Selecting the right Point of Sale (POS) system can make a world of difference in how a restaurant operates, helping streamline orders, manage inventory, and improve customer service. With a variety of POS systems on the market, it’s important to research and understand which ones align best with your restaurant’s specific needs. Here are six POS systems that restaurant owners in Australia should consider before making a final decision.
1. Square for Restaurants
Square has built a strong reputation as a versatile and user-friendly POS system. Square for Restaurants is designed to meet the demands of food service with features like table management, split billing, and detailed order tracking. Square’s hardware options are easy to set up and customisable, catering to everything from quick-service eateries to high-end dining.
Key Features:
- Flexible pricing options, including no monthly fees for basic plans
- Simple, intuitive interface for easy staff training
- Free integrated online ordering for delivery and pickup
- Detailed sales and inventory tracking tools
Square’s flexible pricing makes it a budget-friendly choice for smaller operations, though its advanced features may come at additional costs for larger establishments.
2. Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed POS is a highly customisable option, ideal for medium to large restaurants. Known for its robust inventory management system, Lightspeed offers detailed reporting, menu management, and staff scheduling. It also integrates with popular third-party apps, making it an attractive option for venues looking to streamline operations through a unified platform.
Key Features:
- Customisable floor plans and menu management
- Advanced inventory management for tracking ingredients and stock
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools
- Integration with online delivery services
Lightspeed’s initial setup and customisation can be time-intensive, but once in place, it provides a comprehensive solution that suits many types of restaurants.
3. Toast POS
Built specifically for the hospitality industry, Toast POS offers features tailored to restaurants of all sizes. It’s a cloud-based system that can run on both iOS and Android, making it accessible for diverse setups. Toast also provides powerful features for order management, loyalty programs, and contactless payment options.
Key Features:
- All-in-one functionality for ordering, payment, and reporting
- Customisable loyalty programs to drive repeat business
- Cloud-based, enabling remote management and analytics
- Comprehensive customer support available 24/7
One downside of Toast POS is its reliance on proprietary hardware, which can raise upfront costs, but its industry-focused features are a solid investment for growing establishments.
4. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a popular choice among full-service restaurants and bars, with a reputation for user-friendliness and mobile functionality. As an iPad-based system, it’s ideal for busy environments where mobility is essential. TouchBistro offers tools for menu customisation, table management, and real-time reporting, helping staff deliver a seamless dining experience.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use, iPad-based system for added mobility
- Customisable floor plans and menu options
- Real-time sales and inventory reporting
- Built-in CRM for customer loyalty and tracking
Although TouchBistro’s pricing is on the higher end, its focus on ease of use and flexibility makes it well-suited for restaurants seeking a scalable solution.
5. Revel Systems
Revel Systems is designed with high-traffic establishments in mind, making it an excellent choice for busy restaurants and bars. It combines POS functionality with detailed analytics, customer relationship management (CRM), and workforce management tools. Revel is also known for its advanced hardware options and robust data security features.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based system with reliable offline capabilities
- Comprehensive analytics for in-depth business insights
- Advanced inventory management with automated stock alerts
- CRM tools for enhancing customer loyalty
Revel Systems requires a relatively high initial investment, and its pricing may be better suited to larger businesses with substantial POS needs.
6. Vend by Lightspeed
Vend by Lightspeed is a versatile and easy-to-use POS system popular with both retail and hospitality venues. It’s particularly suited for quick-service restaurants or cafes, with essential features like order management, customer profiles, and loyalty programs. Vend’s integration with various e-commerce platforms also allows for seamless online ordering.
Key Features:
- Flexible payment options and quick transactions for fast service
- Robust e-commerce integration for online sales
- Easy customer management and loyalty program features
- Compatible with existing hardware to minimise startup costs
While Vend is not as feature-rich as other restaurant-focused POS systems, it’s an excellent choice for small to medium-sized restaurants looking for simplicity and affordability.
Choosing the right POS system depends on your restaurant’s unique needs, from the volume of customers to the type of service you provide. For restaurants seeking flexibility, systems like Square or Vend may be ideal, while those needing detailed analytics and scalability may benefit from options like Lightspeed or Revel Systems. Investing time in researching these systems will help ensure you find a POS solution that enhances efficiency, drives sales, and delivers a better experience for both staff and customers.