What is an EPOS System?
Every hospitality provider with a presence should be using an EPOS system.
Once upon a time, cash tills were perfectly adequate for the majority of small businesses. That is until they grow to the point of selling thousands of items daily.
And when it comes to tracking inventory, it takes up a lot of time. That said, the old-style cash till together with traditional POS is best left in the bygone age, because of a lack of efficiency.
Luckily, we now have EPOS systems, which means that any size of hospitality business no longer has to manually manage stock. Instead, EPOS offers seamless data synchronisation across numerous sales channels, as well as storage of inventory and point of sales.
What are EPOS Systems?
EPOS = Electronic Point of Sale. The EPOS system is a blend of EPOS hardware together with EPOS software, providing businesses with efficient operations and processes.
For store owners that utilise EPOS systems, they can process and track sales and they can carry out other procedures with ease. An added bonus is that business performance is able to be better understood.
With this integration, customers and staff can enjoy a seamless experience in terms of information and payment alongside the overall restaurant experience.
EPOS Software
Key to hospitality management, EPOS software must suit the needs of the business.
Once the EPOS software is chosen, the next step is to select EPOS hardware that offers compatibility.
Depending on your business needs, typical EPOS software features include:
- Processing of purchases and orders
- Scheduled discounts & offers
- Card machine integration for paying at table
- Live menu building
Reservation integration
Not all businesses will require the same functionality to fit in with their specific requirements, which EPOS system vendors are aware of.
That’s why they frequently cater to a scalable system to fit in with unique business requirements. Many EPOS system vendors also provide customisation including menu building and API integrations so that businesses are able to get the best-fit solution for them.
EPOS Hardware
Each individual business will have its own specific EPOS hardware requirements depending on business size and functionality.
Hardware consists of a terminal screen, which is where orders are registered and where payments are processed.
With a touch screen monitor, which is now an affordable acquisition for most retailers, data entry is more efficient at point of sale and there’s no longer a requirement for a keyboard.
Additional components of EPOS hardware are connected either via cable or wirelessly. These components can sometimes include:
A Cash Drawer
As the name suggests, the cash drawer is a safe drawer for storing cash. The EPOS system controls when and by whom the cash drawer is opened. This helps to improve security and reduce employee theft. With our cloud-based software, you can also sync your tablets so that your mobile devices are able to cash off orders as well as fixed terminals.
A PDQ Terminal
PDQ stands for ‘Process Data Quickly’ and is another name for a card machine, which accepts credit card payments.
These machines accept Chip and PIN and contactless payment technology, making the process of paying for something much easier and quicker for both customers and staff. It also offers customers a safe way of paying using their credit and debit cards. PDQ’s aren’t typically provided by the EPOS company and will be an integration with a 3rd party company. Also note that with card machine integration, restaurant staff do not have to manually input the amount at the table and will automatically connect to the terminal.
A Receipt Printer
This is a printing device that prints off customer transaction records and receipts. Also, kitchen impact printers from which the chefs can receive the food orders.
Displays:
There are a few choices of displays for EPOS systems, including pole, customer and line displays. At the point of sale, these devices are used to show customers pertinent transaction information, including specific items being added or the total due. Here at TISSL, we offer KDS screens which are Kitchen display monitors that chefs can receive orders through.
Tablet EPOS:
The tablet EPOS can be used instead of or in conjunction with a traditional EPOS. It’s an ideal addition for smaller-sized stores that have limited space and for businesses that require a higher level of mobility at checkout, such as a restaurant.
An easy way to ensure compatibility is to purchase hardware and software from a single supplier. It calls for no extra integration and helps to reduce costs.
It’s worth noting that EPOS hardware and EPOS software are generally only compatible if they are of the same brand.
How do EPOS Systems Work??
The EPOS system is connected to an online network.
In simple terms, the EPOS system scans and sends the order through to the kitchen to either a receipt printer or KDS screen pertaining to a product via a barcode scanner. It then makes a calculation of the amount to be paid by the customer.
It’s a system that provides pricing information that is accurate while it offers an efficient service to customers. Also allowing customers to split their payments across multiple methods.
Simultaneously, the software records and stores sales information customer data, and send the order through to the kitchen or bar to be served.
The store owner is at liberty to view different types of reports as and when they wish, which are not only reflective of real business performance, but they also assist with decision-making.
The Benefits of an EPOS System
In comparison to traditional POS, the EPOS system comes with an array of benefits, particularly over the longer term.
Benefits for the customer:
- EPOS systems ensure product pricing and information is correct on different sales channels.
- EPOS systems speed up the processing of orders and transactions.
- They permit the use of discount and promotion vouchers offline and online.
- They provide a smooth, convenient and efficient dining experience and offer numerous different payment options.
Benefits for the business owner:
- EPOS systems work in centralising business operations as you can manage a multitude of operational channels from one single place.
- EPOS systems track business performance and generate insightful reports.
- EPOS systems provide users with a clear insight into menu management, staff performance across multiple sites.
- They reduce time and errors.
- They enable instant, accurate and easy and secure storage and updating of data.
- You can set tier staff permissions as a way of reducing the potential for employee theft.
How Can Tissl Help?
We at TISSL are a UK-based POS company who provide hospitality businesses of all shapes and sizes with efficient, cost-effective and innovative EPOS solutions.
Whether you and your business require a single out-of-the-box solution or an enterprise, multi-site cross border system, we will have something that will meet all of your needs.
If you have any questions or need further information on EPOS systems, please don’t hesitate to contact us by either calling 01908 525800 or emailing sales@tissl.co.uk – we’ll be more than happy to help.
