In Canada, the restaurant industry relies heavily on a variety of Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage operations, enhance customer service, and streamline business processes. These POS systems differ based on the size and type of restaurant, from small cafes to large dining chains. The most common POS systems used in restaurants in Canada are designed to provide restaurants with features such as payment processing, inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and data analytics. Below are the key types of POS systems used in restaurants in Canada:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems have become increasingly popular in Canada due to their flexibility, scalability, and lower initial setup costs. These systems allow restaurant operators to access data from any location using an internet connection, making them ideal for multi-location restaurants or owners who need to manage their operations remotely.
Features:
- Real-time data access: Owners can monitor sales, employee performance, and inventory in real time.
- Integration with third-party apps: These systems often integrate with delivery apps, loyalty programs, and accounting software.
- Automatic updates: Cloud-based POS systems update automatically, ensuring that restaurants are always using the latest technology.
- Data security: Data is stored in the cloud, providing a higher level of protection against data loss due to hardware failure.
Examples:
- TouchBistro: This is a Canadian-made POS system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including order management, menu customization, and real-time reporting. It’s known for being intuitive and easy to use.
- Square for Restaurants: This cloud-based system is ideal for smaller restaurants and food trucks. It is simple to set up, supports offline payments, and provides an easy-to-use interface for restaurant staff.
- Slant POS: This 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 language support, which is very useful in Quebec.
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Based in Montreal, Lightspeed is one of Canada’s leading POS systems. It offers tools for table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), customer relationship management (CRM), and more.
2. On-Premise POS Systems
On-premise POS systems are installed directly on the restaurant’s hardware and often operate without an internet connection, which makes them a reliable choice in areas with unstable internet. These systems are popular with larger restaurants or chains that need more control over their software and hardware.
Features:
- In-house data storage: Data is stored locally on the restaurant’s servers, giving owners complete control over the system.
- Customizability: On-premise systems often offer a higher level of customization, tailored to the restaurant’s specific needs.
- Stable operations: Since these systems don’t rely on the internet, they remain fully functional even if the internet goes down.
Examples:
- Micros POS by Oracle: Micros is one of the leading on-premise systems used in larger restaurants and franchises. It offers a range of features like table management, employee scheduling, and advanced analytics.
- Aloha POS by NCR: Aloha is another popular on-premise system that offers an all-in-one solution for restaurants, including table service, quick service, and fast-casual establishments. It provides detailed reporting and inventory tracking.
3. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems combine the best aspects of both cloud-based and on-premise systems. These systems are installed on local servers but are also connected to the cloud. This ensures that the system continues to work even if the internet goes down, but it also allows for cloud-based functionalities like remote access and data synchronization across multiple locations.
Features:
- Offline functionality: Hybrid POS systems can continue to process orders and payments even when the internet is down.
- Cloud backups: Data is automatically synced with the cloud, providing a backup in case of hardware failure.
- Remote management: Owners can manage their restaurants remotely, monitor sales, and view reports from anywhere.
Examples:
- Revel Systems: Revel is a hybrid POS system offering features such as table and delivery management, staff scheduling, and loyalty programs. It is widely used in mid-to-large restaurants and offers cloud backup while maintaining local functionality in case of network disruptions.
- Toast POS: Though primarily known as a cloud-based system, Toast also operates as a hybrid model. It is highly popular in full-service restaurants due to its robust functionality, such as online ordering integration, payroll management, and multi-location support.
4. iPad-Based POS Systems
iPad-based POS systems are mobile and flexible, allowing restaurants to streamline their service by taking orders and payments directly at the table. These systems are often cloud-based and offer simple, intuitive interfaces. They are popular among small to medium-sized restaurants, cafes, and food trucks in Canada due to their affordability and ease of use.
Features:
- Mobile ordering: Servers can take orders at the table, reducing errors and speeding up service.
- Quick setup: iPad POS systems are easy to set up, with minimal hardware requirements.
