Is your restaurant, cafe or coffee shop using a cloud-based POS (point of sale) system yet? If not, then you are currently missing out on some major advantages. Here, we explain why every restaurant really needs to consider investing in this new tech and look at the best examples of restaurant POS systems available in Dubai.
What is a cloud-based POS system?
First, let’s quickly get up to speed on what exactly a cloud-based POS system is.
Basically, it fulfils all your traditional point of sale needs but uses a remote server to operate. Data is stored in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere, including off-site. Because the cloud is used, these systems can be operated using portable devices like tablets.
What are the major advantages of going cloud-based?
The first significant advantage is that there are many more features available. A modern cloud-based restaurant POS system can operate as the fundamental tool for managing your restaurant or food business. Think of it as the brains of the operation. You can use it to not only manage your customer transactions but also other key areas of your business, like your inventory, employee information and more.
The second advantage is the system’s portability. In the past, many businesses were put off by the bulky and expensive technology required to operate a traditional, fixed point of sale system. But lightweight, handheld POS technology is much more flexible and dynamic.
Here are seven distinct reasons why your restaurant business should be upgrading to cloud-based software.
1. You get to enjoy an intuitive, easy-to-use system
So much effort has been put into making sure the newest technology is incredibly intuitive to use. Restaurant POS software is no different — you and your staff will be up and running with your new cloud-based system in no time. Nevertheless, good providers of POS systems will give you all the help you need with both the initial setup and ongoing support.
With a system like Revel POS, your staff can use a Mac or PC to operate it. Or better still, they can use the iPad app that connects with any POS hardware you might need (like receipt printers) and is quick to set up. Quick keys provide valuable shortcuts for fast service, too.
With the iPad app, your staff can deal with customer queries, take orders and provide the bill faster and more efficiently than ever before. Being able to access the tech from anywhere means a customer order reaches the kitchen instantaneously, which then translates to faster service and happy customers.
2. You never lose crucial data
Your new POS system will be handling a lot of important information like inventory data, sales records, customer and loyalty information, employee reports and more. You’ll want to know this data is safe and secure.
All data entered into a cloud-based POS system is regularly backed up and automatically synced. This means you don’t have to worry about losing information from system crashes. Your data will always be up-to-date and secure, and you needn’t worry about system crashes causing disastrous problems.
3. You can stay in touch 24/7 from wherever you are
If you operate more than one outlet or are frequently off-premises, you’ll appreciate the ability to check in on what’s happening in your restaurants from wherever you are. With these systems, just use your remote log-in or the app to get real-time updates on what’s going on.
Should problems arise, you can make informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute information available on your team, stock levels, or transaction records. Troubleshoot or get peace of mind at any time.
4. You can integrate other software
Integrating other software with your cloud-based POS system means an efficient, streamlined operation. You can partner POS software like Revel with many other systems.
For example, you can conveniently sync Revel with accounting software like Xero and Quickbooks. Integrating your POS system with e-commerce software also enables you to fulfil online orders without the hassle of operating a standalone system. Your POS system will ensure you don’t accidentally oversell a menu item either online or in the restaurant meaning no disappointed customers.
5. You learn from paperless reports
A superb feature of new cloud-based POS systems is their ability to provide really excellent insights from the data they are storing. Get an analysis of your inventory, sales, workforce and more whenever you need them.
You can access these reports from any connected device without needing to print out reams of paper, too.
6. You always have the latest update
Manual updates are time-consuming, but you can say goodbye to these forever. Another advantage of cloud-based software is that updates are remote, automatic and super convenient. You can start benefiting from updates from the moment they are rolled out.
7. You can offer customer-focused features
The customer is king. A good POS system has features that help you offer an excellent, personalised service to your valued customers, like customisable receipts with a variety of languages and personalised messages available.
A customer-facing display system is another example. Improve transparency and engagement and help your customers feel empowered.
What to look for in a cloud-based POS system for restaurants
In summary, you need to look for a cloud-based system that offers:
- Operation from multiple devices and locations in one unified system
- Regular, remote updates
- Comprehensive reporting features
- The ability to integrate other software that is key to your business
- Customer-facing displays
- Intuitive software that is easy for staff to use
- A good support package and personalised onboarding
Revel is a market-leading POS system in the UAE and is specifically designed for restaurants and food outlets. It offers all the desirable features above. It’s very popular in the UAE and, indeed, around the globe.
Finally, once you’ve finished your POS research, be sure to use the opportunity to experience a demo of any restaurant POS system before you commit. A good provider of this technology will be more than happy to supply a demo, talk you through how their POS system will work for your business, and explain how they’ll support you once your sale is complete.
AUTHOR BIO
Ross Smith is the Managing Partner at iPad POS Middle East. Based in Dubai, covering the whole of the Middle East, the company is passionate about helping restaurateurs and retailers alike find the most suitable point of sale system to meet the needs of their business. They specialize in iPad-based point of sales systems and are resellers of Revel and Vend.