction in restaurants is the use of QR codes. This is another mobility feature that, like online ordering, will offer you more options in your quest to remain a step ahead of the competition. A QR code can be placed in a strategic location, such as the hostess stand or at a table, and when scanned will direct the customer to your online menu or table booking website.
This gives you several new options in building a better customer experience. First, the customer has control over the entire dining experience and can set the pace of their visit to suit their needs. Next, customers can opt for a contactless dining experience, as orders and payments can be performed by scanning the QR code at their table. Finally, QR codes will free up your staff to remain focused on their immediate tasks while minimizing becoming sidetracked by customers flagging them down.
Obtain Targeted Guidance When Choosing Restaurant POS Systems
It can be an overwhelming process when trying to decide between competing technology platforms that are designed for restaurants. Take a step back and think about in which areas do you need the most help. Knowing this will not only help you in generating specific questions when consulting with a POS expert about your POS technology needs and options, but will also keep the door of opportunity open for brand expansion in the future.
The experienced restaurant technology consultants at talech are here to help you build a forward-thinking POS solution for your restaurant. We start by understanding your pain points and goals and then use this information to develop a cutting-edge, affordable restaurant POS system that will grow alongside your business.
