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Integrate your business operations with the POS system | LithosPOS
By integrating your various business operations with a point of sale system (POS) the business can be more simple and powerful. Managing different functions of your business with 100% efficiency can be challenging. It is really hard to manage and keep your business operations efficient. integrated POS system is the solution for that.
In this blog, we aim to let you know how a point of sale integration can be used to simplify your business.
We are discussing in this blog
What is an integrated POS system?
The Benefits of Integrating Your POS System with Other Business Tools
What business operations can you integrate with the pos system
What business software can be integrated with POS
Best integrated POS
What is POS and what is meant by integration?
POS system is a system that is used to manage sales, track inventory, customer and employee management, simplify payment transactions, and more. Some common POS systems include the following functions.
Sales transactions: Sales transactions can be managed such as cash, credit card, and other payment transactions.
Inventory management: Simplifies inventory operations by tracking them.
Customer management: Managing customers can be simplified, identify your loyal customers and their buying behavior.
Employee management: Identify your employee’s efficiency and inefficiency, and manage them
Payment processing: By integrating payment processing, it allows you secure and efficient payment transactions.
Reporting and analytics: Get real-time insight into your business, and generate tax reports, purchase reports and sales reports, and more.
Integrated POS
POS can be integrated with different business operations and software to simplify business tasks. Integrating different business functions will allow you to run an efficient business. You know how hard it is to manage a business. It is challenging to keep all your business functions efficiently. the integrated POS system can be the solution for all your business challenges.
Let’s dive deep and know what type of business operations can be integrated with POS
Inventory management
The inventory can be integrated with POS and it allows you to track and keep your inventory efficient and powerful. It is really beneficial to gain a real-time report of your inventory. This allows you to gain an accurate view of what is happening in your inventory.
Based on inventory data you can take proper business decisions. Identify which items make more profit and which do not. It will give you a better understanding of your inventory and keep inventory profitable.
By automating your inventory you can reduce manual operations, save time and eliminate mistakes. However, all of your inventory operations can be kept efficient and profitable by integrating POS.
You can also integrate POS with your existing inventory management system. This allows you to manage your inventory from POS.
Various financial operations can be automated by integrating your inventory management with POS.
Real-time inventory tracking – The integration helps you to track your inventory in real-time by recording SKU, product description, stock quantity, and other relevant data. This is really helpful to control your inventory and eliminate overstocking and out-of-stock issues.
Purchase order automation – Purchase order operations can be automated with the help of the integration of inventory management and POS based on inventory levels, reorder points, and lead times. This is helpful to inventory levels are always optimal, improves vendor relationships, and reduces stockouts.
Order fulfillment – order fulfillment can be automated by integrating inventory management and your POS by tracking orders as they are received and processed, preparing order invoices, and updating inventory quantities accordingly.
Multi-location inventory management – The integration of your inventory management and POS system helps you to keep your inventory efficient. It is easier to transfer goods across your locations. Generate reports and analyze the inventory performance of both of your businesses.
Financial management
Integrating financial management operations with POS systems will be more powerful and efficient. An Integrated POS system can provide accurate financial reports. The system automates so many manual tasks, so errors can be minimized.
POS provides real-time data that can be useful to make important and accurate decisions on businesses. This allows you to make better cash flow decisions and helps you to manage cash effectively.
The POS and financial management enables more transparency in your financial operations. So you will have more control over your financial transactions.
However, your Accounting and financial management software such as SAP, Oracle cloud, QuickBooks, Emaar, ZohoBooks, and Tally can be integrated with the POS system. This will power your business’s financial operations and provide real-time data, better decision-making, and efficiency.
What financial operations can be automated by integrating your financial management with POS?
Reporting and Analytics – The integrated POS system helps you to generate reports such as Tax reports, daily sales reports, cash flow statements, and other financial reports within seconds. This helps to avoid errors and saves time.
Budgeting and forecasting – By integrating POS with your financial reports you will get better insight into your sales and other purchase reports. It will help you to manage your cash flow and other financial operations.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Customer relationship management software should be more powerful. Because the software manages the customer interactions and data through the customer lifecycle. It helps you to gain existing and new customers.
You can automate all your CRM operations by integrating your existing software with POS. or it is also possible to use the CRM feature on POS.
By integrating CRM with POS you can improve customer experience, Better Customer Insight, Increased Sales, Improved Customer Loyalty, and Streamlined Operations.
The POS tracks customers’ data and their purchase history. It allows you to increase customer experience through personalized communications and offers. This can help you to boost your sales and customer loyalty.
It helps you to identify your loyal customers and better insight into their purchasing behavior. This is also helpful to understand the constantly changing customer purchasing behavior.
Based on customer data you can upsell or cross-sell your products through various marketing platforms. Overall you gain customer data by using POS and use it for better customer retention and new acquisition.
What business operations can be automated by integrating your CRM with POS
Customer data collection – The integration helps you to collect customer data automatically and stored it in your CRM. The data record valuable information such as contact details, purchase history, and other relevant data.
Loyalty programs – The integrated POS system helps to automate loyalty programs, where customers can earn points or rewards for their purchases. You can analyze customer data identify your loyal customers and use the customer data for various loyalty programs.
Marketing automation – By integrating POS with CRM software you can automate your marketing activities.
Customer service – You can provide a premium customer experience by providing personalized service. The integration helps you to automate various business functions such as tracking customer inquiries, orders, or complaints.
Marketing and sales
POS can be integrated with marketing and sales business operations. It helps you to identify customer behavior and allows you to build effective marketing campaigns.
By integrating your marketing and sales with your POS you can manage customer data, customer loyalty programs, targeted promotions, email marketing, and social media.
By using customer data you can run effective promotion campaigns. As we discussed above, integration with CRM can help you to gain detailed customer data. It can be used for your marketing activities.
The integration helps you to plan an effective customer loyalty program. The data allows you to identify your loyal customers based on their purchase history and spending.
You can also use the POS customer data for targeted marketing campaigns. You can use contact information for targeted marketing through social media, email marketing, and SMS marketing.
So, what marketing business operations can be automated
Promotions and discounts – Customer data can use for various promotional activities such as email marketing, SMS marketing, and other social media marketing.
Customer relationship management (CRM) – POS system can collect customer data and contact information. by analyzing your customer reports and buying history you can identify your loyal customers and plan better marketing strategies.
