POS systems in catering: Definition
The abbreviation “POS” stands for “point of sale” and therefore means “place of sale.” In restaurants, these sales outlets are the cash registers. However, POS systems are limited (or even Cash register systems) in catering establishments not in this one place behind the counter, but include all associated digital tools, devices and functions, such as apps, card readers and analysis reports. POS systems can therefore hardware and software based be. In the latter case, the system stores incoming data in a cloud.
In contrast to traditional cash registers, a modern POS system is therefore not only used for efficient payment processing with cash: it can do much more.
Did you already know?
There are over 150 POS systems that are established in the German catering market. With our integrations, we at luca focus on market leaders and strong providers in local markets.
Features of POS systems for restaurants
POS systems in the catering industry can function as a super accounting answer to modern tax requirements — this is important for all catering businesses. Operators can also enrich their cash register systems with modern digital functions in order to remain competitive and attract guests.
For restaurants, bars and cafés, for example, these integrations into their existing POS system can be useful:
Digital cash book
With, for example, daily payment overview, tax office-compliant storage and recording of income and expenditure, DATEV interfaces, automated accounting reports, etc.
- advantage: Makes it significantly easier and faster to manage all tax and financial data.
- Disadvantage: Requires detailed research so that the delicate operating data can be entrusted to a safe product.
Expanded payment and billing options
Such as paying by mobile phone or via QR code, independent invoice sharing, one-click payment, etc.
- advantage: With modern payment options, the company is becoming more attractive for increasing demands from guests.
- Disadvantage: The team must be well trained.
Managing team members
For example by integrating shift schedules, personnel data and payslips or by managing authorizations, time, tips and revenue recording, etc.
- advantage: Simplifies employee management for medium-sized teams and structures collaboration with colleagues.
- Disadvantage: Can lead to restructuring and complication in a small team.
Inventory and order management
With automated ordering process for inventories, configuration of alerts, cost-optimized storage, etc.
- advantage: Saves time and makes purchasing and inventory of operationally important resources as efficient as possible.
- Disadvantage: Here, too, the team must be well briefed.
Reservation tool
For automated processing of reservations, optimized table management, etc.
- advantage: Lowers the inhibition for guests to reserve a table because they don't have to call during operating hours, but can book directly online.
- Disadvantage: No direct contact with guests in advance.
Customer data management
For example, for creating and collecting customer data (via CRM integration), for personalized service or for marketing purposes such as email campaigns or discount campaigns, etc.
- vantage: Enables maximum individual guest service by collecting and evaluating customer data.
- drawback: Guests must agree to collect or evaluate their data, which scares some off.
conclusion
In addition to tax obligations, every catering establishment has its own requirements for a cash register system and must therefore be aware of which integrations actual benefits for his business bring. Because even the most sophisticated system causes more costs than benefits when it is not needed.
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