Types of POS Systems Used in Restaurants in Belgium

types of restaurant pos systems in belgium

Belgium’s restaurant industry, like much of Europe, benefits from a robust array of Point of Sale (POS) systems that cater to diverse needs, from small cafes to fine dining establishments. These systems support functions like order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer relationship management. Below, I’ll explore some of the prominent types of POS systems used in Belgian restaurants, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they cater to the local market needs.

1. Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a widely recognized POS system that has a significant presence in the Belgian restaurant industry. It is known for its versatility and cloud-based infrastructure, making it ideal for both single-location restaurants and chains.

Key Features:

  • Order Management: Seamlessly handles dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders. With the system, servers can take orders using handheld devices, which are instantly sent to the kitchen. This minimizes errors and speeds up service.
  • Cloud-Based Operations: Managers can access data and manage their restaurant from anywhere, which is particularly useful for owners who manage multiple locations.
  • Integration with Third-Party Apps: Lightspeed integrates with various accounting software, online ordering platforms, and inventory management tools. In Belgium, it connects well with local delivery services and payment gateways.
  • Multi-Language Support: Given Belgium’s multilingual population (Dutch, French, and German), Lightspeed’s ability to operate in multiple languages is an advantage.

Usage in Belgium: Many mid-range to upscale restaurants, bars, and cafes prefer Lightspeed due to its robust features and adaptability. It is also favored because it offers localized support and integrates easily with Belgian fiscal compliance tools.

2. Slant POS

Slant POS is a popular new entrant in the restaurant POS software market in Belgium. It is an affordable cloud-based POS system that offers features like inventory management, menu management, Kitchen Display System (KDS), table management, QR code menu ordering, reporting, loyalty program and promotions, as well as French and Dutch language support, which is very useful in Belgium.

3. iKentoo by Lightspeed

iKentoo is another Lightspeed product, specifically designed for the hospitality sector. It is known for being easy to set up, and it offers a robust solution for both small bistros and large multi-location chains.

Key Features:

  • Advanced Reporting: Provides detailed sales reports, customer insights, and inventory tracking, enabling restaurants to make data-driven decisions.
  • Offline Mode: Even if the internet goes down, iKentoo continues to operate, ensuring that restaurants do not face disruptions during service hours.
  • Scalability: Whether a small café or a large chain, iKentoo can scale according to the needs of the business.
  • Mobile POS: Staff can take orders and process payments on tablets and smartphones, making the service more efficient.

Usage in Belgium: The ease of use and flexibility of iKentoo make it a popular choice for both small and large restaurants. Many establishments in tourist-heavy areas, where smooth service is essential, favor this system. The integration with local payment systems and the ability to operate in different languages also contribute to its popularity.

4. Square

Square has gained traction across Europe, including Belgium, due to its simplicity, affordability, and no long-term contract policy. It is ideal for smaller restaurants, food trucks, and pop-up eateries looking for a straightforward, efficient POS solution.

Key Features:

  • Ease of Setup: Easy for restaurant owners to set up without needing extensive IT support.
  • Payment Processing: Supports all major credit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which are increasingly used by customers in Belgium.
  • Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels, helping restaurants keep track of what’s selling and what’s not.
  • Affordable Hardware Options: The Square terminal is compact and combines both POS and payment processing, making it ideal for small spaces.

Usage in Belgium: Square’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a go-to for small restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Its hardware solutions are compact, and its pricing model (with no long-term commitments) is attractive for businesses that may be seasonal or looking for flexibility.

5. Bizzon

Bizzon is a European-based POS system that has made a name for itself in Belgium. It focuses on providing restaurants with tools to streamline their operations, improve customer service, and boost sales.

Key Features:

  • Menu Engineering: Allows restaurant owners to analyze which items are the most popular and profitable, helping them make informed decisions on menu changes.
  • Integrated Payments: Works with local and international payment providers, ensuring smooth payment transactions.
  • CRM Capabilities: Bizzon can collect customer data, which can be used for targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Multi-Platform Access: Operates on both iOS and Android devices, giving restaurants flexibility in their choice of hardware.

Usage in Belgium: Bizzon’s adaptability to different types of restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, has made it popular. It is particularly valued for its integration with local payment systems and the ability to handle various currencies, which is beneficial in Belgium’s tourist areas.

6. EPOS Now

EPOS Now is another global POS system that has found its way into the Belgian market. It is known for its easy setup, cloud-based software, and integration with numerous third-party apps.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-Based: Like Lightspeed, EPOS Now allows managers to control their operations remotely, which is beneficial for restaurant owners who cannot always be on-site.
  • Third-Party Integrations: Works with popular accounting software, customer loyalty programs, and online delivery services, providing a comprehensive business management solution.
  • Scalable Solution: Suitable for small cafes as well as large restaurant chains.
  • Employee Management: Features tools to track employee hours, manage shifts, and even monitor staff performance.

Usage in Belgium: EPOS Now is particularly favored by restaurants that require integration with multiple software tools. Its scalability makes it a preferred choice for businesses looking to grow or expand into multiple locations. Additionally, its support for local payment solutions adds to its appeal.

7. Retail Pro

Retail Pro has been adapted for use in the hospitality sector, and its presence in Belgium is noticeable, especially in businesses that have both retail and dining components, like cafes that sell packaged goods.

Key Features:

  • Versatile Inventory Management: Capable of handling complex inventory needs, which is useful for restaurants that also sell retail items.
  • Customizable Interface: Restaurants can tailor the interface to match their specific workflow, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Data Security: Known for its robust security features, ensuring that customer and business data remain safe.
  • Support for Multiple Locations: Easily manages sales, inventory, and customer data across different locations, which is beneficial for chain restaurants.

Usage in Belgium: Retail Pro’s adaptability makes it a suitable choice for businesses that need more than just a traditional restaurant POS. Its comprehensive inventory management features are especially useful for establishments that blend retail and dining services, such as bakeries and cafes.

8. SumUp

SumUp is primarily known as a payment processing company, but it also offers a compact and efficient POS solution suitable for smaller establishments.

Key Features:

  • Affordability: SumUp offers one of the most affordable POS solutions, with no monthly fees, making it ideal for small businesses.
  • Compact Hardware: The POS system is simple and easy to use, with hardware that is perfect for cafes, food trucks, and small eateries.
  • Integrated Payment Solution: SumUp devices can accept all types of card payments, including contactless payments, which are becoming standard in Belgium.
  • Mobile POS: The system works with a smartphone or tablet, making it easy for businesses to operate without investing in bulky hardware.

Usage in Belgium: Due to its affordability and simplicity, SumUp is a favorite among small, independent cafes, street food vendors, and pop-up shops. It provides a straightforward solution for businesses that prioritize ease of use and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

The variety of POS systems available in Belgium’s restaurant industry reflects the diversity of the market itself. From high-end fine dining establishments to small cafes and food trucks, there is a POS solution to meet every need. Systems like Lightspeed and iKentoo offer comprehensive features suitable for larger operations, while more straightforward and affordable solutions like Slant POS and SumUp cater to smaller businesses. Factors such as multilingual support, integration with local payment systems, scalability, and ease of use play a significant role in determining the choice of POS systems for Belgian restaurants.

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