Sales reporting and analytics – Sales reporting and analysis can help you to identify your business performance. It allows you to take appropriate decisions at the right time. You will better understand your customer behavior and market changes, which is more useful data for marketing.
Sales forecasting – The data is useful to identify upcoming trends and market changes. It is also helpful to plan successful marketing strategies.
Sales training and performance management – You can identify your best employees based on performance reports. and who needs proper training. it is really helpful to execute better employee retention and productivity-increasing strategies.
E-commerce
Integrating your E-commerce business with a POS system simplifies business operations. You can integrate with E-commerce platforms like WooCommerce. It is challenging if you are running an online and offline business.
So, what things can be changed?
By integrating your E-commerce business with POS you can keep efficient inventory, payment, and customer, and get real-time detailed reports and analytics. For example, If one order is placed on your online store the stock should be deducted from your inventory.
Managing those kinds of tasks cannot be managed manually. Especially if you are getting too many orders. It also ensures the availability of stocks and helps you to give premium customer service.
The detailed report and analytics show you the overall performance of your both online and offline business. The data can be used to keep both of your businesses efficient.
The POS can track your customer and collect their contact details. It can be used to target promotions later on.
What E-commerce business operations can be automated by integrating with POS?
Inventory management – E-commerce integration with POS can automatically update inventory levels across all channels, preventing overselling or underselling
Order Processing – Order processing can be automatically processed with the help of POS. It helps you to prevent human errors and save time.
Sales reporting – Gain detailed sales reports in real-time and analyze your E-commerce business.
Customer data management – E-commerce integration with POS can synchronize customer data across channels.
Payment processing – Payment processing can be simplified and efficient by integrating your E-commerce business with POS. It enables seamless payment processing across all channels.
Marketing and promotions – It is more convenient and simple to run targeted promotions by using customer data. POS collects customer data that can be used to increase customer retention.
Digital payments such as contactless and tap-and-go methods help speed up your checkout process. This reduces the long queues and clears the checkout counter as free.
Because you can speed up your checkout processing, you can also reduce your checkout counters and cut the labor cost as well.
Various business operations can be automated by using integrated payment
Payment processing – Payments can be automating payment processing and reduce the need for manual input and save time.
Invoicing – Integrated payment can generate and send invoices to customers automatically.
Payment reports – Payment reports help you to gain better insight into your customer behavior and overall insight into your business
Accounting – Payment data can be integrated with your accounting software, so you can get real-time reporting and streamlined bookkeeping from that.
However, businesses need to make payment systems efficient and convenient for future business success and growth, as digital payments can grow exponentially. An integrated payment system is the best way to do that.
You can manage your online offline orders from the POS. The orders can be displayed to the POS and KDS. The chef can prepare the food according to the orders.
The integration helps you to automate the majority of your business operations such as
Order management – Automatically receiving and processing orders and reducing the possibility of human errors.
Inventory management – The system automates inventory operations. So even if the stock goes down the stock will be generated automatically. It can be useful to keep your favorite items available.
Menu updates – You can change the menu anytime, and the change will automatically update in the aggregator’s platforms. However, you can change and update your menu in real time.
Payment processing – It helps you to avoid manual payment operations and keep your payments easy and secure.
Reporting – By getting detailed reports and analytics, you will get a clear picture of your business. The data can be used for a better understanding of the market and your customers.
Integrating your complex business functions with Point of sale software will make your jobs easier. By automating these business operations you can save a lot of time, cut costs like labor and other operational charges, and eliminate errors.
However, it is really important to make sure you are using the right POS system. One of the main problems of most POS systems cannot be integrated with multiple payment partners and other accounting, CRM, and inventory management software.
Most POS systems have their own features like inventory management, CRM, and accounting. But if you want to manage your business operations with external software and at the same time want to automate the operations, you have to integrate with the POS system.
Make sure you are investing in an integrated POS system with different payment partners on your country’s basis. It allows you to offer the right payment options to your customers.
Restaurant equipment everything you need to know | Lithospos
Investing in equipment is one of the main startup costs of a restaurant business. By identifying your restaurant business model, budget, consideration of space, and other related aspects, you can identify the essential restaurant equipment that you need to invest in.
In this blog, we are going to cover everything you need to know about restaurant equipment
We are going to discuss:
Things to consider before buying restaurant equipment
New restaurant equipment trends
Types of equipment and its details
Where to place
How to maintain your equipment
Where to buy restaurant equipment
Financing (types of loans, price of equipment)
Things to consider before buying
So what exactly mean to restaurant equipment?
Restaurant equipment can be tools, appliances, and other devices used in a restaurant to store, prepare, cook, and serve food.
However, this is 2023, and the food industry has undergone so many innovative changes. Technology plays an important role in the industry.
Now we have types of equipment that are innovative to simplify and speed up your work. It helps you to reduce the manpower that needs to do work and cut costs.
To invest in the right equipment you need to consider the following points.
Budget
Budget is one of the important aspects when planning to purchase equipment for your restaurant. Because you have to spend your budget to invest in equipment.
If you are limited by budget and don’t have much space in your restaurant, then you can find equipment that can meet your multiple needs.
For example, a combi oven can be used for doing multiple tasks. That can function as a steamer, convection oven, and microwave, making it a great all-in-one solution for cooking and reheating a variety of dishes.
So you don’t want to separately buy different types of equipment for your different works.
If you purchase equipment on an installment basis you have to calculate the interest rate and maintenance cost. If you can meet the price, then it is fair to purchase.
However, it matters to consider your budget before investing in equipment.
The size of your restaurant
The size of the restaurant that you are going to purchase should be considered. Most restaurant equipment is physically big, so consider the space that you have in your restaurant.
If you don’t have enough space in your restaurant, find alternatives for that equipment. Or invest in tools that can be used for multiple tasks.
Make sure you have enough space in your kitchen and dining area. Therefore, the employees can work without any rush, and also provide a better customer experience.
Type of your cuisine
Different types of cooking require different tools. Consider the menu items you will be serving and select appropriate equipment for the cuisine you serve.
The type of restaurant you operate may be determined by several factors.
Menu: The menu is the main factor that makes your restaurant unique. If you are focused on precisely one type of cuisine, such as Italian or Mexican.
