Guide to choosing the best restaurant POS software solution

Sept. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Let me guide you on how to choose for the right POS software that will fit your business' needs, without having to go through the troubles of purchasing multiple POS systems just to test them.

If you're in full-service dining, your company needs restaurant management software. This type of software virtually runs your restaurant. The server takes care of all the orders, inputs them in a software program then places them to the right station like the kitchen, where your kitchen staff prepares them; diners are done eating and the servers cash them out; sales numbers and inventory levels are accounted for and your managers can do their projections and ordering properly.

All of these activities should perfom well if you have the right POS software. Pricing and cost of a restaurant POS software differs depending on how extensive your needs are. These programs can help you run your operation more efficiently by improving front of house relations, proper scheduling of your staff and managing costs. Your restaurant management system should include:

   * POS restaurant software: Used for front of house applications and has a wide collection of functions.

   * Software for restaurant scheduling: Helps make sure that shifts are covered and properly allocate hours to employees, full-time and part-time.

   * Restaurant software for the back office: This will assist you in your food costing and accounting needs.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you make the right choice for your restaurant point of sale system are available at POS-For-Restaurants.com

Simplify front of house operations with restaurant POS software

Your servers will need to get guests' orders into the computer as quickly as they can, as well as properly check them out when they're ready to leave. You can improve this area by installing multiple POS terminals in convenient locations around your dining room. The software you'll use should have complete menu and order input capabilities as well as have a function to close checks with cash or credit options. You'll probably spend at least $500 for a quality POS system, but you can find a few software programs just around $300.

   I recommend: Receive comparative quotes only from qualified vendors at POS-For-Restaurants.com

Make use of restaurant software for scheduling employees

Scheduling is difficult for the restaurant industry. Due to the fact that many people that are employed in restaurants only work part-time and that the turnover rate is high, you'll have many factors to consider when scheduling your employees. Using a good scheduling program can help you specify your needs and schedule employees the right way. You can find web-based software for a monthly fee (usually ranging from $15 up to $75) or traditional software programs for between $30 and $300.

Consider having a food service software for the back office

Back office software needs to be properly taken care of. Your managers will need to determine food costs, sales forecasts and inventory levels on a daily basis to ensure that your restaurant is operating efficiently. Having the right restaurant POS software can ensure that your business is profitable. Expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $800, depends on the software package. You may be able to cut down on costs by buying a software package that only includes programs you truly need.

   I recommend: Receive comparative quotes only from qualified suppliers at POS-For-Restaurants.com

   Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

   * If you use touchscreen computers, you'll need different software than if you use a keyboard and/or mouse with your terminals. Touchscreen systems are large investments, so if you can't afford them right now, I suggest you stick first with basic restaurant computer systems that uses standard software. In advance, you may also request for a free POS system quote on any type of restaurant POS software, hardware and system needs. Your request shall be matched only with the most qualified POS professionals serving your area, who will meet your needs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Need more information or perhaps an online resource?

The author of this article writes for POS-For-Restaurants.com, a VP of Customer Relations with over 20 years experience in restaurant point of sale system, helping restaurant owners nationwide increase their efficiency and bottom-line profits.

You may visit http://www.pos-for-restaurants.com for more information on how our national network of restaurant point of sale experts can help your business achieve greater success in these difficult economic times.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# # #

Searching for the best Restaurant POS System Solution for your business?
We're a National network of POS System Solution Experts who offer better value and features than most "Major National Suppliers"!