8 Benefits of Using POS System on iPad for Small Restaurants

iPads are often overlooked as entertainment devices that are great for watching videos and browsing the web. However, they pack serious power and many innovative POS companies are making use of that power to offer POS solutions that you can use directly from an iPad.

Let’s take a look at how iPad POS systems benefit your restaurant business and whether it is worth switching or adopting an iPad POS system. 

1. Enhanced Mobility for Better Service

Even the most experienced server can make mistakes when taking orders, especially in the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. Using an iPad as restaurant POS enhances mobility and services for:

• Error Reduction: Orders are directly input into the system, reducing errors caused by manual note-taking or miscommunication.
• Efficiency: Orders can be sent straight to the kitchen without needing to walk back and forth.
• Tableside Payments: Many iPad POS systems support portable payment options, streamlining the checkout process.

By saving time on order processing, the restaurant staffs can focus on upselling items like drinks, desserts, or new menu specials, ultimately improving the dining experience and boosting revenue.

2. Easy to Learn, Easy to Use

Modern restaurant staff are already familiar with touchscreen devices like smartphones. This familiarity translates to a minimal learning curve when using an iPad POS system. The intuitive and user-friendly interfaces make it easy for staff to navigate menus, input orders, and process payments.

Most good restaurant iPad POS systems also come with customizable features like menus, discounts, split bills, and day-to-day operations like opening and closing tasks, making the training much easier and on-board time much less than traditional POS systems. The simplicity of an iPad POS ensures smoother operations with fewer mistakes, even during peak hours.

3. Cost-Effective and Scalable

iPad POS systems, as compared to traditional stationary POS systems, are are much more affordable, making them an excellent choice for small restaurants on a budget. Since most iPad POS systems are cloud-based, there will be no expensive hardware or server required. In case of  technical issues, maintenance of iPad POS systems are also much less expensive. You can simply swap out the iPad and find replacements.

When it comes to scalability, as your restaurant grows, you can easily add more iPads to your system without significant additional costs.

4. Customer-Focused Features

Your customers are key to a successful business. Good iPad POS systems come with built-in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), customer data storage and management, discount creation, optional email receipts, member creation, pre-set tip amounts and plenty more. Your business will be able to easily monitor customer habits, new trends and react accordingly. 

5. Advanced Security and Permissions

It’s very possible that you won’t want your staff having access to every facet of your restaurant POS. This is where security roles and permissions comes into play. Each member of staff can be given an account that restricts what they can and cannot access on the POS based on the settings you select. Not only does this create a safer environment, but it also means staff have fewer things to learn on the iPad POS Systems.

6. Comprehensive Reports and Analytics

Reporting data is extremely valuable in managing your business. iPad POS systems will usually come with a whole host of data readily available for you to view and use as necessary. Accounting data, customer data, staff data, sales data, BI reports, the lot! You can benefit from having all the numbers at your fingertips so that you always have full control over the goings-on of your business. 

7. Instant Software Updates

iPad POS systems are run through cloud, which means meaningful upgrades simply require you to tap the ‘update’ button and your restaurant POS will have new features in a matter of minutes. This is a huge benefit to traditional POS systems that can become obsolete in no time. 

8. Reliability with Cloud Integration

Having your restaurant POS system connected through the cloud means you can benefit from the perks of having a reliable system.

The cloud allows your business to keep running even without an active WiFi connection. Transaction data will be uploaded once your network is restored.  POS systems like Eats365 also connect all modules via the cloud such as mobile POS, kitchen displays, kiosks, etc. This means everything is in constant communication with one another and runs smoothly, negating the need for multiple systems with different software to run independently from one another. 

In short, it is well worth it to use an iPad POS as opposed to a traditional POS. The benefits are plentiful and the cost minimal. Not only will this make your business look like it is keeping up with the times, but it also requires less training for staff, offers greater reliability and can be updated with more features in the future.