Information on the Modern POS System
POS (point of sale) equipment is order entry technology used by restaurants and other businesses to print tickets, record data and capture orders. Bartenders, servers and cashiers can all use pos software as computers and cash registers, and POS systems can consist of stations, card terminals, screens and printers. A POS system can add accuracy and save time in hectic situations, and it can also do the following:
Determine cash due for each order
Make a record of payment methods
Keep track of cash on hand
Create sales reports
Allow employees to clock out and in
Calculate payroll data
Keep track of sales
Take info on repeat customers
In this article, customers will learn what POS systems are and what they can do for a growing business.
How Workers Use POS Systems
Some systems work a bit differently than others, and user methods will differ depending on service style and establishment type. These steps are the general method of taking a POS order.
The worker enters his or her name into the touch screen.
They start a new check by entering in items the customer has ordered.
The POS gives the information to the bar or kitchen on a display or on a ticket.
The kitchen staff reads the order and makes the items to be served.
The employee reads the charge and collects payments. In full-service establishments, the server brings the check, waits for payment and enters it into the point of sale when customers are finished. These systems have come a long way since their inception; what once was a basic cash register now has all the capabilities of an office computer, cash register, and accountant all rolled into one.
Setting Up a POS
Touch screens may be placed in different locations around the establishment, depending on service style and layout. For fast casual restaurants, POS devices are highly visible; in full-service eateries, the POS is discreetly placed so as not to ruin the ambience. Restaurant owners can purchase POS systems specifically designed for their establishment type, and they can be configured to the owner's exact specifications.
Today's POS systems have the ability to gather extensive marketing data on customers, such as order info, email addresses and phone numbers. The system can build a customer database, and owners can use the information in direct marketing efforts. The info can be personalized for promotions, which can be tailored to the type of customers the establishment serves.
