The iPad POS Hype – Is it really worth it?

There is quite a buzz in the restaurant world right now about the use of tablet point of sale systems, and specifically, iPad POS systems are something we get asked about more and more frequently. So, should you care, and why or why not? The simple answer is that yes, you should care, but not necessarily about an iPad. Tablet solutions can increase ticket averages, reduce make times, and allow service staff to spend more time with tables, but those benefits aren’t exclusive to an iPad POS.

There are a number of benefits gained by using a mobile point of sale application in a restaurant. First, the elimination of duplicate systems – servers no longer write an order down on paper and then transcribe that order into the POS system. Second, a more efficient workflow to the kitchen and bar – orders make it to their destination more quickly, more accurately, and in a more consistent timeline. Third, payments can occur at the point of purchase – customers never have to lose sight of their credit cards, and time spent walking back and forth to a table is eliminated.

Of course, there can be drawbacks to a mobile solution, too. Specifically, companies creating Android or iOS tablet applications are re-creating their entire software. This means that your iOS tablet POS might not be capable of every function your traditional POS terminal does, even if the software is from the same company. Also, for payments, the hardware is still prohibitively expensive - sometimes upwards of twice as much as a traditional receipt printer; and in most cases the interfaces look, feel and behave differently, forcing staff to retrain on a new system, and then maintain proficiency on multiple software applications.

That’s where our new R700 tablet comes into play. It’s windows-based, and runs Dinerware. Not a mobile version of Dinerware, but the same full-version as a traditional terminal. Everything a restaurant owner, manager or staff member is tasked with on a traditional terminal can be performed on the R700 tablet. Also, unlike an iPad, the R700 is only 7”. It fits perfectly into a standard apron. There is no need for a shoulder harness or other uncomfortable and cumbersome holster system – it just replaces the server’s traditional notepad.

The best user interface in the industry, a fantastic workflow tool, a productivity time-saver, and all without having to retrain or retool your existing processes or people.