Restaurants need accuracy. And for every order, every request, every custom dish, full-visiblity between front-of-house and back-of-house is the answer.
But when the dinner rush hits, how can you create the streamlined communication your team so critically needs?
With a custom POS System designed for the unique needs of your restaurant, your team can keep up with the dinner rush without sacrificing accuracy.
Here are a few tips for making sure your POS System is up to the task.
Why Your Restaurant Needs a Custom POS System
Any simple Google search for “Restaurant POS System” yields countless results, all claiming to be the perfect solution for your restaurant. But not every POS System is tailored to the needs of a busy kitchen.
A custom POS system designed specifically for your restaurant lets you create and store menu items, customize orders, track inventory, and even manage staff. You can set up reminders and notifications for when an order is ready or if there’s an issue in the kitchen, and you can even customize the interface to include any shortcuts or processes that are specific to your restaurant.
You’ll have full access to all of your data, including sales figures and staff performance, giving you valuable insights into how your restaurant is running. This makes it easy to spot potential problems before they become bigger.
One-size-fits-all POS solutions rarely have the hardware and functionality needed to ensure a fast and accurate order process, so it’s essential to find a POS system designed for the realities of your business.
1. Automate Ordering
Having an automated ordering system makes it easier to quickly and accurately process orders and complete them within the desired timeframe. Automated ordering systems can also be integrated into other restaurant technology, such as kitchen displays and inventory tracking.
Not every POS system ships with this capability, so working with a vendor that will provide custom configuration for your solution is a must-have. Working with a trusted partner in the design and implementation of your POS system will ensure that you get the best possible product for your needs.
2. Utilize Kitchen Display Systems
Kitchen display systems (KDS) can provide your team with the visibility they need to keep up with orders during peak times. KDS relays orders in real-time while allowing chefs to track the preparation and cooking times of each dish.
Digital displays are becoming the norm for restaurants in every niche. Most of us have seen them in customer-facing scenarios — behind counters or in the entryways of large chain establishments. But a KDS is for your team and helps them to keep orders moving quickly and accurately.
Integrating a KDS into your POS system allows for accurate and reliable communication between staff members, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. With a crystal-clear display, your kitchen staff will know exactly what your servers (and customers need).
3. Invest In Hardware
Hardware is an integral part of any POS system. Your hardware should be able to process orders quickly and accurately, especially during the dinner rush. Investing in the latest technology can help to speed up order processing times and cut down on errors that come from manual entry.
Whether it’s a hand-held terminal for table service, a kitchen display system, or an all-in-one POS system with integrated peripherals, investing in the right hardware can go a long way toward improving your restaurant’s operations.
For instance, the Windows SEA Series POS System is one of the most powerful solutions on the market. It’s up to four times faster than the previous generation of technology.
4. Integrate with Inventory Tracking Solutions
A reliable inventory tracking system can help you ensure you have the ingredients needed to fulfill all orders, while also keeping track of your supply and reducing food waste. Keeping costs low can help you staff and schedule your team more efficiently and offer competitive pricing to your guests.
Integrating an inventory tracking system with a POS system allows you to monitor stock levels and forecast future needs. This helps you plan ahead for busy times and guard against over-ordering or understocking, saving time and money in the process.
5. Centralize Order of Information
Having a central hub for all order information allows everyone on staff to view orders as they come in, and quickly respond to any changes or requests from customers. Nothing slows service down like having to wait for an order to be re-checked or a special request needs to be communicated.
A centralized system allows you to quickly view orders from front and back of house, ensuring accurate communication between all staff. This helps with accuracy and speed, while reducing the need for manual entry. By automating your processes, you can
6. Utilize Tablet Point-of-Sale Options
Having the ability to take orders on tablets can make the dining experience more efficient and enjoyable for customers. It also allows servers to enter orders quickly and easily, while eliminating errors that could occur during manual order entry.
Giving your team the ability to create orders, manage payments and send orders to the kitchen from anywhere in the restaurant can help keep customer wait times down, and increase accuracy. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage upselling and boost your order sizes.
Managing Your Orders With an Efficient POS System
A custom POS system helps keep orders organized and efficient. By using touchscreens for customer orders, customers can quickly input their selections without having to wait for an order to be taken by a server.
Integrating your POS system with kitchen displays and inventory tracking solutions ensures that all orders are accurate while reducing food waste due to inaccurate ordering. Utilizing tablet point-of-sale options allows servers to quickly enter orders with fewer errors, further streamlining the process.
By investing in the right technology and implementing the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your restaurant is up to the task of managing orders efficiently during peak times. With an efficient POS system in place, you can provide your customers with a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