However, you need to purchase kitchen equipment that can be cooked your menu items.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere of your restaurant can also help you determine its type. For example, a restaurant with a casual atmosphere and simple, affordable menu will likely be classified as a diner or cafe. A more formal restaurant with a more upscale menu and decor is likely to be classified as a fine dining establishment.
If you are focusing and intending to bring a specific type of atmosphere, then you can invest in your interiors, such as furniture, and food serving utensils.
Service style: The service style of your restaurant can also help you determine its type. For example, a restaurant with table service and a more formal atmosphere are likely to be classified as a full-service restaurant. A restaurant with counter service and a more casual atmosphere are likely to be classified as a fast casual or quick service restaurant.
So a food truck may not need the equipment that is used in a full-service restaurant.
Target audience: Consider the target audience of your restaurant. Are you mainly serving families, business professionals, or college students? This can help you determine the type of restaurant you are running
However, identifying your restaurant type will help you to invest in the right equipment.
Quality
Most of your equipment is purchased for the long term. So you have to check the quality of the equipment and make sure it can last for the long term. We would like to share some tips to check the quality of equipment.
Purchase from the authorized brand: Make sure you are purchasing equipment from an authorized brand that provides quality material and construction.
If it is service-based like software make sure that they provide quality service. Also, make sure they are trustful and they can secure your business data.
Certifications: Look for equipment that has been certified. This ensures that the equipment meets certain standards for safety and cleanliness
Inspect equipment: Check the structure of the equipment and make sure it is well made (make sure it will last). Pay attention to things like welds, screws, and other possible weak points.
Test before purchasing: Before purchasing make sure it can meet your needs. Also, if you are purchasing from an offline store check the working conditions and make sure everything is well.
Reviews: Gather reviews from online resources. Listen to the opinion of others about specified equipment. It will give you a better understanding of each piece of equipment. It can also detect potential damage to equipment.
Material checking: Make sure the equipment is made with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. Good materials can last too long and are easy to maintain like cleaning.
Investing in quality equipment may cost more money, but it can last for years.
Brand reputation
Purchasing restaurant equipment from reputed brands can help ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that is backed by good warranties and customer support, and that will hold its value over time.
There are several reasons you need to purchase from reputed brands
Quality: The reputed brands will focus on build quality and it will be last
Warranty: the reputed brand will offer a long-term warranty on their products. It gives protection from manufacturing defects.
Service: Reputed brands usually have better service networks in place, which can be helpful in case you need repairs or maintenance for your equipment.
Resale value: The reputed branded equipment holds its value better. So it will be more profitable for you when selling it.
Maintenance
Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing restaurant equipment because it influences the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of the equipment.
Equipment that requires regular maintenance can disrupt a restaurant’s operations and can be costly if regular maintenance or replacement is required. Therefore, it is important to choose equipment that is low-maintenance and easy to maintain, to minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs.
Some factors to consider when evaluating equipment maintenance needs include frequency of use, the complexity of equipment, and the availability of replacement parts.
However, it is better to choose products that are easy to maintain and have readily available parts if repairs are needed. Maintenance costs should also be considered and make sure you can afford them.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a really important one when choosing restaurant equipment. There are several reasons why you need to consider energy saving.
Cost savings: Energy-efficient equipment can help to reduce energy costs by using less electricity or gas. This can result in significant savings for a restaurant over time.
Environmental impact: Energy-efficient equipment can also help to reduce a restaurant’s carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable operation.
Government incentives: In some areas, there may be government incentives available for businesses that use energy-efficient equipment. These incentives can help offset the upfront cost of purchasing the equipment.
Customer perception: Choosing energy-efficient equipment can also help a restaurant appeal to customers who are environmentally conscious and may be more likely to dine at a restaurant that is making an effort to reduce its impact on the environment.
Overall, considering energy efficiency when choosing restaurant equipment can help to reduce costs, reduce the environmental impact, and enhance the restaurant’s reputation with customers.
User-friendliness
It is important to consider the user-friendliness of the equipment because it can impact the efficiency and productivity of your staff. Equipment that is difficult to use or requires a lot of training can lead to delays and frustration for employees, which can impact the overall operation of the restaurant.
On the other hand, equipment that is easy to use and intuitive can help to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of your staff.
When you buy service-based equipment like a KIOSK, you need to ensure that it is manageable and user-friendly for your employees and customers.
Additionally, user-friendly equipment may be preferred by employees, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and increased turnover.
However, choosing user-friendly equipment can help improve your staff’s efficiency and productivity and enhance the restaurant’s overall operation.
Shipping and delivery
Shipping and delivery mean transporting equipment from your supplier to your restaurant. This could involve using the supplier’s delivery service or contracting a third-party shipping firm, like a freight carrier. When selecting restaurant equipment, it’s crucial to take into account the supplier’s shipping and delivery alternatives, as well as the associated costs and schedule
However, it is essential to ensure that your delivery equipment is safely packaged, and insured and that all legal procedures are met.
Technology
Technology is very important when buying equipment for business. It plays an important role in the restaurant business. It simplifies many tasks. Buying equipment requires you to make sure that you are investing in advanced equipment.
Since then the equipment is a long-term investment, the equipment should be useful for a long time as the business changes.
New restaurant equipment trends
It is very important that you buy the current trending equipment. It will help you to simplify your tasks and reduce operational costs. Here are some equipment trends to watch for in the restaurant Industry.
Multi-functional equipment
Restaurants are looking for equipment that can perform multiple tasks, such as combination ovens and combi-steamers that can bake, roast, and steam food.
Automating tasks
By automating various restaurant tasks you can simplify your business operations. Investing in equipment like POS systems enables a new level of guest experience and business efficiency.
POS with inventory management can automate your inventory and keep your inventory efficient. The system can track your inventory, and notify you even if the food ingredients go out of stock.
You can reduce your labor cost and enhance customer experience by using the Kiosk system. So the customer can order food and pay through the kiosk without any assistance from employees. You don’t have to buy dedicated kiosk hardware for that, you can use your tablet as a kiosk system.
However, investing in equipment that can automate your business tasks will be more beneficial.
Changes in equipment designs
There are a lot of changes are getting in restaurant equipment design. It becoming more and more user-friendly, space-saving designs, Sustainable designs that are environmentally friendly, and building with advanced features such as touch screens and voice control.
Types of equipment
Here is the list of equipment that you need to invest in for your restaurant business.
