In the UK, restaurants rely heavily on efficient and reliable Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage operations such as order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and customer service. Given the diversity of restaurants and food service establishments in the UK, ranging from high-end fine dining to casual eateries and fast-food chains, different types of POS systems cater to varying needs. Here’s a detailed overview of the most common types of POS systems used in UK restaurants:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems are highly popular in the UK restaurant sector due to their flexibility, affordability, and ease of access. These systems store all data on the cloud, allowing restaurant owners and managers to access their sales reports, inventory levels, and customer data from any internet-enabled device. The primary advantages include real-time updates, remote accessibility, and lower upfront hardware costs since much of the processing is done online.
Popular Cloud-Based POS Systems in the UK:
- Lightspeed: A highly versatile cloud-based system, Lightspeed offers a variety of features such as inventory management, staff scheduling, and detailed analytics. It also integrates with third-party apps and online ordering platforms, making it ideal for both small and large restaurants.
- Square: Square is favored for its simplicity and affordability. It provides seamless payment processing, including contactless and mobile payments, and offers tools for reporting, employee management, and online ordering.
- Slant POS: Slant is an affordable cloud-based restaurant 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.
- TouchBistro: Designed specifically for restaurants, TouchBistro combines order management, tableside service, and payment processing. It’s a user-friendly cloud-based option that enhances the dining experience by allowing wait staff to take orders directly at the table and send them to the kitchen.
- iZettle by PayPal: Popular among small and medium-sized restaurants, iZettle is easy to set up and offers payment processing, sales tracking, and basic inventory management. It’s ideal for restaurants that require a straightforward, cost-effective solution.
2. Tablet-Based POS Systems
Tablet-based POS systems are becoming increasingly common in the UK restaurant industry. These systems run on iPads or Android tablets and offer mobility, allowing waitstaff to take orders directly from the table and send them to the kitchen. The portability of these devices helps speed up service and reduces errors in communication between the front and back of the house.
Features of Tablet-Based POS Systems:
- Tableside Ordering: Waitstaff can take orders on tablets at the table, reducing order errors and speeding up the process.
- Mobile Payment Processing: Customers can pay at the table using contactless methods or card payments.
- Integration with Online Ordering: Many tablet POS systems offer integration with online ordering platforms and delivery services, which has become especially important post-COVID.
Popular Tablet-Based POS Systems in the UK:
- EPOS Now: EPOS Now is one of the most widely used tablet-based POS systems in the UK. It offers customizable dashboards, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and comprehensive reporting. It also integrates with other business software such as accounting platforms.
- Toast: Toast is a restaurant-focused POS that operates on Android tablets. It offers features like tableside ordering, employee management, real-time reporting, and online ordering. Toast is known for its excellent customer support and easy-to-use interface.
3. Traditional POS Systems
Traditional or legacy POS systems are hardware-based and are typically installed on a fixed terminal. While these systems are being phased out in favor of cloud-based or mobile options, some restaurants, especially larger establishments, still use them due to their reliability and durability.
Advantages of Traditional POS Systems:
- Stability: Traditional POS systems are often not dependent on internet connectivity, which makes them more reliable during internet outages.
- Customizability: These systems are often highly customizable and tailored to the specific needs of a restaurant.
- Security: Since data is stored on-site, there’s less reliance on cloud security, which some establishments may prefer.
Popular Traditional POS Systems in the UK:
- Nobly POS: Although it offers both traditional and tablet-based systems, Nobly has a solid reputation for reliability. It provides detailed reporting, customer insights, and stock management features.
- Tevalis: Tevalis is known for its robust traditional POS systems designed for fine dining restaurants and hospitality businesses. It offers custom hardware and software solutions, advanced reporting, and integration with other software systems.
4. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems combine the stability of traditional POS systems with the flexibility and remote access capabilities of cloud-based solutions. These systems allow restaurants to continue operating even when the internet goes down, with data syncing to the cloud once the connection is restored. Hybrid systems are especially useful for restaurants with poor or unstable internet connectivity.
