Picking the right point of sale system is a pivotal decision for any business, and it acts as the central nervous system for transactions, inventory, and customer interactions. However, navigating the landscape of available POS solutions can be tricky, and overlooking potential pitfalls can lead to significant operational headaches down the line. To ensure your investment empowers rather than hinders your business, it’s crucial to be aware of common pain points. Let’s dive into some key aspects of a POS system that, if not carefully considered, can become major obstacles to the efficiency and growth of your restaurant.
Complex Interface
One of the main aspects you want to look for in a point of sale system is ease of use. Having a system that is simple to navigate and easy to train new staff on is paramount. This way, your staff will feel confident interacting with the system, leading to streamlined operations and an organized team. With a complex system, your staff can waste time finding the right screen to split checks or attempting to 86 an item, leading to dissatisfied customers and flustered servers.
To avoid a complicated POS system:
- Clear menu bar and navigation.
- Quick access to reports and scheduling.
- Fast turnaround for new employee training.
Limited Integrations
Integrations are a key defining factor in deciding on a POS solution. For example, if you want to have a DoorDash Drive integration to alleviate delivery order wait times or if you need to have a reservation system for diners booking weeks ahead, these integrations can determine what features you can offer to your customers. With US Foods reporting that the average American consumer orders takeout or delivery over once a week, restaurants rely more on online integrations to attract these diners than ever before.
To avoid a POS system with limited integrations:
- Find the integrations your business can’t live without and see who they are partnered with.
- During a demo, have questions prepared on their integration list and whether they have an open API. APIs allow businesses to connect directly to the POS and ultimately synchronize the data to streamline workflow.
Slow Software Support
Unfortunately, it is not a matter of if but when you will need to call support. Just like when your car starts to make a weird noise, it’s time to call the experts for help. Ensure you have a POS system with 24/7 customer support. The restaurant industry runs at all hours of the day and night, so having support you can call anytime is a huge priority. POS companies are not the same, especially when it comes to this category, so taking the time to do extra research can save you a potential headache in the future.
To avoid lackluster support:
- Research their Google and TrustPilot reviews to gauge what other merchants think of the system’s support capabilities.
- During a demo, ask specifically about their support service and hours. If they are not available on weekends or later in the evening, be sure to note if that will impact your hours.
Selecting a POS system requires careful consideration beyond just its basic transactional capabilities. By proactively identifying and avoiding issues like complex interfaces, limited integrations, and sluggish support, you can ensure you choose a solution that truly streamlines your operations and supports your business goals. Investing the time to evaluate these potential pain points thoroughly will ultimately lead to a more efficient, productive, and ultimately, more successful business.