Cooking equipment:
Cooking equipment means various equipment used in the preparation of food in a commercial kitchen. It includes Ovens, stoves, grills, fryers, and other appliances used for cooking, roasting, grilling, and frying food. Some important cooking equipment is given below
1. Ovens
This equipment is used to roast, bake and boil foods. ovens can be electric, or gas. it can be used to cook different types of dishes, including bread, pastries, meats, vegetables, and more.
One of the main advantages of ovens is that they can cook large quantities and different types of dishes at once. To make cooking simpler and more effective, some ovens also contain features like self-cleaning cycles, digital controls, and precise temperature adjustments.
Types of ovens
Convection ovens:
These are ovens that use fans to circulate hot air, allowing food to cook more evenly and quickly. Increased air circulation helps to cook food faster. The convection ovens are mostly used by bakeries and they are mainly used to boil, bake and roast a wide variety of dishes.
Combi ovens:
They are used in restaurants due to their versatility and ability to cook a variety of dishes. You can use it to cook hot air, steam, or a combination of both.
Wood-fired ovens:
Also known as wood ovens. These are ovens that use wood as fuel sources and are often used to cook pizzas and other dishes with a wood-fired flavor.
Gas ovens:
These are ovens that use gas as their fuel source and can be used to bake, roast, and broil a wide variety of dishes.
Electric ovens:
These are ovens that use electricity as their fuel source.
Conveyor ovens:
This type of oven is available in gas and electric. A conveyor is used to transport the material through the oven. As the cooking dish passes through the conveyor, it receives heat from the top and bottom.
Where you should place your oven
Placing your oven depends on various factors such as your restaurant layout design, the space of your kitchen, your working area, and more. Here are a few things to consider when placing ovens in your restaurant.
Accessibility: Make sure the oven can be easily accessible by chefs and your other staff. This will allow them to prepare food quickly and more efficiently.
Ventilation: Make sure you have good ventilation in your restaurant. Especially the area where you are going to place your oven. Good ventilation will help you to prevent heat and smoke.
Space: The space of the kitchen should is considered in your restaurant before placing the oven. Make sure you provide enough space for employees to work comfortably.
Flow: Visualize the flow of your kitchen and figure out where the oven fits in your layout.
However, it is more convenient to place the oven in your center to the rest of the kitchen.
2. Stoves
A stove is a type of cooking appliance. It is used to cook food on a flat cooking surface, usually made of metal or ceramic, often with pots and pans. It consists of a heating element, such as gas burners or electric heating elements.
Types of stoves
Gas stoves:
These stoves use natural gas, syngas, butane, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, or other flammable gas as fuel sources and have burners on the top cooking surface.
Electric stoves:
Electric stoves are generally more energy-efficient than gas stoves. When compared with Gas stoves Electric stoves will take time to heat up. These types of stoves are using electricity to heat the cooking surface equipped with heating elements that can be on and off.
Induction stoves:
These stoves contain electromagnetic that can generate heat and which can transfer to the pot on the cooking surface.
Wood-fired stoves:
Wood-fired stoves use wood as fuel. So many restaurants use it to bring a traditional touch to their menu.
Flat-top griddles:
Flat-top griddles are commonly used in commercial kitchens. it is a cooking surface that is flat and smooth, usually made of metal, and designed for cooking a variety of foods, such as pancakes, burgers, eggs, and vegetables.
The best place to place your stoves
A stove is one of the most frequently used appliances in a restaurant kitchen. So it should be more convenient to use and place in the best accessible area. If the stove is placed in the center of the kitchen it will be more accessible to your chefs.
Visualize the layout of your kitchen, and how the workflow will be more functional, then you will have an idea of where to place your stoves and ovens.
3. Fryers
The fryer is equipment that can be used to deep frying of food. It consists of a heating element, a basket to hold the food, and a container to hold the hot oil.
Fryers are commonly used by restaurants to cook a variety of food such as french fries, fish, chicken, and donuts.
Types of fryers
There are several types of fryers used by restaurants
Electric fryers: It is more energy efficient when compared to gas fryers. These fryers use electric heating elements to heat the oil.
Gas fryers: Gas fryers use fuel as natural gas or propane to heat the oil. It can heat faster when compared to electric fryers.
Countertop fryers: It is a small fryer that can be placed on the countertop and is typically used for small-batch frying.
Floor fryers: Floor fryers are used to fry high volumes of food. It is commonly used by fast-food restaurants to prepare foods such as chicken, french fries, fish, and doughnuts. Floor fryers run on gas or electricity and come in a variety of sizes.
Floor fryers can contain large amounts of oil to fry food that may have multiple fry baskets to accommodate different types of food. It allows you to cook a lot of food at the same time.
Pressure fryers: Pressure fryers are a type of equipment used in restaurants to fry foods quickly and efficiently. They work by combining hot oil and high pressure to cook food, resulting in a crisp exterior and moist interior. It is energy efficient, quick to cooking, and safe to use.
Where you can place fryers
Fryers need more free space in your kitchen fryers like floor fryers are larger equipment. Before planning your kitchen layout you have to consider the equipment that you are going to place in your restaurant.
Consider this when you are going to place your fryers in your kitchen
Make sure you are going to place your fryers far from water sources such as sinks.
Also, don’t place fryers near your appliances like refrigerators, or stoves. it will damage your appliances.
Make sure you are providing good ventilation. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide levels inside a kitchen can rise to dangerous levels.
However, make sure you take safety precautions like fire safety and have enough space around the fryers.
4. Microwaves
Microwaves are one of the most commonly used cooking equipment. They are used to do a variety of tasks such as heating pre-cooked food, defrosting frozen food, and cooking and reheating leftovers.
By using microwaves you can cook and reheat food. it can also use to do multiple tasks such as cooking pasta, defrosting frozen food, and even making desserts.
However, It is energy efficient, and inexpensive when compared to other cooking equipment.
It can be placed near the preparation area, it will be easier to reheat ingredients or already cooked items during the preparation time.
To quickly and frequently use the microwave for your chefs then it is more convenient to place it near the stove and other cooking equipment. So chefs can simply heat small dishes or liquid ingredients when preparing food.
Some larger restaurants may have a dedicated area for reheating or warming dishes, this area is often known as a “hot box” which is equipped with multiple microwaves and may also have warming shelves and trays.
5. Steamers
It is a common type of equipment used in restaurants to bake, boil and cook food. It consumes fuel such as a gas burner or electric heating element.
