Point of Sale SolutionsTHE NEXT STEP IN RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY
A BRIEF HISTORY
From Cash Registers to POS
Friendly competition inspires entrepreneurs to stay on the cutting edge of technology, advertising, and service. It’s no
surprise in today’s digital world that there’s a kind of software built to handle all three: the Point of Sale system.
Technology has come a long way since then. The mechanical cash register, like the kerosene lamp, is a thing of the past.
POS systems, on the other hand, are increasingly popular with restaurateurs, servers, and guests.
Businesses are always growing - and technology has to keep up.
A HIGHER STANDARD
The Growing Popularity of POS Systems
Business owners love POS systems because they save time and money, while guests love to feel like they’re getting the
best possible service. A recent report by Grand View Research found that the “global Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals
market was valued at USD 42.14 billion in 2015,” and it is only expected to grow. In a similar report on POS market
trends, Hospitality Technology’s “survey found that there will be substantive buying activity in 2016. The majority of
restaurants [HT] queried (59%) are looking to add new functionality or features to their existing POS software.”
There are a number of reasons for these planned upgrades. In 2014, when asked for their top reason for replacing their
existing method or software, 69.6% of restaurant operators cited their desire for a mobile POS as one reason, and
62.5% wanted to enable new payment options. Almost half of all restaurants surveyed were interested in personalizing
service for guests.
POS is at the forefront of restaurant technology.
POS PURCHASING PLANS FOR 2016 2016 2015
59%
67%
46%
35%
38%
38%
35%
38%
18%
19%
Add new functionality, features and/or modules to current POS software
Expand installation bae of POS software from a vendor currently being worked with
Develop and/or deploy POS for use on a mobile device
Test and research new POS solutions for possible implementation after 2016
Install POS from a new vendor
CHARTING INNOVATIONS
A POS for Every Business Model
Programmers are racing to create faster, sleeker versions of POS software, so restaurants will always have access to
the latest tech. Cloud POS systems, mobile POS, and built-in credit card processors are some of the latest innovations.
As popularity grows, so does functionality.
CLOUD POS SYSTEMS can easily integrate with other
platforms augmenting the value of both systems.
Perhaps more importantly, they let managers store
sensitive information in a safe place. This is vital for
any restaurant that processes credit cards. Cloud POS
systems allow managers to access reports and make
changes to their menu any time, from anywhere. This
saves time, money, and other resources in every
aspect of business.
MOBILE POS come in many forms. In some restaurants,
servers can take orders on tablets that send information
directly to the kitchen. FOH and BOH employees alike
save time, and the margin of human error is vastly
decreased. Other software allows customers to pay via
phone, making takeout and online ordering that much
easier for everyone. Guests are coming to take this
technology for granted, because it is so widespread in
the food industry. Always eager to serve, restaurants are
working hard to meet that demand: 35% of retailers
plan to invest in mobile POS in 2016.
PROCESSING CREDIT CARDS WITH A POS saves your business from having to reconcile multiple systems, and
keeps guests’ data more secure. In an interview from 2012, Dana Bargell, the director of marketing at Specialized
Business Solutions, told Business Solutions Magazine that “old-school standalone credit card processing
terminals...do not communicate with the POS system at all. This is terribly ine�icient at the POS because sales
clerks must enter sales in the POS system or ECR (electronic cash register), and then take payment using the
separate credit card terminal.” It’s important for restaurants to use the fastest, most e�icient technology available
to keep up with guest expectations.
CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS
Innovate to Impress Every Guest
The majority of consumers own smartphones, and the remainder still must interface with technology every day. Our
culture is rapidly changing to incorporate technology’s many uses, and it’s important for the restaurant industry to
stay current.
A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association found that 79% of consumers say tech options increase
convenience. 70% went on to say that restaurant technology speeds up service, and increases order accuracy. 45%
even said that tech options make dining more fun! These numbers will grow as technology continues to integrate with
the restaurant experience.
We’re beginning to see a loop in the popularity of POS systems - the more restaurants implement this software, the
more guests will expect to see it in use. Restaurant operators are already in the habit of making changes to meet and
exceed customer expectations - an excellent habit for the savvy business owner. As these two groups continue to
influence each other, we can anticipate an exponential rise in the popularity of POS technology.
Technology has become an integral part of how Americans
interact with their surroundings.
CONSUMERS WANT MORE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
79%
Say that tech options increase convenience
70%Say tech options speed up service
70%
Say tech options increase order accuracy
45%
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Point of Sale is Here to Stay
The POS retail market represents 92.6% of total U.S. retail dollar volume. Restaurant operators
cannot a�ord to be left behind as this technology takes over the market. With so many options
available, restaurateurs should take their time choosing the perfect technology to support their
unique business model.
Restaurateurs should invest in the best technology available.
RESOURCES
2013 Retail Point of Sale (POS) Update and Forecast: Mobile and Prepaid Opens New POSsibilities - Aleia Van Dyke, Beth Robertson
javelinstrategy.com/coverage-area/2013-retail-point-sale-pos-update-and-forecast-mobile-and-prepaid-opens-new
Restaurant Technology Drives Consumer Decisions - National Restaurant Association
restaurant.org/Restaurant/media/Restaurant/SiteImages/News%20and%20Research/RestaurantTechnologyMay2014.jpg
US Smartphone Use in 2015 - Aaron Smith
pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/
POS Software: Beyond The Cash Register - Pedro Pereira
bsminfo.com/doc/pos-software-beyond-the-cash-register-0001
Brick-And-Mortar Retail Stores Are Going Mobile - David Crist
pointofsale.com/2016060311872/Mobile-POS-News/Brick-and-Mortar-Retail-Stores-Are-Going-Mobile.html
2014 POS Software Trends - Dorothy Creamer
hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/news/2014-POS-Software-Trends89890
Embracing Disruption: 2016 POS Software Trends Report - Dorothy Creamer
hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/news/Embracing-Disruption--2016-POS-Software-Trends-Report103740
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals Market Analysis By Product (Fixed, Mobile), By Component (Hardware, Software), By Application
(Restaurants, Hospitality, Healthcare, Retail, Warehouse, Entertainment) And Segment Forecasts To 2024 - Grand View Research
grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/point-of-sale-pos-terminals-market