Classic or mobile POS; what is best for your restaurant?

Classic POS refers to the traditional Point-Of-Sale systems used in restaurants. These include a physical cash register and various hardware components such as a barcode scanner, receipt printer, and credit card reader. Classic POS systems are installed on-site and are designed to handle a high volume of transactions.

Mobile POS (mPOS) is a more modern and portable solution that allows businesses to perform sales transactions with mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. This usually includes software and hardware components, including a mobile app and accessories like card readers and receipt printers. Mobile POS systems provide flexibility and mobility, enabling businesses to accept payments and complete transactions from anywhere.

Mobile POS benefits

The main difference between a classic POS and a mobile POS is in the setup and mobility. Traditional POS systems are stationary and require physical hardware, while mobile POS systems offer mobility and convenience by utilizing mobile devices. Additionally, mPOS systems often have additional features like inventory management, customer analytics, and integration with other business tools.

Mobile POS systems have several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many businesses:

· Mobility and Flexibility: With a mobile POS, you can carry your point-of-sale system anywhere, allowing you to make sales and complete transactions on the go. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate in different locations or frequently participate in events, trade shows, or pop-up shops.

· Cost-effective: Mobile POS systems are generally more affordable than traditional ones. They eliminate the need for expensive hardware like cash registers and can be easily set up on existing mobile devices, reducing upfront costs. Many mobile POS providers offer affordable monthly subscriptions or pay-as-you-go pricing models.

· Easy to use: Mobile POS apps are often designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them easy to learn and navigate. Staff members can quickly understand and operate the system, minimizing training time and potential errors during transactions.

· Enhanced customer experience: Mobile POS systems provide a seamless checkout experience for customers since transactions can be handled wherever they are in-store. Sales associates can assist customers on the shop floor, reducing wait times at checkout counters.

· Inventory management and analytics: Many mobile POS systems, like Simphony Cloud, offer integrated inventory management features, allowing businesses to track stock levels in real-time and automate inventory replenishment. Additionally, they provide valuable analytics that helps companies to understand customer behaviour, sales trends, and other key metrics.

Classic POS system’s best practice

While mobile POS systems have numerous benefits, you must consider your business’s specific needs and requirements before deciding on the most suitable solution.

Traditional or classic POS systems also offer several benefits:

· Stability and Reliability: Classic POS systems are built specifically for point-of-sale operations, offering robust hardware and software solutions. They are designed to manage high transaction volumes and handle complex inventory management. Traditional POS systems often have features like barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and dedicated terminals, providing stability and reliability for day-to-day operations.

· Customization and Scalability: Classic POS systems are highly customizable and can meet the unique needs of various businesses. They often offer advanced features and integrations, allowing companies to tailor the system to their specific requirements. Classic POS systems can also handle the needs of growing businesses and quickly scale up as the business expands.

· Security: Classic POS systems offer advanced security features to protect sensitive payment information. They often meet strict security standards, including PCI compliance, to ensure data security and prevent fraud. Traditional POS systems often provide encryption and tokenization capabilities, enhancing the security of customer data during transactions.

· Offline Capability: In some cases, traditional POS systems can operate offline during an internet outage. This allows businesses to continue processing sales and maintaining normal operations, even without an internet connection. Mobile POS systems, on the other hand, primarily rely on internet connectivity for real-time transaction processing.

· Integration and Compatibility: Classic POS systems are designed to integrate with other business management tools such as accounting software, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) software. This enables businesses to streamline operations and have a unified system consolidating data from various sources.

You can minimize trade-offs by enhancing your classic POS, such as Oracle MICROS Simphony, with mobile solutions, such as TNG GO! It enables many benefits of a mobile POS, like better mobility, a more straightforward user interface, and a faster guest experience, without losing your existing system’s advantages. And you can even use your own hardware.

Ultimately, choosing between a mobile POS and a traditional POS depends on your business needs, budget, and operational requirements. You should evaluate both options and select what fits your business model and goals best.

Miroslava Raykovska-Meade

HRS Area Director