- Compact and portable: iPads are lightweight and can be easily moved around the restaurant or used in outdoor seating areas.
Examples:
- TouchBistro: As a leading iPad-based POS system in Canada, TouchBistro allows for mobile ordering and payment, along with advanced reporting, menu management, and inventory tracking. It’s highly favored by small to mid-sized restaurants.
- Square for Restaurants: This POS system operates efficiently on iPads, with capabilities such as table management, menu customization, and integrated payments.
5. Mobile POS Systems
Mobile POS systems, also known as mPOS, are becoming more prevalent in Canada, especially among small restaurants, pop-up restaurants, and food trucks. These systems allow restaurant owners to accept payments using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Features:
- Portable and flexible: Perfect for restaurants that operate in small spaces or need to move around, such as food trucks or pop-up restaurants.
- Affordable: mPOS systems typically have lower costs compared to traditional systems, making them an attractive option for new businesses or those with limited budgets.
- Integrated payments: Mobile POS systems can integrate with portable card readers to accept credit and debit card payments on the go.
Examples:
- Square mPOS: Square offers a mobile POS system that is perfect for small restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. It allows businesses to accept payments via smartphones and tablets while offering features like inventory management, reporting, and employee management.
- Shopify POS: Known primarily as an eCommerce platform, Shopify also provides a mobile POS solution for restaurants. It is ideal for those who run both online and physical restaurants, allowing them to manage inventory, sales, and customer data across platforms.
6. Self-Service Kiosk POS Systems
As the demand for contactless and self-service options continues to rise, many Canadian restaurants, especially fast-food chains and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), are adopting self-service kiosk POS systems. These kiosks allow customers to place orders themselves, reducing wait times and labor costs.
Features:
- Self-ordering: Customers can browse the menu, customize their order, and pay without interacting with a cashier.
- Upselling and promotions: Kiosks can suggest complementary items or promotions, increasing the average order value.
- Reduced labor costs: Self-service kiosks reduce the need for cashiers, allowing restaurant staff to focus on other areas of the business.
Examples:
- Toast Kiosk: Toast offers self-service kiosks that integrate with their POS systems, making them ideal for QSRs and fast-casual dining establishments.
- Lightspeed Kiosk: Lightspeed also provides self-service options for restaurants, allowing customers to place orders, pay, and track their order status.
7. Restaurant-Specific POS Systems
Some POS systems in Canada are designed specifically for the restaurant industry, offering features tailored to the needs of full-service dining establishments. These systems help manage everything from seating and reservations to kitchen display systems and employee scheduling.
Features:
- Advanced table management: These POS systems allow for easy table assignment, reservation tracking, and guest seating.
- Integrated KDS: Kitchen display systems (KDS) ensure that orders are displayed on digital screens in the kitchen, reducing order errors and improving communication between the front and back of house.
- Employee management: These systems offer features such as time tracking, scheduling, and payroll management.
Examples:
- Maitre’D POS: Designed specifically for the restaurant industry, Maitre’D provides features like table management, order taking, and kitchen display systems. It is widely used in full-service restaurants in Canada.
- Squirrel POS: Another restaurant-specific system, Squirrel offers robust features for table service, bar management, and inventory tracking. It is highly customizable and suitable for various restaurant types, from fine dining to casual dining.
Conclusion
The POS landscape in Canada’s restaurant industry is diverse, with systems ranging from cloud-based solutions to mobile and self-service options. Whether it’s a large full-service restaurant, a small café, or a food truck, Canadian restaurateurs can find POS systems that meet their operational needs, enhance customer experiences, and improve efficiency. The right system for any establishment will depend on factors like restaurant size, service style, budget, and specific needs such as inventory management, customer loyalty, and employee scheduling. Popular options like TouchBistro, Square, Lightspeed, and Toast dominate the market, but each restaurant must evaluate the features that best align with its goals.
