In South Africa, the restaurant industry has embraced Point of Sale (POS) systems to streamline operations, manage inventory, enhance customer experience, and improve financial transparency. Several POS systems are tailored to meet the specific needs of South African restaurants, ranging from small cafés to large multi-location establishments. Here are the key types of POS systems used in restaurants in South Africa:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems are becoming the most popular choice in South Africa due to their flexibility, affordability, and ease of access. These systems store data in the cloud, allowing business owners to manage their restaurants from any location using an internet connection. Popular cloud-based systems used in South Africa include:
i. Pilot POS
Pilot POS is a local South African solution designed specifically for the restaurant and hospitality industry. The system provides features such as table management, order taking, kitchen communication, and customer management. Its cloud-based version allows restaurant owners to monitor sales, inventory, and employee activities remotely. Pilot POS is popular for its comprehensive local support and understanding of the South African market.
ii. Slant POSÂ
Slant POS is a popular new entrant in the restaurant POS software market in South Africa. It 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.
iii. Lightspeed
Lightspeed POS is widely used by restaurants in South Africa due to its cloud-based nature and integration capabilities. Lightspeed offers features such as mobile ordering, customer management, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting tools. This POS system is suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants that require flexibility and efficient management of various operational aspects.
iv. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is another cloud-based POS system that is popular in South Africa, particularly among restaurants that require an iPad-based solution. The system offers key restaurant-specific features such as table-side ordering, menu customization, staff management, and integration with third-party applications like accounting software. TouchBistro’s offline functionality is also highly valued, as it continues to operate even during internet outages.
v. Square for Restaurants
Square, a global player in the POS market, is also present in South Africa, offering an affordable and easy-to-use cloud-based POS system for restaurants. Square for Restaurants is known for its intuitive design, integrated payment processing, and features like digital receipts, table management, and robust reporting. Square is popular among small restaurants and cafés that require a simple, cost-effective POS solution.
2. On-Premise POS Systems
While cloud-based POS systems are growing in popularity, on-premise POS systems are still used in many restaurants in South Africa, especially in larger establishments where high-speed internet is not always guaranteed. These systems require on-site servers and store all data locally. Some of the widely used on-premise POS systems include:
i. GAAP POS
GAAP POS is one of the most established on-premise POS systems in South Africa, specifically designed for the restaurant and hospitality industry. GAAP offers a wide range of features, including inventory management, recipe costing, table reservations, kitchen display systems (KDS), and employee management. GAAP’s strong local presence and extensive customer support make it a trusted choice among large restaurants and franchises in South Africa.
ii. Micros POS (Oracle)
Micros POS, now owned by Oracle, is an advanced on-premise system used by many upscale restaurants, hotels, and chains in South Africa. Micros is known for its robust features, including comprehensive inventory management, reporting, customer relationship management (CRM), and seamless integration with third-party platforms. Its scalability makes it suitable for larger establishments, but its cost and complexity may not be ideal for smaller restaurants.
iii. Vectron POS
Vectron is another on-premise POS system used in South African restaurants that need a reliable, feature-rich solution. It is known for its strong offline functionality, which ensures smooth operation even during network failures. Vectron offers features such as table management, employee scheduling, and detailed sales reporting. The system can also integrate with customer loyalty programs and other third-party services.
3. Mobile and Tablet POS Systems
With the increase in mobile technology adoption, many restaurants in South Africa are shifting towards mobile and tablet-based POS systems, allowing for faster service, better customer interaction, and improved operational efficiency. These systems use smartphones or tablets (mostly iPads) as the main POS hardware and are ideal for restaurants looking to offer table-side ordering or mobile payment options.
i. Yoco POS
Yoco is a well-known mobile POS system in South Africa, offering affordable card readers that integrate seamlessly with a tablet or smartphone-based POS system. Yoco is widely used by small to medium-sized restaurants due to its ease of use, minimal setup costs, and ability to accept multiple forms of payment. Yoco also offers inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer data management features.
ii. Toast POS
Toast is another popular mobile POS system used by restaurants that prefer Android-based devices. Toast offers features such as digital ordering, delivery management, employee scheduling, and kitchen display integration. Its user-friendly interface and mobile compatibility make it suitable for fast-casual restaurants and cafés in South Africa.
4. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems offer the benefits of both cloud-based and on-premise systems. They store data locally but also sync to the cloud when internet connectivity is available, providing the flexibility of remote access with the reliability of an on-premise solution.
i. Aloha POS
Aloha POS, developed by NCR, is a hybrid POS system that is widely used in restaurants across South Africa. It offers a wide range of features including order management, customer management, inventory control, and employee scheduling. Aloha’s hybrid model allows restaurants to operate smoothly even during internet outages, making it a reliable choice for busy establishments.
ii. Revel Systems POS
Revel Systems POS is a hybrid cloud-based system that offers the flexibility of cloud technology with the robustness of an on-premise solution. It is suitable for restaurants that require comprehensive management tools like multi-location reporting, customer management, and integrated payment processing. Revel’s mobile functionality also allows for seamless table-side ordering and real-time inventory management.
5. Restaurant-Specific POS Systems
Some POS systems in South Africa are designed specifically for the unique needs of the restaurant industry. These systems often come with built-in features that cater to the complexities of restaurant operations, such as table management, kitchen display systems, and menu customization.
i. Posist POS
Posist is a restaurant-specific POS system that is growing in popularity in South Africa. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing operations, including inventory tracking, customer feedback management, and integration with online ordering platforms. Posist is particularly well-suited for quick-service restaurants (QSR) and multi-outlet chains that need to manage high volumes of transactions.
ii. Linga POS
Linga POS is another restaurant-specific system that caters to both small and large restaurants in South Africa. It offers features such as mobile order taking, inventory tracking, kitchen display systems, and real-time reporting. Linga’s strong support for customer loyalty programs and online ordering integration makes it a popular choice for restaurants looking to enhance customer engagement.
6. POS Systems with Third-Party Integration
Many restaurants in South Africa use POS systems that offer seamless integration with third-party applications, such as accounting software, inventory management tools, and online ordering platforms. These integrations are crucial for improving operational efficiency and automating various aspects of restaurant management.
i. Xero Integration with POS
Xero is a popular cloud-based accounting software in South Africa, and many POS systems offer direct integration with Xero for real-time financial tracking. Restaurants using systems like Lightspeed, Revel, or GAAP can benefit from Xero’s automated syncing of sales data, expense tracking, and payroll management.
ii. Mr D Food and UberEats Integration
In South Africa, food delivery services like Mr D Food and UberEats are widely used, and many POS systems offer direct integration with these platforms. This integration allows restaurants to manage online orders and deliveries directly from their POS system, streamlining order processing and improving accuracy.
7. POS Systems with Built-In Loyalty Programs
Customer loyalty is an essential aspect of restaurant success in South Africa, and many POS systems offer built-in loyalty programs to reward repeat customers. These systems track customer purchases, offer loyalty points, and send promotional offers, helping restaurants build lasting customer relationships.
i. Zapper POS
Zapper is a mobile payment solution that is widely used in South African restaurants and also offers built-in loyalty programs. Customers can use the Zapper app to scan a QR code, make payments, and earn rewards. The system integrates with various restaurant POS systems, offering a seamless way to engage with customers and drive repeat business.
ii. Epos Now
Epos Now is another POS system that offers built-in loyalty programs. It allows restaurants to create customized loyalty schemes, track customer spending, and offer personalized promotions. Epos Now is popular among small to medium-sized restaurants that want to enhance customer retention and engagement.
Conclusion
The restaurant industry in South Africa uses a diverse range of POS systems, from cloud-based solutions that offer flexibility and scalability to on-premise systems known for their reliability. The choice of POS system depends on the size, type, and specific operational needs of the restaurant. Whether it’s a small café, a large chain, or a fine-dining establishment, the right POS system plays a crucial role in streamlining operations, improving customer service, and driving profitability.
