In Bhutan, landlocked country in South Asia with a population of roughly 783,000 people, the restaurant industry has seen steady growth, particularly in cities such as Thimphu and Paro. With this growth comes the need for modern and efficient Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage day-to-day operations. While Bhutan’s restaurant market is relatively small compared to its neighboring countries, the demand for reliable POS systems has been on the rise, driven by the increasing number of restaurants, cafés, and eateries catering to both locals and tourists.
Here is an overview of the types of POS systems commonly used in Bhutan’s restaurant industry:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems have become increasingly popular in Bhutan due to their flexibility, affordability, and ease of access. These systems store data on remote servers, allowing restaurant owners to access their business information from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly important for restaurant owners in Bhutan, who may operate multiple locations or need to manage their business while traveling.
Key features of cloud-based POS systems:
- Real-time access to sales data, inventory management, and customer information.
- Compatibility with multiple devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers.
- Easy integration with payment gateways for card and digital payments.
- Automatic software updates and data backups.
- Scalability for small and large businesses alike.
Popular cloud-based POS systems:
- Slant POS: A popular and affordable cloud-based restaurant POS software in Bhutan that offers features like inventory management, menu management, Kitchen Display System (KDS), table management, QR code menu ordering, reporting, loyalty program and promotions.
- Square: Known for its simplicity, Square is ideal for small and medium-sized restaurants. It offers payment processing, sales tracking, and customer engagement tools.
- Lightspeed: This POS system is ideal for full-service restaurants, offering features such as inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs.
- Shopify POS: Although more commonly used in retail, Shopify POS has features that cater to small restaurants and cafés in Bhutan, including payment processing and inventory tracking.
2. Locally Developed POS Systems
Given Bhutan’s unique business environment and relatively small market size, some local tech companies have developed POS systems tailored specifically to the needs of Bhutanese restaurants. These systems may focus on language compatibility (such as support for Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language), local currency, and Bhutanese payment methods like mBoB (mobile banking services provided by the Bank of Bhutan).
Key advantages of locally developed POS systems:
- Better support for local regulations and compliance.
- Customizable to the specific needs of Bhutanese restaurants.
- Direct customer support and training provided in local languages.
- Integration with local banks and mobile payment services.
Examples of local POS solutions:
- DekiPOS: A locally developed system that offers payment processing, inventory management, and reporting features for small and medium-sized restaurants. It’s designed with local businesses in mind, offering integration with local banking systems and Bhutanese currency.
3. Mobile POS Systems (mPOS)
Mobile POS systems, or mPOS, are increasingly common in Bhutan’s restaurant industry, particularly in smaller cafés, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants. These systems use smartphones or tablets as the primary hardware for processing payments, making them highly portable and affordable for small business owners.
Key features of mPOS systems:
- Easy to set up and operate using mobile devices.
- Integration with card readers or QR code payments for seamless transactions.
- Ideal for mobile or small businesses due to their affordability.
- Minimal hardware requirements, which is useful for rural areas where restaurant infrastructure may be limited.
Popular mPOS systems in Bhutan:
- Square mPOS: It offers payment processing via card readers or QR codes and integrates with mobile devices for ease of use.
- Paytm mPOS: Although Paytm is widely used in India, its mobile POS system has found some adoption in Bhutan as well, particularly among small business owners who cater to Indian tourists.
- iZettle: iZettle (now part of PayPal) is also a popular choice in Bhutan for restaurants looking for mobile payment solutions and easy integration with smartphones or tablets.
4. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems combine both cloud-based and on-premise solutions, offering the best of both worlds. This is particularly important in Bhutan, where internet connectivity may not always be reliable, especially in more remote areas. Hybrid POS systems store data locally on a restaurant’s hardware but sync to the cloud when internet connectivity is available, ensuring that data is never lost.
Key features of hybrid POS systems:
- Offline functionality, ensuring the restaurant can continue operating even without internet access.
- Data syncs to the cloud when connectivity is restored, ensuring real-time updates.
- Local storage of data for increased reliability during network outages.
- Suitable for areas with inconsistent or slow internet connectivity.
Popular hybrid POS systems:
- Toast POS: A robust system popular for restaurants of all sizes, it offers cloud-based capabilities with local data storage options for offline functionality.
- Revel Systems: Another hybrid POS solution that provides inventory management, sales tracking, and employee management features, along with offline capabilities.
5. Traditional POS Systems (On-Premise)
Traditional POS systems, which store all data locally on restaurant hardware, are still used by some restaurants in Bhutan, particularly larger establishments that require robust systems for high-volume operations. These systems offer comprehensive features for managing inventory, employees, sales, and customer data, but they require a significant upfront investment in hardware and software.
Key features of traditional POS systems:
- All data is stored locally, offering greater control and security for restaurant owners.
- No reliance on internet connectivity, which can be a critical factor in remote areas.
- Often customizable to the specific needs of the restaurant.
- Higher upfront costs due to hardware and installation requirements.
Examples of traditional POS systems:
- Aloha POS: This is a comprehensive, on-premise system that offers inventory management, table management, and employee scheduling, making it ideal for full-service restaurants.
- Micros POS: A widely recognized brand, Micros POS is often used by larger restaurants and hotels in Bhutan. It offers extensive reporting features, integration with kitchen systems, and customer relationship management tools.
6. POS Systems with Multi-Language Support
As Bhutan attracts more international tourists, restaurants that cater to both locals and foreigners often look for POS systems that offer multi-language support. These systems allow restaurants to provide menus, receipts, and customer service in multiple languages, such as English, Dzongkha, and sometimes even Hindi, due to the high number of Indian tourists.
Features of multi-language POS systems:
- Ability to switch between languages in the user interface.
- Printing of receipts and invoices in different languages based on customer preference.
- Support for multi-currency payments, especially for restaurants catering to tourists.
Examples of multi-language POS systems:
- Lightspeed POS: Offers multi-language support and is ideal for restaurants that serve both local Bhutanese customers and tourists.
- eZee BurrP! POS: A POS system popular in South Asia, it provides multi-language support and features like order management, reporting, and customer loyalty programs.
7. POS Systems with Digital Payment Integration
Digital payments are becoming more common in Bhutan, with services such as mBoB (mobile banking by the Bank of Bhutan) and international payment methods like Visa and Mastercard gaining traction. Restaurants in Bhutan, particularly in tourist areas, often seek POS systems that can integrate with these digital payment methods to provide convenience for both locals and international customers.
Key features of POS systems with digital payment integration:
- Support for local mobile banking solutions, such as mBoB.
- Integration with international payment gateways for credit and debit card processing.
- QR code payment options, which are popular among mobile-first customers.
- Ability to handle multi-currency transactions, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Popular POS systems with digital payment integration:
- Square POS: It integrates with a variety of digital payment methods, including credit cards and QR code payments, making it suitable for restaurants catering to both locals and tourists.
- Paytm POS: Though mainly used in India, Paytm’s POS solutions are also being used in some areas of Bhutan, particularly near the Indian border, due to the popularity of the Paytm app among Indian tourists.
Conclusion
The restaurant industry in Bhutan is adopting various types of POS systems, from cloud-based solutions to traditional on-premise setups. The choice of POS system depends largely on the size of the restaurant, its location, and the type of clientele it serves. For restaurants in urban centers like Thimphu, cloud-based and hybrid POS systems are gaining popularity due to their flexibility and real-time capabilities. In contrast, restaurants in more remote areas may rely on traditional or hybrid systems due to inconsistent internet connectivity. Additionally, the integration of digital payments is becoming increasingly important as Bhutanese customers and tourists alike seek faster and more convenient payment methods.
