You’ve probably heard the acronym at some point in your time at or around restaurants. Perhaps someone has asked you the question and you weren’t sure how to answer because the term is so commonly thrown around. Regardless, you may be wondering, “What is a POS?”
In restaurant terminology, “POS” stands for “point-of-sale.” This is any hardware or software that allows customers to place an order. Cash registers, online shopping carts and credit card machines are all examples of point-of-sale systems. All retail transactions, even those outside of restaurants, should come through POS systems.
Generally, these systems add up purchases, make changes to inventory, apply applicable tax to each order, and accept payments via various methods. Of course, some don’t have all of these features, and some have far more features than what are mentioned here. But the gist of a POS system is mostly the same: they are the point at which a transaction occurs.
These days, these systems come in all shapes and sizes. From the stereotypical cash register to a small credit card device that attaches to a smart phone, there are many options available depending on what you need in your business.
Some POS systems are made exclusively for restaurants. These often include extra features that may not exist in a standard retail cash register. Restaurants need to have the ability to place food orders with custom parameters, such as replacing a soda with a milkshake, adding extra cheese, or making a steak well-done. They also need to include the ability to add optional tips for service.
There are many options available as far as restaurant POS systems. We recommend you look through some of the most common systems and see which makes the most sense for your restaurant. Ask friends and family if they have worked with any of these systems and if they have preferences. Check reviews. POS systems make up a big part of how well you’re able to run your day-to-day operations, so be sure to get something you trust and that both you and your staff can learn to use accurately and quickly.
Reachify is not a POS system, but we do offer automations that make everyday business easier in restaurants. If you’d like to learn more, let us know.