Advantages of Hybrid POS Systems:
- Offline Functionality: Even if the internet connection is interrupted, the POS system can still process orders and payments, which is critical for maintaining service.
- Cloud Backup: Data is synced to the cloud, ensuring that managers and owners can access reports and analytics remotely.
Popular Hybrid POS Systems in the UK:
- Revel Systems: Revel is a hybrid POS system that offers extensive features for order management, inventory control, customer relationship management, and analytics. It’s suitable for restaurants of all sizes and is known for its ease of use and scalability.
- Clover: Clover’s hybrid system offers the flexibility of cloud storage with the ability to process transactions offline. Clover also provides integrated apps for employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and inventory management.
5. Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks are becoming more popular in quick-service restaurants and fast-casual dining establishments across the UK. These kiosks allow customers to place their orders themselves, which can help reduce wait times and free up staff for other tasks. Self-service POS systems often integrate with kitchen display systems (KDS) to streamline the process.
Advantages of Self-Service Kiosks:
- Faster Service: Customers can place orders directly without waiting for a server, speeding up the dining experience.
- Improved Accuracy: Since customers enter their orders directly, there’s less room for errors in communication.
- Upselling: Many kiosks are programmed to suggest additional items or upgrades during the order process, which can increase average transaction value.
Popular Self-Service Kiosk Systems in the UK:
- Zonal: Zonal offers a range of self-service kiosk solutions tailored to quick-service and fast-casual restaurants. The kiosks integrate seamlessly with other Zonal products such as stock management and reporting tools.
- Kounta: Kounta, part of Lightspeed, offers self-service kiosks that integrate with their full POS system, allowing for easy inventory management, payment processing, and customer data tracking.
6. Mobile POS Systems
Mobile POS systems (mPOS) are designed for restaurants with a more casual or mobile setup, such as food trucks, pop-up restaurants, or market stalls. These systems allow businesses to process payments and manage sales on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. mPOS systems are favored for their portability and affordability, making them an excellent choice for small, mobile, or temporary food service businesses.
Features of Mobile POS Systems:
- Portability: The system can be used anywhere, as long as there’s internet or mobile data available.
- Cost-Effective: mPOS systems usually come with minimal hardware costs, making them accessible to smaller establishments or new businesses.
- Integration with Card Readers: Mobile POS systems integrate with card readers for chip-and-pin, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.
Popular Mobile POS Systems in the UK:
- SumUp: SumUp is a popular mPOS system in the UK, particularly for small and mobile businesses. It offers a simple card reader that connects to a smartphone or tablet, allowing for easy payment processing.
- PayPal Here: PayPal Here is an mPOS system that enables restaurants to accept payments via a mobile device. It’s well-suited for businesses that already use PayPal for online transactions.
7. POS Systems with Integration Capabilities
For restaurants that require more advanced features or specialized functionalities, POS systems with extensive integration capabilities are essential. These systems allow restaurants to connect their POS with accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, loyalty programs, online ordering platforms, and third-party delivery services.
Key Integration Features:
- Accounting Software Integration: POS systems that integrate with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage allow for seamless financial management and reporting.
- CRM Integration: Customer relationship management tools help track customer preferences, order histories, and loyalty rewards.
- Online Ordering & Delivery Integration: Systems that integrate with delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat ensure that online orders flow directly into the restaurant’s workflow without manual intervention.
POS Systems Known for Integration:
- Vend: Vend integrates with various business tools such as Shopify for e-commerce, Xero for accounting, and MailChimp for customer marketing. It’s particularly suitable for larger, multi-location establishments.
- Lavu: Lavu is designed for restaurants and bars and offers robust integrations with accounting software, kitchen management tools, and online ordering platforms.
Conclusion
The UK restaurant market is diverse, and so are the POS systems that cater to it. From cloud-based systems and mobile POS solutions for small or mobile businesses to traditional, self-service, and hybrid systems for larger establishments, the range of POS options reflects the varied needs of the restaurant industry. When selecting a POS system in the UK, restaurant owners should consider factors such as scalability, ease of use, integrations, offline capabilities, and customer support to ensure the system aligns with their operational requirements.