Steamers are considered a healthy cooking method as they do not require oil and retain the nutrients and flavors of the food.
The commercial food steamer is used to cook menu items such as rice, vegetables, and shellfish.
6. Rotisseries
It is also known as spite-roasting. It is used to roast meat by slowly turning it on a spit over a heat source. To produce high heat it fuels gas and electricity. and spite can be rotated manually or with an electric motor.
Types of rotisserie
Horizontal Rotisserie: This particular style of rotisserie includes a spit that is horizontal and runs parallel to the ground. It can cook a whole chicken, and roast various types of meat.
VerticalRotisserie: This type of rotisserie has spite that runs vertically.
It is important to keep the rotisserie away from flammable materials. and also make sure to place a well-ventilated area
Ranges
Rangers are one of the most used equipments in a restaurant. It can be used to fry, grill, broil, saute, boil, braise, simmer, warm, and even bake.
Refrigeration equipment:
The refrigeration equipment is used in restaurants to keep food and ingredients fresh and at safer temperatures. It can extend the shelf life of a food product.
Foods and ingredients are perishable. To run a profitable restaurant business you could have to keep your food and ingredients safe and fresh. Refrigeration can preserve food items for a certain period.
There are types of refrigeration equipment.
1. Refrigerators
Refrigerators are commonly used equipment in restaurants. It is a large container that usually contains cool inside with the help of electricity. You can adjust the temperature inside the refrigerator.
2. Freezers
The freezer should be 0°F (-18°C) temperature to store food safely. They are typically larger than household freezers and are designed to withstand the heavy use and frequent opening and closing that occurs in a restaurant setting.
3. Ice makers
As its name, it is used to make a large quantity of ice. It is typically larger than household ice makers.
It is important to maintain the ice makers regularly and make sure the producing ice is safe and clean, However, you have to do regular cleaning, checking and adjusting the water and air filters, and ensuring the unit is properly connected to a water source.
Where you can place your Refrigeration equipment
It is important to consider your available space and layout design when placing refrigeration equipment in your kitchen. Most of the refrigeration equipment is physically larger. Corners are best to place it, especially if you have limited space.
Dishwashing equipment:
Some restaurants are using separate rooms for placing refrigeration equipment. This will help them keep the equipment at the right temperature. It also allows you to keep free space in your kitchen.
Dishwashing equipment is used to clean and sanitize other kitchen equipment.
Types of dishwashers
1. Dishwashers
A dishwasher is a machine that automatically cleans cutlery, cookware, and dishware. It can be an under-counter or conveyor model.
2. Pre-rinse units
The pre-rinse is dishwashing equipment that consists of a spray nozzle and a sink area. It is used to remove food residue from dishes before washing them in a dishwasher.
3. Glasswashers
Glasswashers can be used to clean and sanitize glass dishes.
Sinks:
The sink is the equipment used in the kitchen to wash hands, dishes, and utensils. You can set multiple sinks in different places in your restaurant.
There are different types of sinks available for restaurants such as hand sinks, compartment sinks, and bar sinks.
1. Hand sinks: Hand sinks can be placed in easily accessible locations, such as near restrooms and entrances, to ensure that employees and customers can easily use them.
2. Compartment sinks: Make sure there is enough space around the compartment sinks. Compartment sinks can be used by too many people. Also make sure you are placing it near where dishes and utensils are used and stored, to make it easy to wash them.
3. Bar sinks: Bar sinks can be placed at the bar, near where glasses and other bar equipment are used, to make it easy to clean them.
4. Mop sinks: you can place mop sinks in an area that is easily accessible to staff such as a janitorial area or a kitchen
5. Prep sinks: Place prep sinks in the kitchen area, near where food is prepared, to make it easy to wash produce and other ingredients.
6. Utility sinks: the best place to place utility sinks is the kitchen area, near where large pots and pans are washed, to make it easy to sanitize utensils and other equipment.
7. Scullery sink: It can be placed in the kitchen area, near where dishes, pots and pans, and kitchen equipment are cleaned.
Preparation equipment:
Preparation equipment is one of the pieces of equipment that is used to cook and prepare food.
1. Knives: Used for cutting and chopping ingredients
2. Cutting boards: Used for chopping, dicing, and slicing ingredients
3. Measuring cups and spoons: It is used to measure the volume of solid or liquid cooking ingredients
4. Colander: It is used to dry foods and ingredients such as pasta, and wash vegetables.
5. Vegetable Peeler and potato smasher: The vegetable peeler and potato smasher help speed up your cooking time.
6. Whisk: It is used to whisk foods such as salad dressing and other mixing of food ingredients.
7. Blenders: Blenders are common equipment used by restaurants. It can be used to prepare various types of foods such as juice, smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails. It is also used for preparing ingredients.
8. Food processors: Used for chopping, grinding, and pureeing ingredients
Serving equipment:
Serving tools and equipment that are used to serve food to customers.
Storage equipment is used to store food and its ingredients. Equipment storage is a critical aspect of running a restaurant, as it helps keep the kitchen organized, safe, and efficient, which in turn helps the restaurant run smoothly and can save money in the long run.
1. Refrigeration units
2. Shelving: Shelving helps you to get more space in your kitchen by organizing the placement of ingredients and other equipment. There are types of shelves available such as corner shelves, Shelves designed to hold canned goods, and over head shelves.
3. Prep tables: A metal rack designed to keep food, mixers, and other food ingredients organized and easily accessible.
4. Frozen storage: Perishable foods such as milk, and meat can be stored in frozen storage.
Dining equipment:
Dining equipment refers to tools and items used to prepare and serve food.
1. Tableware: plates, bowls, cups, glasses, silverware, napkins, and tablecloths
4. Small appliances: toasters, blenders, mixers, and food processors
5. Serving equipment: trays, platters, and serving utensils
6. Buffet equipment: chafing dishes, warming trays, and serving spoons
7. Table service equipment: salt and pepper shakers, sugar caddies, and condiments holders
8. Bar equipment: shakers, strainers, jiggers, and bottle openers
9. Cleaning equipment: mops, brooms, sponges, and cleaning chemicals
10. Furniture: tables, chairs, booths, and bar stools
Safety equipment:
Safety equipment is really important when it comes to the restaurant business. You have to take proper safety precautions to prevent fires, protect against carbon monoxide, provide first aid, prevent slips, protect employee and customer health, comply with regulations, ensure a safe working environment, protect the reputation, and more.
