Types of POS Systems Used in Restaurants in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the restaurant industry is diverse, ranging from small local eateries to large international franchises. The Point of Sale (POS) systems used in restaurants here need to cater to this wide variety of establishments, offering features that support everything from quick service to fine dining experiences. Below is an overview of the types of POS systems commonly used in restaurants in Saudi Arabia, along with their key features and functionalities.

1. Cloud-Based POS Systems

Cloud-based POS systems are among the most popular in Saudi Arabia due to their flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. These systems store data on remote servers, allowing restaurant owners and managers to access their information from anywhere with an internet connection.

• Popular Providers:
  • Foodics: A homegrown Saudi company, Foodics is a leading cloud-based POS provider in the region, offering a comprehensive system tailored specifically for restaurants. It includes features such as inventory management, employee management, and customer relationship management (CRM).
  • Square: Known globally, Square provides an easy-to-use cloud-based POS system suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants. It offers integrations with various third-party applications and supports mobile payments.
  • Lightspeed: This cloud-based POS is popular among restaurants that require a robust system with advanced features like detailed analytics, online ordering, and inventory management.
• Key Features:
  • Remote Access: Owners can manage multiple locations from a single dashboard.
  • Automatic Updates: The system is continuously updated with the latest features and security patches.
  • Data Security: With data stored in the cloud, the risk of data loss due to hardware failure is minimized.

2. On-Premises POS Systems

On-premises POS systems are traditional systems where all the software and data are stored locally on the restaurant’s hardware. These systems are often preferred by larger restaurants or those in areas with unstable internet connections.

• Popular Providers:
  • Micros by Oracle: A well-known provider of on-premises POS systems, particularly in large restaurants and hotel chains. Micros offers extensive functionality, including table management, kitchen display systems, and comprehensive reporting.
  • Aloha by NCR: A trusted name in the restaurant industry, Aloha provides a robust on-premises POS system known for its reliability and extensive features such as customer loyalty programs, detailed reporting, and inventory management.
• Key Features:
  • Data Control: Since data is stored locally, restaurants have complete control over their information.
  • Offline Functionality: These systems can continue to operate even when the internet is down, ensuring no disruption in service.
  • Customization: On-premises systems often offer more extensive customization options to meet specific restaurant needs.

3. Hybrid POS Systems

Hybrid POS systems combine the benefits of both cloud-based and on-premises systems. They allow restaurants to store data locally while also backing up information to the cloud, providing the flexibility of remote access with the reliability of an on-premises system.

• Popular Providers:
  • Toast: While primarily cloud-based, Toast offers hybrid solutions that allow restaurants to continue operations during internet outages. It’s popular for its user-friendly interface and features like online ordering, delivery management, and advanced analytics.
  • Revel Systems: This hybrid POS system is well-suited for both small and large restaurants. Revel offers extensive customization options, offline functionality, and cloud-based data backups.
• Key Features:
  • Offline Capability: Restaurants can continue to operate during internet outages, with data synced to the cloud once the connection is restored.
  • Flexibility: Offers the ability to access data remotely while maintaining local storage for critical operations.
  • Scalability: Suitable for both single-location restaurants and large chains with multiple outlets.

4. Tablet-Based POS Systems

Tablet-based POS systems are becoming increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, especially in casual dining and fast-casual restaurants. These systems use tablets as the primary interface, making them more affordable and portable compared to traditional POS terminals.

• Popular Providers:
  • iPad POS by Lightspeed: Lightspeed offers a tablet-based solution that is ideal for small to medium-sized restaurants. It supports tableside ordering, payment processing, and real-time reporting.
  • ShopKeep: A cloud-based, tablet POS system that offers simplicity and affordability. It’s particularly popular among small independent restaurants and cafes.
• Key Features:
  • Portability: Staff can take orders directly at the table, improving service speed and accuracy.
  • Ease of Use: The intuitive interface reduces the learning curve for new staff.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than traditional POS systems, with lower upfront costs.

5. Mobile POS Systems

Mobile POS systems extend the capabilities of tablet-based systems by enabling smartphones and other mobile devices to function as POS terminals. This is particularly useful for food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and other mobile food services that are gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia.

