The Importance Of EPOS Systems In Your Restaurant Business
If you own a restaurant business, the chances are that you will, at some point or another, have installed a range of EPOS systems. Here's an introduction into what they can do.
An EPOS (electronic point of sale) is a computer-based system most restaurants use in doing daily transactions. Restaurants use EPOS systems as a tool in taking orders,
data recording, ticketing, and billing. A restaurant staff, a bartender, and a cashier utilize the system to easily get and process orders from customers. Today, EPOS systems act as a replacement to the traditional cash registers and computers. It functions in multiple stations which include different terminals to process credit cards, print receipts, display menu, and cash server stations. Having this kind of system in your restaurant adds convenience and comfort to your customers and staff. It offers accuracy and an effective time management in a busy environment.
EPOS systems offer multiple functions to your restaurant business. Through EPOS, you will be able to calculate cash more efficiently for each order and record the payment method directly thru a centralized system. This feature can greatly help you track the amount of cash and inventory of your business. Today, restaurant businesses use it as a tool in creating important business reports using the data provided by the system. An EPOS management system has the ability to create hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports. The system not only manages the accounting of the restaurant. Rather, you can also use it to monitor your employees. In fact, EPOS systems allow your employees to log in and out in an hourly basis which can be very useful for payroll purposes.
Another good advantage of EPOS is that it can be used by anyone involved in your restaurant. However, you should take note that EPOS system works differently as compared to other types of systems. The type of EPOS depends largely on your type of restaurant and the style of your restaurant’s service. Generally, an EPOS works as your employee enter his or her user ID to access the system, usually through a touch screen monitor. More advanced EPOS allows you to add biometrics to make the system more secured. Your employees process orders right through the system using terminals by entering the customers’ order. After doing so, the orders are sent to the kitchen in a form of a ticket or through a display monitor. The system functions through terminals that are linked to each other either by a local server or the internet. The verification of orders may depend on the type system or your method of transaction. Advanced systems allow the customers to see their orders through a monitor displayed in front of them. Some also offer self-service screens to which they can manually take their orders by themselves without the need of a staff.
The specifications of your EPOS depend highly on the environment and style of your restaurant. Today, most restaurants prefer using touch screens because they are aesthetically more attractive and more efficient in taking orders, especially for quick service restaurants. In the case of full-service restaurants or fine dining, the systems are usually located in hidden places as not to mess up the ambiance of the place.