Types of safety equipment used in restaurant
1. Fire extinguishers
2. Smoke detectors
3. Carbon monoxide detectors
4. First aid kits
5. Slip-resistant floor mats
6. Properly labeled emergency exits
7. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees, such as gloves and face masks
8. Properly maintained kitchen equipment, such as stoves and ovens
9. Proper storage for cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials
10. Proper food handling and storage equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Other equipment:
Some equipment in restaurants refers to miscellaneous equipment. It is not directly related to food preparation or service but is still necessary for the operation of the restaurant. Some examples of different equipment in restaurants include:
1. POS systems
A POS system is a system that is used to record and process sales transactions. It consists of a hardware component, cash drawer, customer display, and a barcode scanner, as well as software that is used to manage and process sales transactions.
The POS system helps businesses to manage sales, customers, employees, payments, and other business operations.
Recording and managing sales transactions such as items purchased, the total cost of the sale, and the method of payment (cash, credit, debit, etc.)
The inventory management feature track inventory levels, monitor product sales, and reorder items as needed. It helps you to manage and keep your inventory efficient.
You will also easily get real-time, weekly, monthly and yearly reports.
With a customer, management features POS stores customer information, such as contact details, purchase history, and loyalty program information. You can use the customer data for your loyalty and other marketing programs.
POS tracks employee performance, such as how long it takes them to process transactions, how many transactions they process, and how accurate their transactions are.
Manage your multi-location businesses and online businesses using POS software. Transfer goods between your stores and keep your business efficient.
After all, the POS system helps you manage and grow your business. By automating the most tedious and difficult manual business operations, you can simplify business operations and focus on business growth.
2. Kitchen display system
A kitchen display system(KDS) is a computer system that is used in food-related businesses to display and manage orders from the point of sale system to the kitchen.
When an order is placed it is sent to the POS and the kitchen, kitchen staff can see the orders and requirements of the order. Also, he can see the priorities of which order should be prepared first, etc.
However, the kitchen staff can work more efficiently by reducing the time it takes to prepare and deliver orders. Additionally, it can help to improve order accuracy by providing clear and concise information about orders and can help to reduce food waste by ensuring that orders are prepared correctly the first time.
The smart KDS can also have features such as real-time tracking of food preparation and delivery, inventory management, and reporting capabilities, which can help restaurant managers to make more informed decisions about their operations.
3. Cash registers
The cash register is a system that is used to record and calculate transactions at a point of sale. It typically includes a drawer to store cash and a display for showing the total amount.
Cash registers also store sales data, which can be used for financial reporting, inventory management, and other purposes. They also help to prevent errors and fraud by providing a clear record of each transaction.
Cash registers are often replaced by POS (point-of-sale) systems, which have more features when compare to cash registers.
Kiosk helps you to enhance service quality, order accuracy, and overall premium customer experience.
5. Security cameras
Security cameras are surveillance device that is used to monitor and keep secure a specific area in your restaurant. It is used to deter theft, monitor employee performance, and provide evidence in the event of a crime.
Some common types of security cameras used in restaurants include CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, and wireless cameras.
How to maintain your equipment
It is really important that maintain restaurant equipment for your safety and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to maintain your equipment.
Read the manufactures instructions and use the equipment properly for long-term usage.
Regularly clean your equipment.
Perform regular inspections of the equipment and make sure everything works well.
Keep equipment lubricated and in good working order. as recommended by the manufacturer, lubricate moving parts, such as gears and bearings. Ensure that all safety devices and guards are in place and functioning properly.
Schedule regular maintenance and contact a service professional as needed. So this will help you identify and address issues before they become major problems.
Train all employees on how to properly use and maintain the equipment to prevent damage and prolong the equipment’s lifespan.
Where to buy restaurant equipment
There are several options to buy equipment for your restaurant.
From a local store: Purchasing from local equipment dealers, it is more personalized because they know well about the local market it is more helpful to find the right equipment for your specific needs.
It is also more convenient to install and can quickly replace a broken piece of equipment. They can also provide better service and maintenance when compared to online suppliers.
From online stores: Online store is an option to purchase restaurant equipment. Online sellers like Amazon, Webstaurantstore, and KaTom.
Manufacturer’s websites: You can buy products directly from the manufacturer’s websites. It is an option if you are looking to buy a specific brand or model of equipment.
Secondhand: If you are not going to buy new equipment, you can also buy second-hand equipment. It costs less compared to buying new equipment. Make sure the equipment is in good condition and worth for money.
Compare the equipment of each option and their prices and analyze their reviews before purchasing.
Financing (types of loans, price of equipment)
There are a lot of financial options to purchase restaurant equipment such as Traditional bank loans, leasing, SBA loans, equipment financing, business credit cards, and crowdfunding.
Before going to take financing to purchase you need to consider some key factors.
The total cost of the equipment and any additional costs such as installation and maintenance.
The length of the loan and the interest rate.
The creditworthiness of the business and its ability to repay the loan.
The loan terms and conditions, such as collateral requirements and prepayment penalties.
It is better to consult with a financial advisor before taking an option.
Types of financial options to purchase restaurant equipment
Traditional bank loans
It is the most common option to fund. It typically involves applying for a loan with a bank or credit union.
Leasing
Leasing is an option to purchase highly expensive equipment. It is a cost-effective way to acquire the equipment your business needs without a large upfront investment.
SBA Loans
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are government-guaranteed loans that can be used to purchase equipment, as well as for other business expenses.
It is really important that you have to consider your financial position before taking loans. Make sure your business can meet the loan and is capable of completing the loan.
Choose equipment for your specific needs
List your restaurant business needs and purchase the necessary equipment. Buying multi-functional equipment and considering the trends in equipment will be cost-effective. You can also consider second handed equipment as it is low cost.
Retail Shrinkage is a significant problem faced by retailers. 1.44 to 2.00 percent shrinkage is seen in retail sales. It may seem like a slight loss at first glance, but it results in tens of thousands of dollars in losses each year. Retailers are adopting a range of technological solutions to mitigate shrinkage, such as artificial intelligence-based video analytics, self-service locking cases, autonomous security robots, and license plate recognition.
What is retail shrinkage?
Shrinkage in retail refers to the loss of merchandise that occurs due to factors such as theft, damage, or error. This can have a significant impact on a retail business as it can reduce profits and increase costs.
