This article covers the options for point of sale technology in quick service restaurants. According to the author, it depends on core needs of each restaurant such as QSR and the details of their position in the industry. "Pizzerias have different ordering and delivery needs than a smoothie shop, for example, while a store with more locations might place higher priority on robust reporting capabilities" (Powers, 2008, p.1). Different kinds of quick service restaurants were surveyed and here's what they found out. Mr. Pita (a small chain in Missouri) has core needs of touch screens, remote access, and robust reporting. They recently moved from cash registers to a touch screen POS. So far, it has helped them with back-office capabilities, training, and delivery features. The Tropical Smoothie Cafe (large franchise) needed a robust system with cash management, labor scheduling, and remote tickets. Their new POS lets franchisees set up alerts when they are out-of-town in different areas and helps them with certain problems. Westshore Pizza's (a mom-n-pop store) core needs include integrated web-based credit card processing, delivery tracking, simplicity and affordability. They found delivery system function that records and completes deliveries through the system, is easy for training new staff members, and is good for online ordering. Three other similar restaurants were profiled and found that POS systems can help franchises with specific modules for the food, low maintenance costs, and customization. With a little research, quick service restaurants can really benefit from selecting the right POS system.
I agree completely with the author here. I think the POS systems are not a must in quick service restaurants, but can be helpful with the certain kind of quick service restaurants. Mr. Pita just changed from cash registers to POS systems in the beginning of this year. Most people might think this was a very slow change. However, Mr. Pita only has 32 locations, so they didn't really see the need for a touch screen POS systems. This is just one example of how small restaurants with probably less than 50 restaurants around really need a touch-screen, or even a POS system at all. This also pertains to mom and pop quick service restaurants. For certain middle-size quick service restaurants, I feel like it is their own choice to see if a POS system would benefit them. They need the benefits to outweigh the costs here. But, quick service franchises are probably the most that benefit from a POS system. They are able to coordinate more. They are able to coordinate through back-office systems, run reports, and train people effectively and efficiently. This makes the franchises more alike so they can operate with the same culture and efficiency. They are able to keep up their standard operating procedures which is very important when it comes to the hospitality industry.
Powers, Vicki. (April 2008). POS Software: The Quick Service Perspective. Retrieved April 30, 2008, from Hospitality Technology, from http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=2A627D6FDED54083B4270EE10FBFC459
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I agree with Beth that some quick service restaurants don't necessarily need POS systems if they are small. I worked at a restaurant with out a point of sale system and although it was more work for the restaurant. In the end it saved them money because they could just calculate everything themselves. Every restaurant needs to evaluate what is best for them and whether the tools that the POS system can be used effectively in the restaurant.
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