Running a cafe, restaurant, or pub is exhilarating, but it can also be pretty chaotic. If you’re drowning in spreadsheets, stressed over staff rosters, or scrambling to manage stock while still trying to keep the service smooth, you’re not alone (we promise). Every minute you spend fixing a glitch or hunting down a missing invoice is time you could be using to grow your business, perfect your menu, or finally take a breather.
That’s where your Point of Sale (POS) software comes in. It’s a system that can save you time, reduce errors, and bring clarity to the chaos. But how do you choose the right one?
What is POS software, and why do I need it?
POS software is the system that handles your sales transactions. It’s what keeps your restaurant management process ticking along, handling a range of tasks that can streamline your operations and save you serious time and money.
Why do you need it? Well, a solid POS system helps you stay on top of the essentials like customer orders, inventory, and payments. It keeps everything running smoothly, from taking orders to managing your team.
Why is POS software beneficial in the hospitality industry?
For restaurants, cafes, and pubs, a good POS software is a must-have tool. Not only does it make day-to-day management easier, but it also helps you grow your business strategically. With detailed reporting, real-time data, and the ability to track everything from payroll to revenue, POS software lets you focus on what you love doing — providing excellent food and service — while automating the (sometimes mind-numbing) behind-the-scenes work.
To help you in the search for your holy grail POS software, here are some tips on the three most important features to look for.
1. Is it cloud-based?
A cloud-based POS system stores your data online rather than on a single device, allowing you to access it from anywhere, anytime.
This is a big one for busy hospitality owners. You’re no longer tied to the back office, stuck updating software, or running reports manually. Instead, you can check sales, track inventory, or even monitor performance remotely.
Not only does a cloud-based POS system offer flexibility, but it also ensures your data is secure and backed up, reducing the risk of losing valuable information due to pesky hardware failures, or when systems are down.
2. Does it provide clear reporting on revenue?
When running a cafe or restaurant, it’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind — literally. But understanding your finances, particularly your revenue, is key to long-term success. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a POS system that provides clear, insightful reporting on your revenue streams.
The best POS software breaks down your sales data in ways that are easy to understand, helping you identify what’s working and where you might need to adjust. Maybe your lunch menu is killing it, but dinner sales are falling flat. Detailed reports can highlight these trends, giving you the insights you need to make smarter business decisions.
3. Does it measure additional data like payroll, inventory, and staff hours?
Your POS system should be your one-stop shop for managing all the operational details that keep your venue running smoothly. That means tracking additional data like payroll, inventory, and staff hours.
When your POS system keeps tabs on stock levels, you can avoid over-ordering (and throwing out) ingredients, saving you money. Payroll tracking ensures that staff hours are accurately recorded, making life easier when it’s time to process wages. You can even keep an eye on labour costs in real-time and adjust staffing based on busy and quiet periods.
At Crunch, we know that getting the right tools in place early on is key to a successful hospo journey. That’s why we’ve created a platform that’s designed to simplify the tough stuff, so you can focus on what you do best.
Just starting out? Read our five tips for starting your hospitality business. Want to try Crunch for free? Explore everything Crunch has to offer for two whole weeks on us! Start your free trial.
