In a restaurant, the POS and ordering system sits at the centre of every step: taking the order at the table, sending it to the kitchen, taking payment and closing the day. Choosing one is not just a software decision; it sets the daily rhythm of the business.
1. The order flow must fit the floor
Letting staff take orders at the table on a handheld or tablet is the easiest way to speed up service. Everyday tasks such as merging tables, splitting bills, comps and refunds should take only a few taps. Before you decide, think about your busiest hour and try exactly that flow in the demo.
2. Kitchen displays and printer routing
Sending each item to the right station cuts errors dramatically. Look for separate printers or a kitchen display system (KDS) for the hot kitchen, cold kitchen and bar. Displays that show preparation time help you spot delays before guests do.
3. Fiscal device and payment integration
In Türkiye, sales must be recorded on certified fiscal cash registers (ÖKC), and many other countries have similar fiscal rules. A POS that integrates with your fiscal device and card terminal removes double entry and the mistakes that come with it. Ask which device models are supported before you sign.
4. Menu, recipes and inventory
A system that knows each dish's recipe deducts ingredients from stock with every sale. That makes cost and waste tracking possible. Price changes that reach every branch and digital menu at once also save a lot of time.
5. Reporting and end of day
Sales by item, category, staff member and hour; void and comp reports; and a cash report by payment type are the basics. Being able to check reports from your phone, without being on site, is a big help for managers.
6. QR menus and delivery
A QR menu lets guests browse on their own phone. Orders from delivery and online channels should arrive in the same system, so nobody has to watch several screens and no order gets lost.
7. Multiple locations and central control
If you run, or plan to run, more than one location, you need to manage menus, prices, user permissions and reports centrally. Cloud-based systems have a clear advantage here.
8. Installation, training and support
Even the best software underperforms without proper setup and training. Agree up front who installs the hardware, imports the menu, trains the staff and answers the phone during your busiest hours.
Quick checklist
- Try your peak-hour scenario in the demo.
- Ask about fiscal device and card terminal integration.
- See how recipes and inventory work.
- Check remote access to reports.
- Get installation, training and support in writing.
At ujans we deliver POS software, handhelds, kitchen displays, fiscal device integration and digital menu boards for cafés and restaurants as one project.