Eine Kasse auf dem Tresen eines Restaurants.

POS systems in catering: definition and functions

What are POS systems? And which of the many possible functions are particularly useful for catering businesses? A note in advance: It depends — of course — on individual requirements.

July 11, 2023

POS systems in catering: Definition

The abbreviation “POS” stands for “point of sale” and therefore means “place of sale.” In restaurants, these sales outlets are the cash registers. However, POS systems are limited (or even Cash register systems) in catering establishments not in this one place behind the counter, but include all associated digital tools, devices and functions, such as apps, card readers and analysis reports. POS systems can therefore hardware and software based be. In the latter case, the system stores incoming data in a cloud.

In contrast to traditional cash registers, a modern POS system is therefore not only used for efficient payment processing with cash: it can do much more.

Did you already know?

There are over 150 POS systems that are established in the German catering market. With our integrations, we at luca focus on market leaders and strong providers in local markets.

Features of POS systems for restaurants

POS systems in the catering industry can function as a super accounting answer to modern tax requirements — this is important for all catering businesses. Operators can also enrich their cash register systems with modern digital functions in order to remain competitive and attract guests.

For restaurants, bars and cafés, for example, these integrations into their existing POS system can be useful:

Digital cash book

With, for example, daily payment overview, tax office-compliant storage and recording of income and expenditure, DATEV interfaces, automated accounting reports, etc.

Expanded payment and billing options

Such as paying by mobile phone or via QR code, independent invoice sharing, one-click payment, etc.

Managing team members

For example by integrating shift schedules, personnel data and payslips or by managing authorizations, time, tips and revenue recording, etc.

Inventory and order management

With automated ordering process for inventories, configuration of alerts, cost-optimized storage, etc.

Reservation tool

For automated processing of reservations, optimized table management, etc.

Customer data management

For example, for creating and collecting customer data (via CRM integration), for personalized service or for marketing purposes such as email campaigns or discount campaigns, etc.

conclusion

In addition to tax obligations, every catering establishment has its own requirements for a cash register system and must therefore be aware of which integrations actual benefits for his business bring. Because even the most sophisticated system causes more costs than benefits when it is not needed.

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