5 Buying Factors of Restaurant Management Software

Before getting a restaurant management system, you need to take a hard look at the following factors to ensure you’re getting the best-fitting system. In a way, these factors define the purpose of a restaurant management system for your business.

1. Type of system

Make sure you’re getting the right-fitting system. For example, if you’re using an Android device then cancel out systems that run on the iPad. If you only need core POS then getting an end-to-end system, which is more expensive, isn’t cost-effective.

2. Efficient Deployment

You have to choose between installing an on-premise system or subscribe to a monthly subscription cloud plan. Both have their pros and cons. However, the latter is more attractive to small businesses; the initial capital outlay is low and the monthly cost can easily be cost-in into menu pricing. Plus, you don’t have to worry about updating and maintaining the system as this is taken care of by the vendor. And again, having access to the system via cloud affords you to be away from the restaurant while still in touch with the daily operation in real-time.

3. Anytime Scaling the features

If you have plans to expand to a chain or franchise, make sure your system can scale. What you want to avoid is to change the system in between your growth period; this may mess up and even hinder your momentum. What are the major features to consider scaling? These include the number of terminals; bandwidth; mobile devices; premium features like advanced analytics, multi-branch add-ons and integrated HR feature that can handle a growing pool of employees and their various schedules. Vendors with enterprise plans are almost a guarantee you can grow with their system.

4. Optional Offline mode

Most restaurant management systems now run in the cloud so you can access it and your data wherever you are. The drawback, of course, is when your internet connection flops you get disconnected from the system. To address this, many systems–not all, mind you–offer an offline mode that allows you to continue using the system even without an internet connection. When you get your connection back, the system automatically syncs everything so your cloud-hosted data stays updated. It is important that if you’re getting a cloud solution make sure it has an offline mode.

5. Handheld and remote tools

Having a mobile device you can bring to take orders at tableside or on-site is practical, efficient and ensures data accuracy. These devices are linked to the kitchen and cashier so you avoid miscommunication, wrong punch or missed orders common to a manual process. When you get a restaurant management system, do your business a favor and make sure it has this feature.

So, these are all the factors that you need to understand first then decide which types of system you need. Cause it’s the invest you are doing to automate your business operations. Which will also give you clear and accurate results through automation. Make sure the purpose before you invest in the restaurant management system.