Types of POS Systems Used in Restaurants in Ghana

In Ghana, like in many emerging markets, the adoption of POS (Point of Sale) systems in restaurants has grown as the hospitality and foodservice industry continues to modernize. POS systems have become essential for managing orders, payments, and inventory, ensuring smooth operations. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used types of POS systems in restaurants in Ghana:

1. Cloud-Based POS Systems

Cloud-based POS systems are widely used in Ghana because they offer flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, especially for small and medium-sized restaurants. These systems operate on cloud servers, allowing restaurant owners to access real-time data from anywhere via the internet.

Key Features:

• Remote access to sales data and reports
• Automatic updates and backups
• Low upfront hardware costs
• Integration with mobile payment platforms like mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash)

Examples of Cloud-Based POS Systems in Ghana:

• KudiGo POS: A popular cloud-based POS system in Ghana designed specifically for retail and restaurant businesses. It integrates with mobile money platforms and offers features such as sales tracking, inventory management, and customer engagement tools.
• Slant POS: Slant is an affordable cloud-based POS system that is increasingly popular in Africa and offers features like inventory management, menu management, Kitchen Display System (KDS), table management, QR code menu ordering, reporting, loyalty program and promotions.
• Bento POS: A cloud-based system that provides restaurants with tools for managing orders, payments, customer databases, and inventory, all while offering the convenience of mobile access.
• Square POS: Though not developed in Ghana, Square’s cloud-based system is growing in use among restaurants that seek a simple, user-friendly POS system with basic features like sales tracking, inventory management, and integration with online ordering services.

2. Locally Developed POS Systems

Ghana has a growing tech industry that has developed several local POS solutions tailored to the needs of Ghanaian restaurants. These locally developed systems often come with features specific to the local market, such as integration with mobile money and local payment gateways.

Key Features:

• Customizable to local business needs
• Integration with local payment methods (Mobile Money, Bank Transfers)
• Local language support
• On-site technical support

Examples:

• iVend POS: Developed by a local IT company, iVend POS caters to the needs of small and medium-sized restaurants in Ghana. It offers features such as order management, payment processing, and inventory control, all optimized for the local market.
• CenPOS: A versatile POS system developed in West Africa and used by restaurants in Ghana. It allows for customized setups depending on the restaurant’s size, from small eateries to large-scale operations, and integrates with various mobile payment platforms.

3. Tablet-Based POS Systems

Tablet-based POS systems are becoming more common in Ghana, especially in urban areas and in restaurants that want a more modern and tech-savvy setup. These systems are often iOS or Android-based and offer the flexibility of moving between tables to take orders.

Key Features:

• Mobility for wait staff
• Touchscreen interfaces for easy use
• Lower hardware costs (using tablets instead of bulky hardware)
• Cloud integration for real-time data access

Examples:

• TouchBistro: TouchBistro is widely used by restaurants that want a modern, tablet-based system. It’s known for its easy-to-use interface, comprehensive features for order and table management, and customer support.
• Lightspeed POS: Another tablet-based POS system that is popular for its cloud-based infrastructure, allowing for real-time reporting, online ordering integration, and easy scaling as the restaurant grows.
• Toast POS: Toast offers a full-featured Android-based POS system with features tailored for quick service restaurants. The system integrates well with kitchen displays and includes mobile payment options.

4. Mobile POS Systems

Given the increasing use of smartphones and mobile money services in Ghana, mobile POS systems have gained traction in smaller restaurants and street food vendors. These systems allow restaurants to accept payments through mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets and often integrate with mobile wallets like MTN Mobile Money or AirtelTigo Cash.

Key Features:

• Accept mobile payments and digital wallets
• Low hardware investment (only a smartphone or tablet needed)
• Integration with existing mobile money services
• Portability for food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and delivery services

Examples:

• Hubtel POS: A mobile POS solution that integrates seamlessly with mobile money platforms. It’s widely used by small restaurants and vendors in Ghana and provides a simple way to manage payments, sales, and customer data.
• SlydePay POS: Another mobile payment-focused POS system, SlydePay offers integration with mobile wallets, bank transfers, and QR code payments, making it a convenient choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.

5. Traditional POS Systems (On-Premise)

Though less common in recent years due to the popularity of cloud-based and mobile systems, some larger restaurants in Ghana still use traditional on-premise POS systems. These systems are installed locally on servers within the restaurant and don’t rely on an internet connection for basic operations.

Key Features:

• No dependency on internet connectivity
• Fully customized for the restaurant’s needs
• High upfront hardware and software costs
• Greater control over data (since it is stored locally)

Examples:

• Micros POS: A widely recognized on-premise POS system used by high-end restaurants and large franchises. While costly, it provides comprehensive management tools, including order processing, inventory control, and detailed reporting.
• Aloha POS: Another traditional on-premise system that is highly customizable and used by larger establishments. It’s known for its durability and advanced features for managing high-volume restaurants.

6. Hybrid POS Systems

Hybrid POS systems offer the best of both worlds by combining the features of cloud-based and traditional on-premise POS systems. These systems store data locally but also sync with the cloud, providing redundancy and ensuring that operations continue even if the internet goes down.

Key Features:

• Local storage for offline functionality
• Cloud syncing for remote data access
• Flexibility to operate with or without the internet

Examples:

• Revel Systems: A hybrid POS system known for its ability to work both offline and online. It’s used in some larger restaurants in Ghana that require a more robust setup with advanced inventory, reporting, and customer management features.
• Loyverse POS: A simple, hybrid system that operates both offline and online, allowing restaurants to continue functioning even without an internet connection. It’s popular with small restaurants and cafés in Ghana.

7. Restaurant-Specific POS Systems

Some restaurants in Ghana, especially larger chains or upscale dining establishments, use POS systems specifically designed for the food and beverage industry. These systems include advanced features tailored for restaurant management, such as kitchen display systems, order splitting, tip management, and table mapping.

Key Features:

• Menu customization and kitchen integration
• Table and order management
• Tip and gratuity handling
• Advanced reporting for restaurant performance

Examples:

• Toast POS: Specifically designed for restaurants, Toast POS offers advanced features such as kitchen displays, menu customization, and table management, making it ideal for busy restaurants and high-volume operations.
• Oracle Food and Beverage POS: Used by some larger restaurants and chains in Ghana, Oracle’s solution provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing front-of-house and back-of-house operations, inventory, and reporting.

Key Considerations for Choosing a POS System in Ghana:

When selecting a POS system for a restaurant in Ghana, some key factors should be considered:

1. Mobile Money Integration: As mobile payments dominate the Ghanaian market, a POS system must integrate seamlessly with mobile money platforms like MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Cash.
2. Internet Connectivity: Since internet access can be unreliable in some areas, restaurants may prefer hybrid or offline-capable systems.
3. Local Support: Having local customer support is essential, especially for troubleshooting issues and ensuring that the system complies with local regulations.
4. Scalability: Restaurants looking to expand should opt for POS systems that can grow with the business, offering features like multi-location management and online ordering integration.

Conclusion:

The POS market for restaurants in Ghana is diverse, with options ranging from simple mobile POS systems for small eateries to advanced cloud-based systems for larger establishments. The choice of POS depends on the restaurant’s size, target audience, and operational needs, with integration to local mobile money services being a significant factor in the decision-making process.