In Zimbabwe, a Southern African country with roughly 16.3 million people, the restaurant industry is gradually adopting modern technology, including Point of Sale (POS) systems. Due to the country’s economic challenges and fluctuating internet connectivity, many restaurants look for reliable and cost-effective solutions that can handle offline transactions, mobile payments, and multicurrency capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the types of POS systems commonly used in Zimbabwean restaurants:
1. Traditional Desktop POS Systems
These systems are often chosen for their robustness, simplicity, and ability to operate offline. Common features of these systems include inventory tracking, order management, and financial reporting. They tend to be suited to medium to large-scale restaurants with a need for stable, on-premise solutions. Popular desktop POS systems include:
- Omega POS: Locally developed and tailored to Zimbabwean businesses, Omega POS provides features like inventory management, employee tracking, and multi-currency support (for ZWL and USD). It is suitable for restaurants that prefer on-site solutions.
- Sage Evolution POS: This is a widely used desktop solution in Zimbabwe. Sage is favored by restaurants that need more advanced accounting features, including integration with accounting software, financial reporting, and multi-branch management.
2. Cloud-Based POS Systems
As internet access improves, many restaurants are transitioning to cloud-based POS systems, which allow for real-time data access and mobile management. These systems are ideal for businesses that want flexibility and scalability.
- NetPOS: A popular choice for many restaurants in Zimbabwe, NetPOS is a cloud-based system that offers features like mobile payment integration (EcoCash, OneMoney), online orders, and real-time reporting. Its cloud functionality helps restaurant managers monitor sales and inventory from any location.
- Slant POS: A new entrant in the restaurant POS software market in Zimbabwe, 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.
- iVend Retail: This system is cloud-based and provides support for real-time monitoring and remote access to sales data. It integrates well with inventory management systems, making it ideal for restaurants with high inventory turnover. The ability to process transactions offline is a plus for businesses in regions with intermittent internet connectivity.
- Kounta POS: A versatile cloud-based system with offline capabilities, Kounta is another growing favorite in Zimbabwe’s restaurant sector. It integrates with payment platforms and offers features such as table management, split payments, and loyalty programs.
3. Mobile and Tablet-Based POS Systems
Mobile POS systems, often deployed on tablets and smartphones, are gaining popularity due to their portability and ease of use. These systems are particularly suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants that do not need complex setups but still want advanced functionalities.
- POSrocket: A mobile-first POS solution, POSrocket is used in some restaurants in Zimbabwe. Its user-friendly interface, combined with real-time sales tracking and inventory management, makes it a good option for restaurateurs looking for simple, affordable solutions. Integration with mobile payment platforms is also a highlight.
- Square POS: Though not as widespread, some restaurants in Zimbabwe are experimenting with Square POS, especially those catering to tourists. It offers features like payment processing, customer management, and sales reporting. The platform’s mobile payment functionality is useful in a market where card payments are becoming more common.
4. Offline POS Systems
Due to periodic power outages and internet unreliability, many Zimbabwean restaurants need POS systems that can work offline. These systems typically store transaction data locally and sync it when connectivity is restored.
- Pastel Partner POS: Pastel’s offline functionality is appreciated in areas with unreliable internet. It handles various types of transactions, including cash, card, and mobile payments. Restaurants using Pastel POS enjoy advanced features like multi-currency support and integration with Pastel Accounting software.
- Lightspeed POS: This system offers both cloud-based and offline capabilities, allowing restaurants to continue operating even when there’s no internet connection. It supports multiple payment types, including mobile money, and has integrated inventory management features.
5. Mobile Money Integration POS Systems
Zimbabwe has a well-established mobile payment ecosystem, with platforms like EcoCash and OneMoney being widely used. POS systems that integrate with these platforms are particularly valuable for restaurants as they facilitate easy payment processing.
- EcoCash Merchant POS: Many restaurants in Zimbabwe use EcoCash’s POS terminals to accept payments. These terminals are directly linked to the EcoCash platform, allowing restaurants to receive payments through the mobile wallet system. It’s a low-cost solution, especially for smaller eateries that do not want to invest heavily in a full-fledged POS system.
- Mukuru POS: This system, part of Mukuru’s financial services, allows restaurants to accept payments from Mukuru mobile wallets. Given the widespread use of Mukuru in Zimbabwe for remittances, this POS system helps restaurants cater to customers who use this mobile payment platform.
6. Integrated POS Systems for Large Restaurants or Chains
For larger restaurants, chains, or fast-food establishments, integrated POS systems with advanced features are necessary for efficiency and scalability. These systems not only handle transactions but also integrate with kitchen management, loyalty programs, and financial reporting.
- Micros POS by Oracle: Some large restaurants and hotel chains in Zimbabwe use Micros, which is known for its scalability and integration with other business software like ERP systems. Micros POS supports complex operations like multi-location management, inventory control, and customer loyalty programs.
- Toast POS: While not as common in Zimbabwe as in other regions, Toast POS is increasingly being adopted by larger restaurants, especially in urban areas. Toast provides robust reporting, menu management, and integration with delivery services, which is useful for restaurants with multiple outlets or a large customer base.
Key Features Desired by Zimbabwean Restaurants in POS Systems
- Offline Capability: Due to frequent power outages and inconsistent internet access, POS systems that can function offline are crucial.
- Multi-Currency Support: Zimbabwe’s dual-currency environment (ZWL and USD) necessitates POS systems that can handle multiple currencies seamlessly.
- Mobile Payment Integration: Given the widespread use of mobile money platforms like EcoCash, POS systems must support these payment methods.
- Scalability: For growing restaurants or chains, POS systems that can scale with the business and support multiple locations are essential.
- Inventory and Stock Management: Many restaurants require POS systems that integrate with inventory management to prevent stockouts and track food costs.
Challenges and Trends in POS Adoption
- Internet and Power Outages: The lack of reliable internet and electricity supply can disrupt the operations of cloud-based systems. This is why systems with offline capabilities are favored by most restaurants.
- Mobile Money Popularity: As mobile money continues to dominate the payment landscape, restaurants are adopting POS systems that easily integrate with platforms like EcoCash. The ability to process mobile payments and conduct real-time tracking of transactions is a growing requirement.
- Cost Sensitivity: Economic challenges in Zimbabwe make cost a significant factor in the selection of POS systems. Many restaurants are looking for affordable, low-maintenance solutions that still provide essential functionalities like inventory management and sales reporting.
- Regulatory Environment: POS systems must comply with local tax and financial regulations, including the ability to generate reports required for financial audits.
Conclusion
The types of POS systems used in restaurants in Zimbabwe vary depending on the size and needs of the business. Traditional desktop systems like Omega POS and Sage Evolution are still popular for their reliability and offline functionality. Cloud-based systems like Slant POS, NetPOS and iVend Retail are becoming more common as internet access improves, but offline capabilities remain critical. Mobile POS systems like POSrocket and mobile payment terminals from EcoCash also cater to the growing demand for mobile payment solutions.
In the future, as the economy stabilizes and internet connectivity improves, more restaurants in Zimbabwe are likely to adopt cloud-based POS solutions that provide greater flexibility and scalability. However, for now, the focus remains on affordable, robust, and offline-capable systems that can handle the unique challenges of the Zimbabwean market.