Types of POS Systems Used in Restaurants in Iceland

In Iceland, a Nordic island nation of only 382,000 people, the restaurant industry relies on efficient Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage operations, improve customer experience, and streamline transactions. The unique demands of Icelandic businesses, especially given the country’s blend of traditional and modern dining experiences, mean that POS systems need to be versatile, reliable, and well-suited to a sometimes harsh environment and a dynamic tourist market. Here are some of the types of POS systems commonly used in Icelandic restaurants:

1. Cloud-Based POS Systems

Flexibility & Scalability: Cloud-based systems are popular in Iceland for their ease of access and adaptability. With a cloud POS, restaurant owners and managers can access real-time sales and inventory data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially valuable for operators who have multiple restaurant locations across different towns or manage seasonal businesses catering to tourists.
Examples: Systems like Lightspeed, Square, and Vend are common. These solutions offer a user-friendly interface and robust back-end management, ideal for restaurants that need flexibility in their operations.
Advantages: Cloud systems allow easy updates and minimal hardware requirements. They are also advantageous for Icelandic businesses that want to adjust quickly to changing tourist seasons or operational needs without significant upfront investment.

2. iPad and Tablet POS Systems

Cost-Effective & Modern: Given Iceland’s focus on embracing new technology while maintaining efficiency, iPad and tablet-based POS systems have gained popularity. These systems are especially favored by smaller cafes, coffee shops, and quick-service restaurants that want a sleek and modern look.
Examples: Revel Systems and Shopify POS are widely adopted, known for their intuitive interfaces and the ability to integrate with other business tools like accounting software and online ordering platforms.
Advantages: iPad-based systems are portable and easy to set up, allowing for efficient tableside service or quicker processing at busy counters. For a tourist-heavy market, this ensures quicker turnover times and improved service speed.

3. Hybrid POS Systems

Local Data Storage with Cloud Backup: Hybrid POS systems are another key choice in Iceland. These systems combine the reliability of traditional POS systems that store data locally with the flexibility of cloud-based backup and features. This approach ensures that if the internet goes down (important in areas where connectivity might be spotty due to weather), restaurants can continue to operate seamlessly.
Examples: NCR Silver and Clover can function as hybrid systems, offering both local reliability and cloud integration. They are preferred by restaurants that cannot afford any downtime, such as those in more remote areas or those that cater to large volumes of tourists.
Advantages: Hybrid systems provide peace of mind with local storage while benefiting from cloud features like remote management and data analytics. This balance is valuable in Iceland, where both tech-forward approaches and operational security are essential.

4. Specialized Restaurant POS Systems

Full-Service Features: In Iceland, many restaurants and bars, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Reykjavik, require POS systems that are specifically tailored for the hospitality industry. These systems include features like table management, reservation integration, kitchen display systems (KDS), and detailed customer management.
Examples: Toast, TouchBistro, and Aldelo are popular in the full-service restaurant sector. They provide robust features tailored for fine dining, casual dining, and even specialty dining establishments that focus on local Icelandic cuisine.
Advantages: These systems enhance customer experiences by offering functionalities like split billing, tipping options, and detailed order customization. They also integrate well with kitchen workflows, ensuring smooth service during peak times.

5. POS Systems with Multi-Language Support

Tourism-Focused Solutions: With Iceland being a prime destination for tourists from all over the world, POS systems that support multiple languages are essential. This is particularly important for businesses in Reykjavik and other popular tourist areas.
Examples: Lightspeed and Toast often include multi-language support and currency options, making it easier for restaurants to cater to international customers. These features can make the ordering process smoother and more intuitive for guests who might not speak Icelandic.
Advantages: Such systems help improve communication between staff and customers, reducing errors and enhancing the overall dining experience. This is crucial in Iceland’s diverse hospitality market, where many establishments rely on a strong influx of tourists.

6. POS Systems with Integrated Payment Solutions

Local Payment Preferences: In Iceland, the usage of cash has significantly decreased, and the majority of transactions are conducted through debit and credit cards, contactless payments, or mobile wallets. POS systems with integrated payment solutions are vital to streamline these transactions.
Examples: Adyen, SumUp, and Verifone are often integrated with restaurant POS systems in Iceland, allowing seamless card processing and compatibility with local banking systems.
Advantages: Integration of payment processing with the POS system ensures that transactions are quick and secure, which is essential in a market where customers expect efficient and modern payment options. This also minimizes the risk of errors during payment reconciliation and makes accounting simpler.

7. POS Systems with Inventory Management

Essential for Local Sourcing and Supply Management: Many Icelandic restaurants emphasize the use of fresh, local ingredients, and tracking inventory accurately is crucial to maintain consistency and control costs. POS systems that offer robust inventory management features help restaurant owners keep track of stock, alert them to low supplies, and manage supplier orders.
Examples: Square for Restaurants, TouchBistro, and Lightspeed Restaurant have comprehensive inventory tracking features, allowing businesses to manage their ingredients, forecast needs, and reduce waste.
Advantages: These systems help Icelandic restaurants minimize food waste, maintain high-quality standards, and manage costs better—an important factor when dealing with the higher costs of imported goods and the logistics of island-based supply chains.

8. POS Systems with Online Ordering Integration

Expanding Reach Beyond the Physical Location: Icelandic restaurants, particularly after the rise of online dining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have increasingly turned to POS systems that support online ordering and delivery management. This allows restaurants to tap into the growing demand for takeout and delivery services, especially from tourists preferring the convenience of dining in their accommodations.
Examples: Square for Restaurants and GloriaFood provide seamless online ordering integration with the main POS system, simplifying the management of in-house orders and online sales from platforms like UberEats or directly through restaurant websites.
Advantages: These systems make it easier for restaurants to reach customers who prefer ordering online. By integrating these sales with the POS system, businesses can maintain better oversight of inventory and ensure consistency across all sales channels.

9. Locally Adapted POS Systems

Understanding Icelandic Market Needs: Some POS providers cater specifically to the Nordic market, including Iceland, by offering features and services that address local needs, such as VAT management according to Icelandic tax laws, and support for Icelandic language.
Examples: Systems like Kassahús and DK POS are tailored for Icelandic businesses, offering local support and a better understanding of the unique operational needs of restaurants in Iceland.
Advantages: These POS systems provide a competitive edge by offering services that align closely with Iceland’s regulatory environment and consumer preferences. They also often provide better customer support due to a deeper understanding of local market conditions.

10. Self-Service Kiosks and Mobile POS Systems

Efficiency in High-Traffic Areas: For quick-service restaurants and cafés, especially those near popular tourist sites, self-service kiosks and mobile POS systems have become increasingly popular. These solutions help streamline the ordering process and reduce waiting times, enabling restaurants to manage high customer volumes efficiently.
Examples: Square Kiosk and Toast offer kiosk solutions that integrate seamlessly with their restaurant POS platforms. These systems allow customers to place their orders directly at kiosks or on their smartphones, freeing up staff to focus on order preparation and customer service.
Advantages: Self-service options reduce labor costs and increase the speed of service. They also appeal to tech-savvy tourists and locals who appreciate the convenience and efficiency of placing their own orders.

Conclusion

The types of POS systems used in Icelandic restaurants reflect a mix of modern technology adoption and a keen understanding of the local market’s needs. From cloud-based solutions that support the flexibility required by multi-location operators to specialized systems tailored for the nuances of Icelandic dining, each POS system type plays a role in enhancing service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Given the dynamic nature of Iceland’s restaurant industry, characterized by both local clientele and a steady influx of tourists, the choice of POS system can significantly impact a restaurant’s ability to thrive in this unique market.