There have been many changes to restaurant POS systems over the years. Major changes have happened, particularly where POS hardware is involved.
A mere 10 years ago, POS hardware had pricey maintenance and was quite bulky. All of the hardware had to be set up there, meaning it couldn’t be moved. Data was stored on-premise through local servers on an internal network that’s closed off. Today, things are much better, thanks to the advancement of technology.
If you’re a restaurant owner and want an updated restaurant POS system, here are the necessary hardware pieces to invest in.
What Are the Necessary Restaurant POS Hardware Pieces?
1. Barcode Scanner
Yes, the very same barcode scanner often associated with retail or grocery trips can be used for restaurants as well. It can easily get connected with POS terminals for scanning to happen in an order screen, from the register, or even at a table. Barcode scanners are especially popular with restaurants for their ability to store inventory, scan items on the fly, and speed up the checkout process.
It’s worth noting that the barcode scanner must be compatible with the POS software at hand.
2. Internet Router
This probably goes without saying, but the POS systems of today connect to the internet. It’s important to have a quality router since all data ends up in the cloud. It lets the internet-connected devices such as POS printers, tablets, and the like have seamless, wireless communication.
3. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)
If your staff is constantly running between the kitchen and the floor, mistakes and miscommunication may happen. A kitchen display system frees up your kitchen staff to focus on cooking rather than taking and delivering orders. It also improves communication between kitchen staff and front-of-house staff.
With a kitchen display system, someone can take an order, send it to the prep station, and then immediately send it to the floor. Or, someone could send the order straight to the kitchen and to the floor. Order tickets can be printed immediately once they are entered. With a KDS, your staff can focus on their individual designations, making the process seamless.
4. POS Terminal
This electronic device is where the POS software runs. As previously mentioned, it could very well be an iPad. There’s always a digital interface involved so that employees can manage transactions. There is no way POS software can be used without a terminal.
5. Printers
So much of restaurant management is digital now, but there are people who still want—even need—hard copies of recipes. In the same vein, full-service venues and several restaurants are still fans of printed kitchen tickets.
Conclusion
POS software is the digital brain behind your restaurant’s operations. It tracks ordering, stocking, serving, and payment, boosting your business’s efficiency and allowing you to reduce manual tasks. There are two key elements to a POS system: hardware and software. Necessary pieces of hardware include printers, a barcode scanner, the KDS, an internet router, and the POS terminal.
Are you trying to find a restaurant POS for your business on the West Coast? Check out Nimble today! We’ve got a well-rounded restaurant point of sale system that can be tailored for industries like hospitality, retail, food and beverage, and more.