In the Philippines, a Southeast Asian country of roughly 114.2 million people, the restaurant industry has embraced various POS (Point of Sale) systems that cater to different sizes of businesses, from small local eateries to large restaurant chains. These POS systems help streamline restaurant operations by managing sales, inventory, customer orders, and even financial reporting. Below is an overview of the types of POS systems commonly used in restaurants in the Philippines:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems have become the most popular choice for restaurants in the Philippines due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These systems store data on remote servers, allowing restaurant owners and managers to access sales and inventory data in real-time from any location. Some of the prominent cloud-based POS systems in the Philippines include:
- StoreHub
StoreHub is widely used in restaurants due to its simplicity and robust features. It allows restaurant owners to manage everything from inventory tracking to customer engagement. StoreHub is scalable and suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants. Features include real-time reporting, table management, multi-store management, and loyalty programs. - Slant POS: A new entrant in the restaurant POS software market in the Philippines, 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.
- Loyverse
Known for its ease of use, Loyverse POS is a cloud-based solution popular among small and medium-sized restaurants in the Philippines. It offers essential features such as sales tracking, employee management, and inventory management. The software also includes a loyalty program, which allows restaurants to build better relationships with customers. - Square POS
Square is a cloud-based POS system that has gained traction in the Philippines, especially among small eateries and cafes. It offers affordable hardware and software solutions with features such as online payment processing, employee tracking, sales analytics, and customer management tools. - Toast POS
Though originally designed for U.S. markets, Toast POS has gained popularity in the Philippines, especially among larger restaurants. Toast POS is a cloud-based system that offers integrated restaurant management tools including online ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), and real-time reporting.
2. Tablet-Based POS Systems
Tablet-based POS systems are ideal for restaurants in the Philippines looking for portability and user-friendly interfaces. These systems often come with apps that run on iPads or Android tablets, allowing for easy mobility in small to medium-sized restaurants.
- TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system popular in the Philippines for its intuitive design and restaurant-focused features. It is especially suitable for quick-service restaurants, food trucks, and small dine-in establishments. Features include table-side ordering, inventory management, and customer relationship management. - Revel Systems
Revel Systems is another tablet-based POS system used by restaurants in the Philippines. It is ideal for fast-paced environments like cafes, quick-service restaurants, and franchises. The system integrates payment processing, employee management, and loyalty programs in one platform. - Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed is a feature-rich tablet-based POS system used by a range of restaurants in the Philippines. It offers advanced inventory management, customer insights, and table management features. Lightspeed POS is suitable for larger establishments with more complex operations.
3. Integrated POS and Restaurant Management Systems
For larger restaurants and chains, integrated POS systems that combine front-end and back-end operations are preferred. These systems can handle everything from ordering to kitchen management, staffing, and accounting.
- Oracle MICROS
Oracle MICROS is one of the leading POS systems used by large restaurant chains in the Philippines. It offers an all-in-one solution that includes inventory control, customer management, and workforce management. MICROS is also known for its advanced data analytics and reporting features. - BIR-Compliant POS Systems
Restaurants in the Philippines must comply with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) requirements. Several POS systems are specifically designed to meet these regulations, ensuring that restaurants can generate BIR-compliant receipts and manage tax-related matters. Examples include SurePOS and eBiZ POS. These systems are often used by large restaurants and franchises that require strict compliance with government tax regulations.
4. Open-Source POS Systems
Some small restaurants in the Philippines prefer open-source POS systems because they are cost-effective and customizable. These systems allow restaurants to modify the software according to their specific needs.
- Floreant POS
Floreant POS is an open-source POS system that is popular among small to medium-sized restaurants in the Philippines. It offers basic features such as table management, kitchen printing, and sales reporting. Since it is open-source, it is free to use, making it a popular choice for startups and small businesses. - Odoo POS
Odoo POS is another open-source solution that offers a range of features suitable for restaurants, such as inventory tracking, employee management, and reporting. It can be customized to suit the specific requirements of the business and is often used by tech-savvy restaurant owners.
5. Mobile POS Systems
Mobile POS systems are becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines, especially among food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and small cafes. These systems run on smartphones or tablets and provide essential POS features without the need for expensive hardware.
- iMin POS
iMin POS is a mobile POS system that has been gaining traction in the Philippines. It is cost-effective and provides core features such as sales tracking, inventory management, and payment processing. It is widely used by small businesses and food trucks because of its mobility and easy setup. - Zettle by PayPal
Zettle is a mobile POS system that offers payment processing, sales analytics, and inventory management. It is popular in small restaurants and cafes in the Philippines, providing a simple and affordable solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations.
6. Industry-Specific POS Systems
Some restaurants in the Philippines prefer using industry-specific POS systems that cater to particular types of dining experiences, such as fine dining, fast-casual, or quick service.
- RestoPOS
RestoPOS is specifically designed for the food and beverage industry and is widely used in the Philippines. It offers tailored features such as table management, kitchen display systems, and customer relationship management. RestoPOS is popular among fine-dining restaurants and cafes looking for more specialized POS functionalities. - POSible POS
POSible is a POS system designed for small businesses, including restaurants. It is popular in the Philippines because it offers a wide range of features such as e-loading, bill payments, and other services beyond traditional POS functionalities. This system is especially beneficial for small restaurants looking to diversify their revenue streams.
7. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems combine cloud-based and on-premise solutions, ensuring that restaurants can continue operating even during internet outages. This is a significant advantage in the Philippines, where internet connectivity can be inconsistent in some areas.
- Bindo POS
Bindo POS is a hybrid system that provides offline capabilities while syncing data to the cloud when the connection is restored. It offers features such as customer management, inventory control, and analytics. This system is used by restaurants that require reliable operations in areas with spotty internet connectivity. - Hike POS
Hike is another hybrid POS system used in the Philippines. It offers offline functionality for restaurants, enabling continuous operations during internet outages. Hike POS provides a comprehensive set of features, including order management, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs.
8. Self-Service Kiosk POS Systems
As the demand for contactless dining and customer autonomy increases, self-service kiosks are becoming popular in large fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants across the Philippines.
- eZee BurrP! POS
eZee BurrP! is a self-service kiosk POS system that allows customers to place orders themselves, reducing the workload on staff. It is increasingly used in fast-food chains, allowing for quicker order processing and improved customer service. - POSMaid
POSMaid is a Filipino-developed self-service POS system that supports customer-driven ordering via kiosks. It is used by fast-food outlets and cafes to enhance customer experience and reduce wait times.
Key Considerations for Choosing a POS System in the Philippines
- Compliance with Local Regulations: The Philippines has specific regulations, such as those set by the BIR, which require restaurants to generate compliant receipts and reports. Choosing a POS system that adheres to these regulations is essential.
- Cost: The pricing of POS systems can vary widely depending on the size of the restaurant, the number of features required, and whether the system is cloud-based or on-premise. Small restaurants often opt for low-cost solutions or open-source systems, while larger establishments may invest in more comprehensive POS systems with advanced capabilities.
- Internet Reliability: For restaurants located in areas with unstable internet connectivity, hybrid or offline-capable POS systems are a crucial consideration to ensure business continuity during outages.
- Scalability: Restaurants with plans for expansion or franchising should look for POS systems that can scale and offer multi-location management, advanced reporting, and centralized inventory controls.
In conclusion, the types of POS systems used in restaurants in the Philippines range from simple, mobile-based solutions to sophisticated, integrated platforms for large establishments. The choice of POS system ultimately depends on the restaurant’s size, type, budget, and specific operational needs.
