Retail Systems: Looking For BETTER Restaurant POS Solutions

Aug. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Some Helpful Hints For You!

Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or retail business, there are a couple of things you must keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.

1. Network cabling. The majority of systems are PC-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. This means that all parts of your system will communicate over standard data cabling. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, the preferred method is to "hardwire" as many of the stations as possible. Some vendors include this service in their bid; others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.

In spite of who will work on the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each component part needs to have a cable drop. A drop is considered the cable connecting from your remote printer or PC back to the networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.

For POS systems, the retail business should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a "home run" area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, as these devices can sometimes interfere with the communication of each devices.

2. Electrical. Install dedicated and isolated circuits that all of your POS, computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems can share. No other equipment should be on the same breaker switch. I would prefer getting your network, phone, and electrical service to be near to each other. An isolated circuit means that the circuit has a ground path that is isolated from that of the main electrical service. This helps to prevent spikes and surges that can disrupt motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, that you'll still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Efficiently designed workspace. When it's time to design workstation areas, be sure to leave ample space to comfortably fit the equipment needed there. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to hold your computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you are planning to use separate credit card equipment. There should be enough space directly underneath the tabletop to hold the computer, surge protector, power strip and a battery backup (UPS).

If you plan to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, have your contractor pre-drill holes to place cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole should be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.

For cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop space should also be ample enough to fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. The most common cash drawers have a footprint of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.4 to 5 inch vertical height. So better make sure you get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop for your drawer to be recessed perfectly in.

4. Maintenance Plans. Vendors will offer some type of service plan as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of materials that are not built to last forever especially in a retail business environment. Printers will eventually break, fans will fail, and hard drives will crash. How frequently depends on the conditions in which your system is installed. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are not friendly allies to office and restaurant POS equipment.

I've seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing an operator can do is to invest in good equipment and then protect that investment by maintaining it. Many retail business POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service plans that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges from 10% to 20% of the original purchase price.

A retail POS system represents a large investment. But if you set a time to make sure that the above steps are included in your checklist, then you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.

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The author of this article is the Vice-President of Customer Relations at http://www.pos-for-restaurants.com with over 20 years of experience serving restaurants of all types throughout the U.S.

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