Buyer’s Guide to Point of Sale (POS) Systems: How to Find the Best POS System for Hospitality

There are dozens of POS systems on the market claiming to be the best POS system for hospitality, but which one is the best for your business? Our Resource Point of Sale System buying guide has everything you need to answer that question, and find the best POS system for your quick service, fast casual or table service business.

POS System for Hospitality – Top features that you should look

Buying a new POS system for your hospitality business can be a daunting experience. There are dozens of POS systems on the market, each offering different functionality that may, or may not be useful to your employees. But you can narrow down your choices by determining what features and/or functionality your employees need to do their best work.

Usability

Your team needs to be able to use their point of sale system in a way that adds value to your business. That’s why the most important feature any POS system can offer hospitality brands is usability.

What you’re looking for is ease of use, i.e. how easy it is to perform basic tasks on the chosen POS system. Do daily tasks take longer on one system over another? How easy is it to navigate the user interface? How long does training an employee take?

These are the types of questions you need to answer prior to making your decision as to which POS system is best for your business. Be sure to ask for a demonstration before you buy to see first-hand which system will be easiest for your team to use. All of these factors combine to impact your labor hours and the satisfaction of your customers.

RPOS has knowledgeable Account Executives that can customize the system best suited for your needs. Our staging team handles all of the set-up of your chosen system in-house so that it arrives ready to go, and our field technicians are on hand to install and verify that you are up and running. (Staging and Field can link back to our service options)

Reliability

One of the most important features you should look for in POS hardware manufacturers for hospitality businesses is reliability. The latest, most technologically advanced POS system won’t do you a lick of good unless it can stand up to the rigors of hospitality.

Though many POS brands offer rugged and hardened hardware and devices, what you really want to look for is reliable, sustainable, repeat use. Will the rugged hardware really stand up to daily use on your floor, or is it just a shiny box?

Versatility

Hospitality brands are as varied as their customers. That’s why you need a POS system that is versatile enough to fill any need that may arise. Though most POS systems perform basic tasks like split checks, reorder drinks, and quick check out, few offer all of those features AND functions like table management, guest reservations and inventory control.

Like buying a car, the POS system that provides the greatest balance between performance and versatility will likely be your best choice, and provide the greatest return on your investment. Ask RPOS about mobile POS hardware to add even more versatility to your POS system.

Reporting

Every business needs reliable reporting if they are to meet KPIs needed to run a successful business. Fortunately, most POS systems have basic KPI reports built in, with additional reporting features and 3rd party integrations available for an extra fee. You also want to ensure the POS system you choose has all of the auditing reports you need to keep track of your sales and taxes.

Mobile Apps

The latest POS systems include applications for both Apple and Android tablets and smartphones that enable your team to use your devices for mobile checkout, and/or give servers the ability to take orders and payments at the table.

Though most POS systems are designed for tablets, many are dual-platform. If you have a strong preference for one platform over the other, you should take this into consideration when picking out a system.

Integrations

Your hospitality business likely already uses different types of business software for accounting or CRM. Modern POS systems enable your back office to integrate those software with your POS system, allowing your team to work more efficiently. Be sure to look for a POS system that integrates with your existing business software to make it easier to manage your business as you grow.

Best POS Hardware Manufacturers for Hospitality Brands

Now that you know what features and functionality you need to look for in a new POS system, we can move onto the POS hardware on which all those features will run. Though the type and number of hardware devices you need for your POS system depends on the size and location of your business, most include:

  • POS Terminals
  • Touchscreen Terminals
  • Thermal Receipt Printers
  • Impact Kitchen Printers
  • Cash Drawers
  • Barcode Scanners
  • EMV Payment Terminals
  • Credit Card Readers (MSRs)
  • IT Infrastructure
  • PCs & Servers
  • Power Supplies
  • Monitors and Keyboards
  • Customer Displays
  • Kitchen Video Display Systems
  • Replacement Parts & Accessories
  • Printer Supplies
  • Wireless Access Points
  • Cabling

As you browse your POS dealers selection of POS hardware, remember to inquire about mandatory hardware requirements, like cash drawers, tablets, or card readers. You’ll also want to ensure your payment processor will work with you on chargeback protection and is PCI compliant.

Elo

Elo is an industry leading POS terminal manufacturer offering all-in-one computers, monitors and self-service kiosks for the hospitality industry. Built with versatility in mind, Elo POS solutions offer a wide assortment of peripheral options that you can add or remove as your needs change.

NCR

Purpose-built to handle any hospitality environment, NCR POS hardware has everything you need to deliver quality experiences that delight your customers. A long-standing leader in the industry, NCR offers a staggering array of POS hardware and peripherals to suit the precise needs of your operation, like the:

HP

HP delivers an exceptionally elegant all-in-one POS solution for restaurant and hospitality brands, delivering a stylish and engaging experience with modern, versatile POS hardware and terminals, like the:

EPSON

Epson offers durable receipt printers for restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses, as well as web and mobile POS solutions that far surpass the functionality of a traditional PC-based system, like the:

Touch Dynamic

Touch Dynamic is a trusted POSdesigner and manufacturer of touch systems and PCs. offering a wide range of use technology solutions, like the:

Zebra

With one of the largest and fastest-growing portfolios-each with an intuitive interface you’ll recognize, Zebra scanners empower you to do your best work.

Par

PAR has upgraded the look and feel of the conventional POS terminal, and designed it to grow with your clientele and your business needs. These versatile and adaptable models support multi-chain concepts, small and local businesses, and everything in between.

Top Hardware Manufacturers for Restaurants and Hospitality 2020

As a business owner in the hospitality industry, you know that the success of your business solely relies on the level of service you provide to the customer. With the Resource Point of Sale, you’ll have the tech, hardware and functionality to improve business operations, increase average spend per customer and attract more customers to your restaurant.

Moreover, you’ll have everything you need to create contactless customer experiences and protect your guests and staff in your establishment. Contact ReSource Point of Sale to learn more about the different POS hardware combinations and peripherals available today.