Why is Point of Sale Software Ideal for Restaurants as well as Retail?

Point of sale software (also known as retail management software) is very well known in the retail sector but it can be equally useful for the restaurant sector. While these sectors do vary in many ways, the basics of replenishing stock, receiving payment and issuing receipts remains constant.

Point of sale software allows for multiple tills in multiple locations and using barcodes, it feeds back information to stock systems to keep stock levels and records up to date. By simply inserting a pre-determined code, the software and therefore the till is able to identify which member of staff is accessing the system and will allow the staff member to update any of the customer files allocated to that staff member.

While the familiar barcode system may be deployed in a retail store, this isn’t always applicable in the restaurant situation. However, by simply assigning a barcode to each of the items on the menu it is possible to adapt the barcode system to a restaurant environment, scanning the individual items with the barcode reader. An alternative is to assign keys and key codes to a register and transfer the information in that way; regardless of the choice of insertion type, the data is processed in the same way and provides the same type of information to the other applications on the system. The software can also run on a variety of operating systems for Macs or PCs.

Point of sale software not only calculates the total cost of an order or purchases, but will also instantly update inventory, allowing the stock levels of any item to be monitored. Accounts and book keeping are also instantly updated, keeping clerical functions constantly up to the minute and reducing the need for additional staff to carry out these duties. Whilst restaurants don’t typically have stock to control, it may be useful for drinks in particular as well as providing useful information on the most popular dishes for future planning.

Point of sale software is very easy to use and modify to meet the individual needs of any retail or restaurant business. Changes in pricing or menus are very simple to carry out and a modification on one of the terminals can instantly be shared with all other terminals, keeping the pricing and other parameters consistent throughout the system. Inventory alterations are also very simple to initiate, allowing for changes of menu or stock as the business requires. An additional benefit is that because the point of sale software is able to track all stock and sales, fraud and theft can be kept under control.

Larger retail stores or restaurants are able to benefit from POS software which incorporates the capability of exporting data to a remote site such as a distribution point or warehouse. However the ideal point of sale software for a smaller restaurant or retail store would focus on the activities within one or two business sites, transferring the data directly to the manager or owner of the establishment.

Point of sale systems are customisable for the needs of every business; regardless of whether it is a restaurant, retail store or other business or service provider, the applications available from point of sale software are expandable as the needs of the business change. This makes it a wise investment for even the smallest of businesses.