The shrinkage can be calculated as Shrinkage = System inventory – Physical inventory.
For example, the System inventory is 20 lks, and the Physical Inventory is 19.5 lks. Then shrinkage is 10 – 9.5 = 0.5 lks.
Preventing shrinkage is very challenging for a retail business. Shrinkage has a lot of potential in a retail store. It can be collected by customers or employees.
Primary causes of retail inventory shrinkage
How the shrinkage in retail is happening
Shoplifting
Employees
Return fraud
Administrative
Unattributed loss
Primary causes of retail inventory shrinkage | LithosPOS
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is theft. This is the act of deliberately taking goods from a store without paying for them. Shoplifting causes a 36.5% shrinkage in retail businesses. Shoplifting is a crime that is punishable by law and can result in fines, imprisonment, and other legal penalties.
It also negatively affects your business image. It will also cause your sales to decrease. Customers don’t want to go into shops where shoplifting is common, they feel unsafe there.
Product falsification can lead to huge financial losses for retailers. Also, it is expensive to secure and authorize the replacement of goods to prevent such thefts.
According to a study by the National Retail Federation, more than 30% of shrinkage in retail occurred due to employee or internal theft.
Refund fraud
Another shrinking factor in the retail business is refund fraud. Stolen items are returned to the store for a money refund. This can be difficult for retailers to identify as refunds are requested using fake bills or receipts.
Special training for retail employees is essential to prevent such fraud. If you provide a valid ID or something else on the bill at the time of purchase, you can do verification on it.
Administrative
This is an error when receiving goods and billing products to customers. For example, a cashier is billing for a 10-count product. But only 8 items were billed and the other 2 items were sold without payment. So we lost 2 products because of the error.
It can be of 2 stars either done intentionally by the cashier or unknowingly omitted to scan. If the cashier purposefully misses scanning the products then it will be called a “sweet heartening” or “Under Ringing”.
However, other administrative errors can happen in stock inwarding or outwarding. For example, if you are transferring 50 goods from one store to another, and you mistakenly print 48 goods, then you lost 2 goods.
Such mistakes from the administrative side can lead to huge losses and are difficult to identify.
Unattributed loss
This is shrinkage, which does not fall into any of the above categories, but which retailers cannot understand. This leaves you and millions of other retail stores in the dark.
Ways to prevent and control the shrinkage in retail:
Retail stores often take measures to prevent retail shrinkage, such as
Security cameras
Shoplifters can be easily detected by placing security cameras in the store. And help you deal with them legally.
Security guards
Shoplifters can be quickly identified by hiring more employees. Shoplifters cannot engage in any form of shoplifting when staff is present in all critical areas of the store. It will also help you to provide a premium customer experience
Anti-theft devices
Shop theft can be prevented with the help of advanced technology. By using anti-theft devices such as security tags and alarms, shoplifters sound the alarm when goods are taken without payment.
Train your employees to identify customer behavior
Train your employees to understand customer actions and identify shoplifters. Be careful not to blame customers just because of suspicion. It will affect your business negatively.
Use proper product placement (Increase store visibility)
Increase your store’s visibility. Make sure you have visibility into your most expensive and most likely to be stealing products in your inventory. This will reduce the nuisance of shoplifters to some extent.
Implement strict inventory control procedures
An inventory management software tool can accurately track inventory and identify discrepancies that indicate shrinkage. So you can ensure that your inventory is efficient and it is more helpful to monitor and manage your inventory operations.
Employee training on proper inventory management procedures
Employees should be trained to accurately record and track inventory. Make them aware of the potential loss to the business due to shrinkage.
Audit inventory levels regularly
Retailers need to regularly audit their inventory levels to accurately identify and prevent inventory discrepancies. Such operations can be easily managed with inventory management software.
It also has employee tracking and data like their shift reports. This will help you quickly identify shrinkage in your store and how it happened.
Assign employees roles
If you use point of sale software, you can set the roles of your employees. Important functions like ordering and receiving goods can be delegated to key employees only. So you can control your employees.
Give receipt
Be sure to give the customer the receipt of their purchase. Ask for the receipt at the time of arrival for a refund. Receipts prove that the item was not stolen.
Daily stock check of high-value items
Your inventory items such as high-value items or fast-moving SKUs when prone to shrinkage. Those types of products may experience more shrinkage.
A common entry and exit point
Give employees an exit point. Employees should be allowed to leave only through it. It will help in identifying staff who are involved in the theft.
Physically check the received order
The purchase order receiving manager should physically check the stock of orders received. Vendors are prone to fraud and faulty products. There is a possibility for fraud or the absence of goods by the vendors.
However, The average shrink rate in 2021 was reported to be 1.4%, signifying that, on average, retailers experienced a 1.4% loss in their total retail sales due to shrinkage. By taking these steps, retailers can help prevent shrinkage and protect their inventory, which can ultimately lead to increased profits and customer satisfaction.
When starting your own business, choosing the right name is essential. In addition to sticking to the minds of your target audience/potential customers, your choice of business name also has to stand the test of time and avoid any legal issues or trademark infringements down the road.
These branding mistakes can ruin your business before you’ve even started it up, so be sure to steer clear of them when you name your brand.
Getting Emotionally Attached to Your Choice of Business Name
Having a business name you are emotionally attached to is an easy way to sabotage yourself. You will spend all your time trying to make it work instead of finding another name.
When you want to start a new venture, the best thing to do is purchase a business name listed for sale. This will save you the headache of having a business name that doesn’t work for your idea.
It is also helpful if you plan on changing your business model at any point because then you won’t have to change the business name. According to a recent survey, less than 20% of customers say that A Brand Name Change Is Perceived Positively. According to this survey, you should attempt to get your business name right the first time because most customers find it unfavorable. Why? This is because they are already familiar with the old name, and it is difficult for them to connect with a new name.
Business names are an integral part of a company’s identity, and it is important to be mindful of the connotations and interpretations of words when choosing a name. For example, ‘death’ might not be the best name for a flower company.
Luckily, if you make a mistake with your name, there are avenues available to correct it. Suppose you’re stuck with an unsuitable moniker; there are plenty of business names for sale on the internet that you can explore.
While you are at it, you can spruce things up and change the meaning of a word without changing the spelling: use an alternate pronunciation, spell out numbers instead of abbreviations, add “and Sons” after a business name, change “Way” to “Avenue,” etc.
