In the United States, restaurants use a wide range of Point of Sale (POS) systems tailored to different business needs. POS systems have evolved significantly over the past few years, integrating advanced technology such as cloud-based systems, mobile payments, and customer relationship management (CRM) functionalities. Here’s an overview of the types of POS systems used in U.S. restaurants:
1. Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud-based POS systems are increasingly popular in the U.S. restaurant industry because of their flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. These systems store data in the cloud, allowing restaurants to access sales reports, inventory levels, and customer data from any internet-connected device. Cloud POS systems are particularly beneficial for restaurant chains or franchises, as managers can access multiple locations from a central hub.
Advantages:
- Remote management capabilities
- Automatic updates
- Reduced upfront hardware costs
- Integration with third-party apps
Popular Cloud-Based POS Systems:
- Toast POS: Known for being tailored specifically to the restaurant industry, Toast offers comprehensive features like menu management, online ordering, and loyalty programs. It’s widely used in fast-casual, full-service, and fine-dining restaurants.
- Square for Restaurants: This system is designed for small to mid-sized restaurants and is appreciated for its simplicity and low cost. Square offers a free plan for basic functionality and paid plans for advanced features.
- Upserve: Focused on improving customer experiences and providing restaurant-specific tools, Upserve offers detailed analytics, workforce management, and inventory tracking.
- Slant POS: A new entrant in the restaurant POS software market in the U.S. 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, as well as Spanish language support.
2. On-Premise POS Systems
On-premise POS systems store data locally on servers within the restaurant. While they are less flexible than cloud-based systems, they tend to offer greater control over security and data access. On-premise systems are often used by larger restaurants and franchises with specific security needs or regulatory requirements.
Advantages:
- Complete control over data
- More stable in areas with unreliable internet access
- Customizable to fit specific business requirements
Popular On-Premise POS Systems:
- Aloha POS: A solution from NCR, Aloha POS is favored by many large restaurant chains. It offers robust features like inventory management, employee scheduling, and reporting. Aloha has been a market leader for decades and is particularly valued for its offline capabilities.
- POSitouch: Often used in larger restaurants, fine dining establishments, and hotel chains, POSitouch provides detailed reporting and management tools but requires a more substantial hardware investment.
3. Tablet-Based and Mobile POS Systems
Tablet-based and mobile POS systems are popular in both small and large restaurants for their portability and ease of use. These systems allow servers to take orders directly at the table and send them to the kitchen, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Mobile POS systems are also used in quick-service environments to streamline the order-taking process during peak times.
Advantages:
- Portability and flexibility
- Lower hardware costs (using tablets instead of traditional terminals)
- Reduced wait times for customers
- Enhanced table-turnover rates in busy environments
Popular Tablet-Based and Mobile POS Systems:
- Revel Systems: A robust iPad-based POS solution that integrates with accounting, customer management, and inventory tracking. It’s highly customizable, making it suitable for various types of restaurants, from food trucks to large establishments.
- Lightspeed POS: Widely used in the retail and hospitality industries, Lightspeed offers a comprehensive restaurant solution that includes table management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support.
4. Hybrid POS Systems
Hybrid POS systems combine the best of both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Data is stored locally on servers at the restaurant but is also synced with the cloud. This provides the flexibility and remote management capabilities of a cloud system while ensuring that the system can continue functioning even if the internet goes down.
Advantages:
- Offline functionality with cloud backup
- Remote access for monitoring multiple locations
- Secure data storage both on-premise and in the cloud
Popular Hybrid POS Systems:
- TouchBistro: This system is primarily iPad-based but operates on a local server to ensure that the restaurant can still take orders if the internet goes down. TouchBistro is designed specifically for the restaurant industry and includes features like reservation management, inventory tracking, and analytics.
- Clover POS: Clover is a versatile system that offers both cloud-based and on-premise options. It is highly customizable, making it suitable for various restaurant types, from coffee shops to full-service restaurants.
5. Restaurant POS Systems with Integrated Payment Processing
Many POS systems in the U.S. come with integrated payment processing, which allows restaurants to accept payments directly through the POS system without needing a separate merchant account. Integrated payment systems simplify the transaction process, reduce human error, and offer better insights into financial performance.
