An Android tablet restaurant POS is a mobile, cloud-based system that runs on the Android OS. It has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will get to later, but let’s first examine the differences between Android POS and traditional POS systems.
- Cloud-based architecture: unlike traditional POS systems that run on a closed network where all the data is stored in a back office server, an Android POS runs on cloud services that let you access your data on the go. All the new data you generate will be synced in real-time across all your devices.
- Portability: the old system is usually a large and bulky machine that can’t be easily moved and must be operated in one spot. In contrast, the portable Android tablet-based system can be brought to where it’s needed to process orders at the customer’s location.
- Ease of Use: hours of training are often required to master traditional POS systems, and the costs can quickly become overbearing if your restaurant has a high staff turnover rate. With an Android system, you will get an intuitive and user-friendly platform that your employees can master quickly and efficiently.
- Inventory Management: the traditional POS system is primarily designed to process sales, often making restaurant reporting tedious. An Android restaurant POS comes with a broader range of features. You can use it to manage inventory, analyze customer data, automate reordering, generate reports, and do much more.
- Integrations: a closed-off architecture makes linking the latest business management software apps to traditional POS systems impossible. Cloud-based Android systems don’t have such limitations. You can integrate as many apps as you want with an internet connection.
Advantages of Android Restaurant POS Systems
IOS-based systems are the only alternative mobile restaurant POS systems you can get on the market, and that’s why you will often see us contrast them with Android systems in this section.
Below are four ways your restaurant can benefit from an Android tablet-based POS system:
Lower Hardware Costs
Android hardware is much cheaper than Apple hardware, and you can also choose from a wide range of device manufacturers.
If you want budget-friendly, sleek devices that appeal to the customers of an upscale restaurant, you will find several options on the market. For businesses operating on a much tighter budget, there are lots of solid, affordable handheld tablets you can buy in sufficient quantities to meet your needs within the scope of your resources.
More Durable Devices
Restaurant POS hardware needs to be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear it will undergo in an industrial environment.
Unlike IOS-based systems that limit you to Apple’s sleek but fragile iPads, many Android tablets are built to withstand the rigors of a restaurant environment. You should test different Android hardware options till you find the device that best fits the needs of your restaurant.
Lower Hardware Replacement Costs
In a sometimes chaotic restaurant environment, mistakes happen, and a tablet can be broken, or the wrong liquid could be spilled on it.
Given that Android tablets cost a lot less than Apple devices, you can replace the device without breaking the bank. Also, the fact that such tablets are less attractive than iPad hardware reduces the chances of them being stolen.
More Room for Customization
Each restaurant has its own distinct operational requirements and reporting needs. The open-source architecture of the Android OS makes it possible for you to customize your POS to fit the needs of your restaurant.
An experienced Android developer can add new features to your POS and integrate custom apps to give you a robust platform to coordinate your establishment’s operations. That option doesn’t exist in the locked-in Apple ecosystem.
Disadvantages of Android Restaurant POS Systems
We will list a few drawbacks of Android POS systems and mention what you can do to mitigate each issue.
Unauthorized Tablet Usage
It doesn’t take much for your employees to start using assigned POS tablets for internet surfing, social media interactions, or playing online games.
Such misuse carries the risk of excessive data use and will likely lead to less concentration and lower productivity. Luckily, you can prevent that by installing security programs on your tablets that block access to blacklisted websites and limit the usage of specified hardware functions.
Fewer Android POS Providers
Most POS apps work exclusively on IOS devices because they are far more popular with consumers in the United States. SaaS companies naturally presume that it’s safer to focus on building software for hardware that is already ubiquitous.
The situation is different outside wealthy Western countries, where most businesses use Android systems because they are cheaper and easier to customize. The good news is that there are quality restaurant POS apps that are built for Android OS, and you will be able to find an option that’s perfect for your business.
Risk of Breakage and Theft
Android tablets are cheaper than Apple hardware, but replacing a broken one is still an expense you would rather avoid. There is also the risk of theft since the portability of tablet devices makes them an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
You must budget for repairs and replacements when purchasing POS hardware. Theft can be prevented by limiting and tracking tablet access. Installing a GPS tracker app on all your devices and linking it to your central dashboard lets you monitor the location of all your tablets in real-time.
Cyber Security Vulnerabilities
All internet-based systems can be infected with bugs or malware if the right security measures are not taken. An infected POS tablet will make it impossible to process customer orders until the issue is sorted out.
Luckily, Android POS systems are cloud-based platforms that receive constant updates and security fixes from the system provider. It’s your choice as a restaurant owner to either automate the software update process or do it manually.
Should You Get an Android POS System for Your Restaurant?
An Android system unlocks unlimited customization options and a massive ecosystem of third-party apps.
The Android developer community is the largest on the planet, and you will always find skilled developers that can help extend the functionality of your POS system.
Also, you can use budget-friendly devices without compromising the standards your customers expect from your establishment.
So, you should pick an Android POS system if flexibility and cost-effectiveness are the qualities you desire the most from your restaurant’s system.
Slant is the Best Android Restaurant POS System on the Market! Here’s Why:
Now that you know everything you need about Android tablet-based POS systems, let us present you with Slant POS, a low-cost, cloud-based point-of-sale system for independent restaurant owners that works perfectly with Android hardware.
Slant is a robust restaurant management platform that lets you manage dine-in, takeaway, and online orders. It is a complete package with extensive inventory management and analytics features.
The company started out building custom back-office software applications for restaurants. Over time, our suite of software solutions evolved into a fully customizable POS system that is flexible and affordable enough for independent restaurant businesses of all sizes.
Slant is a global brand with offices all over the globe and staff that will help you set up and configure your POS system just how you need it.
There are no hidden costs or installation fees; we guarantee stable infrastructure, expert advice, and excellent support. Visit our website now to try Slant POS for free and start the journey to transform your restaurant into an establishment that saves you money and runs more efficiently.
