POS systems have evolved tremendously over the years. Most restaurants are no longer using just a cash register to manage their sales and operations. It is more effective to use a complete POS system that also incorporates such features as customer loyalty programs, inventory management, and KDS integration. An iPad-based POS system makes managing these features easier than ever. They are designed to simplify restaurant management, increase efficiency, and allow staff more time with customers. Here are a few reasons restaurants should consider switching to an iPad-based POS system.
The Apple brand
According to an annual study by Forbes, Apple tops the list as the most valuable brand in the world for the seventh straight year. When it comes to a POS system, Apple takes the cake. Apple POS systems are known to be the fastest running, most stable, easiest to use interface, and the best support and warranty program. Businesses know Apple products are reliable and constantly improving.
Mobility
Mobility has become a competitive advantage within the customer experience of a restaurant. iPad POS wins over traditional POS systems when it comes to mobility. The largest iPad on the market is only 1.53 pounds, making it the perfect hardware to quickly move about your restaurant. By comparison, legacy or traditional POS systems are much larger, bulky and outdated. The greater mobility brings more speed to a quick-service restaurant, and full-service restaurants can bring mobile payments right to the table.
Lower Cost
Traditional POS systems can be a major investment for restaurants. iPad POS systems are known to be a more affordable option, with lowering costs for initial hardware and POS system upgrades. According to American Express, most restaurants who have switched from a traditional POS system to an iPad POS system have saved thousands.
No Downtime
It can be an extreme inconvenience for customers if your system goes down and you can’t process transactions. You could lose out on potential sales and your reputation could suffer. Not to mention, a traditional POS system comes with the fear of permanent data loss. An iPad POS system can provide an offline mode, continuing to process transactions and syncing new data to the cloud when your systems come back online.
Easy to Learn
The restaurant industry is known for its high turnover, and employee training can be a headache. Most people have touched or interacted with an iPad whether it was for fun or working in another industry. The iPad’s intuitive interface makes it easy to learn. As a result, businesses spend less time training new employees.
Security
Today’s POS systems manage most or all of a restaurant’s sales and operations. It’s important that a system with such responsibility be secure for both the restaurant and its customers. A cybersecurity breach of customer credit card info can put a restaurant at great financial and reputational risk. Still, to this day, small restaurants and huge chains are getting hacked via their POS system. The Apple iOS has one of the best security systems for handheld devices, including data encryption and the ability to work with EMV chip card readers. The employee permissions and PIN requirements in an iPad-based POS can give restaurant owner control over who has access to discrete functions of the system.