Advantages:
- Faster transaction times
- Simplified end-of-day reconciliation
- Fewer errors in handling cash and cards
- Better tracking of payment methods
Popular POS Systems with Integrated Payment Processing:
- Toast POS: Toast is well known for its integrated payment processing. It charges a flat rate for transactions, making it easy for restaurants to manage their costs.
- Square for Restaurants: Square’s integrated payment processing is one of its key selling points, offering simple and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
6. Restaurant POS Systems with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration
CRM-enabled POS systems provide restaurants with tools to manage customer relationships more effectively. These systems track customer orders, preferences, and feedback, allowing restaurants to personalize their services and improve customer loyalty. CRM integration can also help restaurants run targeted marketing campaigns.
Advantages:
- Improved customer retention
- Data-driven marketing and promotions
- Better insights into customer behavior
Popular POS Systems with CRM Integration:
- Upserve: Upserve offers extensive CRM functionality, including customer insights, loyalty programs, and automated marketing tools to keep guests engaged.
- TouchBistro: TouchBistro has a built-in CRM that allows restaurants to track customer preferences and order history, making it easier to personalize guest experiences and run loyalty programs.
7. Quick-Service POS Systems
Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have unique requirements, such as handling high volumes of transactions quickly and efficiently. POS systems for QSRs are designed to facilitate fast service, integrate with drive-thru systems, and handle online and mobile orders. These systems are optimized for speed and simplicity, often with limited customization compared to full-service restaurant POS systems.
Advantages:
- Fast transaction speeds
- Integration with kitchen display systems (KDS) and drive-thru technology
- Seamless online and mobile order handling
Popular Quick-Service POS Systems:
- NCR Silver: NCR Silver is designed for quick-service restaurants and cafes. It integrates with online ordering platforms and offers fast transaction processing to keep lines moving.
- Square for Restaurants: Square also offers a streamlined solution for quick-service restaurants, with a focus on speed and simplicity for high-volume environments.
8. POS Systems with Online Ordering and Delivery Integration
With the growth of online ordering and food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, many restaurants in the U.S. now require POS systems that integrate with these platforms. This allows restaurants to manage online orders directly from the POS, reducing errors and ensuring smoother operations.
Advantages:
- Streamlined online and delivery order management
- Improved accuracy in fulfilling orders
- Centralized reporting for all order channels
Popular POS Systems with Online Ordering Integration:
- Revel Systems: Revel integrates with popular delivery platforms and offers its own online ordering system, making it easy for restaurants to manage both in-house and third-party delivery orders.
- Toast POS: Toast also integrates with delivery services and offers its own built-in online ordering platform, which is especially beneficial for restaurants looking to expand their takeout and delivery operations.
9. Restaurant POS Systems with Inventory Management
For restaurants, especially those dealing with perishable goods, efficient inventory management is crucial to minimize waste and control costs. Many POS systems now come with integrated inventory tracking, allowing restaurants to monitor stock levels in real-time and automate the reordering process.
Advantages:
- Reduced food waste and cost control
- Automated inventory tracking and reordering
- Detailed reports on ingredient usage
Popular POS Systems with Inventory Management:
- Toast POS: Toast provides inventory tracking features that help restaurants monitor ingredient levels and optimize ordering.
- Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed’s inventory management is robust, offering real-time stock tracking, vendor management, and low-stock alerts.
10. POS Systems for Multi-Location Management
Large restaurant chains or franchises often require POS systems that can manage multiple locations from a central dashboard. These systems allow for centralized control over menus, pricing, promotions, and employee management across various sites.
Advantages:
- Centralized reporting and analytics
- Consistent menu and pricing management across locations
- Streamlined employee and inventory management
Popular POS Systems for Multi-Location Restaurants:
- Toast POS: Toast’s multi-location features are designed for larger restaurant groups, providing centralized control over menus and staff management.
- Revel Systems: Revel offers powerful multi-location management features, allowing franchises to monitor and control various aspects of their business from a central dashboard.
Conclusion
The U.S. restaurant industry offers a diverse range of POS systems, each designed to meet specific business needs. Whether it’s a small café or a large franchise chain, restaurants can choose between cloud-based, on-premise, tablet-based, and hybrid POS systems, with options for integrated payments, CRM, inventory management, and online ordering. The flexibility and advanced features of modern POS systems have transformed how restaurants operate, enabling greater efficiency, better customer service, and more robust financial control. Restaurants in the U.S. must evaluate their specific needs, budget, and scalability requirements to choose the most suitable POS system for their operations.
