A point-of-sale system is a crucial part for all quick service restaurants There are many factors to consider when deciding what point-of-sale system to purchase such as key features, hardware, software, your budget, and many others. Keep on reading to learn the important of a good point-of-sale system for your business, a quick service restaurant!

Why do Quick Service Restaurants need POS systems?

As a quick service restaurant (QSR) owner, you understand that speed is a key factor and your business needs a point of sale (POS) system for several reasons:

1. Faster and more accurate order-taking: A POS system enables restaurant staff to take orders quickly, efficiently, and accurately. They can easily navigate menus, make modifications, and process payments all in one place, lowering the chances of a mistake and speeding up the order-taking process.
2. Inventory tracking: POS systems can track inventory in real-time, allowing staff to monitor popular items and replenish stock as needed. This helps prevent overstocking which can lead to waste or dissatisfied customers.
3. Reporting and analytics: POS systems can generate reports on sales, inventory, and staff performance, which can help QSR owners make data-driven decisions. They can identify best-selling items, busiest times of day, and customer preferences, among other insights.
4. Streamlined operations: A POS system can streamline operations by integrating with other systems and devices. For example, it can connect with kitchen display systems, printers, and mobile ordering apps, streamlining communication between staff and reducing wait times for customers.

Overall, a POS system is an essential tool for QSRs looking to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and gain valuable insights into their business operations.

What features should I look for in a QSR POS system?

When choosing a point of sale (POS) system for your quick service restaurant (QSR), you should look for the following features:

1. Speed and efficiency: The system should be fast and easy to use, enabling staff to take orders quickly and accurately. Guests expect a speedy service in QSRs, so your POS system should help you deliver it.
2. Menu customization: The system should enable you to easily customize your menu, modify prices, add new items, and remove old ones. This allows you to stay current with current trends and changes in your business.
3. Integration with kitchen display and other systems: The system should integrate with kitchen display systems, printers, and other devices to streamline operations and reduce wait times.
4. Real-time inventory tracking: You should be able to monitor inventory in real-time, which helps you understand popular items and manage stock levels effectively, which leads to reduced waste and cost.
5. Reporting and analytics: The system should provide detailed reports on sales, inventory, and staff performance allowing owners to make data-driven decisions.
6. Mobile ordering: The system should integrate with mobile apps and allow customers to order ahead or from their table, providing greater convenience to the customers.
7. Payment processing: The system should make it easy for customers to pay, such as accepting mobile payments and credit cards, and provide options for split payments or partial refunds.

By looking for a POS system with these features, you can provide your customers with excellent service, streamline your operations, and benefit from valuable insights into your business.

Use case scenario

John is the owner of a small fast food restaurant that is quite disorganized. They do not use a billing software but rather provide handwritten receipts, which might seem more straightforward; however, in the long term, John realizes the detrimental effect of this way of operation on his restaurant. One of the primary issues is that there is no record of the total number of orders processed in the restaurant. Even if John is physically present at the restaurant, monitoring the cash register, there are still numerous opportunities for the staff to miscalculate the KOTs and the total number of orders processed. This is when he realizes the need for a restaurant management system for QSR. 

John decides to get a suitable POS system to handle the issues. Clover is his go-to choice because it offers a dynamic set of features for his business, including gift cards, loyalty programs, bill splitting, accessible menu creation, discounts, and more. He can view and manage reports and inventory from anywhere, making multi-location management a breeze.

He sets up the menu in the system and all POS related equipment such as screens, credit card terminal, and mobile card reader.

Behind the scenes, the POS system allows John to monitor the number of orders processed in the restaurant, ensuring its accuracy. Additionally, the QSR POS software tracks inventory levels, generates reports on sales data and popular menu items, and synchronizes data with the cloud for online ordering and third-party delivery integrations. The use of a QSR POS system allows his staff to faster order entry and payment processing, accurate inventory tracking, reporting, and facilitates informed business decision-making. 

POS software has significantly improved the productivity and profitability of his restaurant business.

Top 5 QSR POS systems

Several QSR POS systems exist, each having its unique features and benefits. Below, we have listed five of the best quick service restaurant POS systems that you may want to consider:

1. Brink POS: A cloud-based and also cost-effective, feature-rich restaurant point of sale system. Helps to track sales, enter in-store and online orders, implement customer loyalty programs and manage kitchen operations. 
2. Revel POS: with a cloud-based POS and multiple integrations and add-ons, enhance your QSR. Incorporate a variety of features including gift cards, loyalty programs, bill splitting, accessible menu creation, and many other perks.      
3. Toast POS: an intuitive, cloud-based POS system designed specifically for the foodservice industry, including QSRs. It provides several features to help streamline operations, such as order management, inventory tracking, and employee management.
4. Clover POS: a cloud-based POS that comes with everything your QSR will need. Quickly create menus, customize the interface, view report data, manage employees, and much more.
5. Aldeo Express POS: a customizable POS ideal for your quick service restaurant. With its cloud-based system, create personalized menus, keep track of operations, manage your workers, and more additional features. 

It’s important to consider which features and capabilities are most important for your restaurant when choosing the best POS system for your quick service restaurant.