• Popular Providers:
  • Square POS: Square offers a mobile POS solution that is simple to set up and use. It supports contactless payments, invoicing, and real-time sales tracking.
  • Shopify POS: While primarily an eCommerce platform, Shopify’s POS system also supports mobile operations, making it ideal for restaurants with both online and physical presence.
• Key Features:
  • Mobility: Perfect for mobile food services, allowing operators to take orders and process payments from anywhere.
  • Versatility: Can be used in conjunction with other POS hardware like cash drawers and receipt printers.
  • Affordability: Typically low-cost, making it accessible for small businesses.

6. Integrated POS Systems

Integrated POS systems are comprehensive solutions that combine the POS with other restaurant management software, such as accounting, inventory, employee scheduling, and customer relationship management (CRM). These systems are typically used by larger restaurants or chains that require extensive integration between different aspects of their operations.

• Popular Providers:
  • SAP Customer Checkout: SAP provides an integrated POS system that connects with its broader suite of business management software. It’s ideal for large restaurants and chains that need to integrate POS data with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
  • Foodics: In addition to being a cloud-based POS provider, Foodics offers extensive integrations with third-party software, making it a popular choice for restaurants looking for a comprehensive management solution.
• Key Features:
  • Seamless Integration: POS data is automatically synced with other business systems, reducing manual data entry and errors.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Access to detailed reports that combine data from various aspects of the business.
  • Automation: Many processes, such as inventory updates and employee scheduling, can be automated, saving time and reducing errors.

7. Self-Service Kiosk POS Systems

With the rise of fast-casual dining and the demand for contactless service, self-service kiosks are becoming more common in Saudi Arabia, particularly in larger chain restaurants. These systems allow customers to place orders and make payments without interacting with staff, speeding up service and reducing labor costs.

• Popular Providers:
  • NCR SelfServ: NCR provides self-service kiosk solutions that integrate with existing POS systems, allowing for a seamless customer experience. These kiosks are popular in fast-food chains and high-traffic areas.
  • QikServe: A self-service solution that integrates with various POS systems, QikServe is used in fast-casual restaurants and food courts. It allows customers to place orders via kiosk or mobile app.
• Key Features:
  • Customer Autonomy: Customers can place orders and make payments at their convenience, reducing wait times.
  • Increased Efficiency: Helps to reduce queues and speed up service, particularly during peak hours.
  • Customization: Customers can easily customize their orders, leading to higher satisfaction.

8. Drive-Thru POS Systems

Drive-thru operations are an essential part of many quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in Saudi Arabia. POS systems for drive-thru must be able to handle high volumes of orders quickly and efficiently.

• Popular Providers:
  • ParTech Drive-Thru POS: ParTech provides a POS system specifically designed for drive-thru operations, offering features like order confirmation screens, dual-lane support, and integration with kitchen display systems.
  • Xenial by Global Payments: Xenial’s drive-thru POS solution is designed to optimize speed and accuracy, with features such as real-time analytics and integration with loyalty programs.
• Key Features:
  • Order Accuracy: Systems include order confirmation displays to ensure accuracy before the customer drives away.
  • Speed: Optimized for fast order processing to keep drive-thru lines moving efficiently.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other POS components, such as kitchen display systems and payment processors.

9. Multi-Language POS Systems

Given the diverse population in Saudi Arabia, particularly in urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah, multi-language support in POS systems is crucial. These systems offer interfaces and receipts in multiple languages, such as Arabic, English, and sometimes others like Urdu or Hindi.

• Popular Providers:
  • POSRocket: A cloud-based POS system that supports multiple languages, making it ideal for restaurants catering to diverse clientele. It offers features like multi-language receipts, and user interfaces.
  • eZee BurrP!: A restaurant POS system with multi-language support, commonly used in hotels and restaurants catering to international guests.
• Key Features:
  • Multi-Language Support: Interfaces and receipts available in multiple languages, improving accessibility for both staff and customers.
  • Customizable Interfaces: Allows for easy switching between languages based on user preference.
  • Cultural Adaptability: Systems can be customized to meet cultural norms and customer expectations.

Conclusion

The restaurant industry in Saudi Arabia is diverse, and so are the POS systems used to support it. From cloud-based and mobile solutions to integrated and drive-thru specific systems, restaurants have a wide range of options to choose from, depending on their specific needs. The choice of a POS system often depends on factors such as the size of the restaurant, the type of service, customer demographics, and the level of integration required with other business systems.

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, particularly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative aiming to boost tourism and hospitality, the demand for advanced, flexible, and efficient POS systems is likely to increase. Whether it’s for a small café in Riyadh or a large chain restaurant in Jeddah, having the right POS system can significantly impact a restaurant’s efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall success.