Building Barriers to Memory
What’s in a name? Quite a lot. Your business’s name sells your brand to customers and gives them the first impression. Your business name should be an extension of your brand persona, what you do, and what makes you different from any other company.
A common mistake is picking a name that doesn’t convey anything about your business type or its specific attributes. You want to avoid phrases like Home Improvement Company or Business Services. These generic titles don’t give potential customers enough information about your offer.
Choose words that let people know at least some part of your story, but not all of it- this keeps their curiosity piqued, so they’re inclined to find out more.
How Does Negative Interpretation of Business Name Affect Business
Naming a business is among the most important decisions any business owner will make. It’s the first impression people have of what you do, and it needs to be memorable and unique. But the wrong name for your business could lead to disaster, as many entrepreneurs found out after naming their businesses something negative or inappropriate.
Here are common mistakes entrepreneurs made with naming their businesses and how they turned out:
The Business Name: Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
What Happened?
The ice cream company was forced to change its name because there was another company called Chunky Monkey. They didn’t want anyone confused between the two brands, so they changed their name to Moo Freez Ice Cream.
The Business Name: Allstate Sugar Beet Insurance Agency
What Happened?
You may not think sugar beet and an insurance agency would go together. Still, someone thought it sounded like a good idea. It turns out this business name wasn’t as catchy as they had hoped, and they changed it to plain old “insurance agency.”
Negative Interpretations of Brand Names Example
Your business name is a big decision, and you don’t want to make it lightly. Here are seven common naming disasters and how you can avoid them.
• A brand name should never be negative. Examples of this include Plague or Murder.
• Your business should not have a negative connotation if it sells food or drinks. For example, Sodalite might not be a good name for someone who sells ice cream.
• Businesses with ambiguous or generic names will be harder to identify in online searches. For instance, if your business is called “The Company,” potential customers won’t know what type of company they’re looking at when they research companies like yours online.
• It’s also important to consider international use when choosing a business name. You may think your business name sounds catchy and clever, but you could end up with some strange translations.
• When searching for business names, getting information about any existing trademarks is important before finalizing a purchase. Otherwise, you may end up paying legal fees when somebody files a suit against you for trademark infringement.
Finally, keep your target customer group in mind when naming your business!
Conclusion
There are a lot of pitfalls to watch out for when naming a business. A name should be catchy and memorable while aligning with the business’s mission. As such, it’s important to avoid words/phrases that have already been trademarked or used by another company.
Squadhelp is the world’s leading crowdsourced naminig platform supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Grant Polachek is Head of Branding at Squadhelp.com, a 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. They have reviewed over 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today.
Restaurateurs are thinking about how to enhance the dining experience. In the wake of the Corona pandemic, most restaurants have started thinking about the concept of contactless. This is especially beneficial when social distancing minimizes interaction between customers and employees. After the pandemic, the continuation of contactless dining and contactless ordering by restaurants has led to a significant shift in the food industry.
Customers always want complete freedom in their orders. New systems like self-ordering not only give customers complete freedom in their ordering but also a premium dining experience.
Contactless ordering and payments have revolutionized the restaurant business. That concept has led to many innovations in the restaurant industry.
In this blog, we are going to discuss.
The digital dine-in concept
The innovations bought because of this concept
What is contactless dining?
Benefits of contactless dining
How is it beneficial for restaurant owners?
How is it beneficial for customers?
The digital dine-in concept and opportunities
When it comes to the concept of digital dine-in, it opens up many opportunities like online delivery and QR code ordering. Such innovations help to manage the business easily and maintain the customer experience
Customers can make payments by scanning a QR code using their mobile. More people than they did before the pandemic (58%) want to use contactless payments. Self-ordering kiosks, online ordering, integrated payment, etc. all come under the concept of digital dine-in.
The digital dine-in system provides an opportunity for restaurants to grow and expand their business digitally.
What is a contactless dining system?
Contactless dining helps reduce customer-staff interactions and provides a premium customer experience. This gives the customer more freedom in their orders and beyond the traditional dine-in system, the customer can order food via QR code, mobile app, and website.
This system helps restaurants manage crowds and get more business even in limited space. As customers are all tech-savvy, there have been significant changes in buying behavior of customers. To meet customer expectations, restaurants need systems like Digital Dine-In.
Compared to before the outbreak(covid-19), 58% more people want to use contactless payments. More than 62% of restaurants already use contactless ordering and payment in their business.
Benefits of contactless dining for restaurant owners
The digital dine-in system has benefited restaurant businesses immensely. The advent of technology is the solution to many problems faced by restaurant businesses. It not only makes business operations easier but also helps manage customers, employees, etc., and provides a new experience.
Contactless dining offers many benefits to restaurant businesses. Let’s see what they are.
Increase order values
Reports suggest that orders increase when the customer has complete freedom in ordering. The waiter is not pressured when giving orders by himself. Also, an end to the problem of customers being unable to place their orders due to a lack of waiters during peak hours.
For example: If a QR code is placed on the menu table, each customer can scan the QR code with their smartphone and view the menu. So customers who come as a family or group are more likely to order by themselves. This causes the order value to increase.
Don’t waste your money on a printed menu
A printed menu has many limitations when compared to a QR code. It is very difficult and expensive to print a menu according to menu changes. Also, the printed menu is prone to tearing and smudges.
The menu can be updated in real time by using the QR code menu. No costs are incurred. To provide a better visual experience, the menu can be accessed and changed even when you are not in the restaurant.
You can also add detailed descriptions and multiple photos of each dish. Since the corona pandemic situation, many people have started using digital menus as they can reduce customer interaction by using digital menus.
Offer premium customer experience
We know all restaurant owners struggle to deliver a premium customer experience. Contactless dining is key to providing a premium customer experience. By implementing a contactless dine-in system in business, customers will have a digital experience.
It is imperative that businesses digitize to meet the expectations of tech-savvy customers. Contactless dining such as self-ordering kiosks, QR code ordering systems, digital payment, digital menus, and online ordering provides a new experience to the customer and makes their ordering process easier.
Boost employee productivity
Technology makes many activities easier in business. Running a business with limited staff is very difficult. This can seriously affect employee productivity.
Technology makes the work of employees in your business easier and more efficient. Helping employees focus more on their work.
Streamlining order-taking errors, payment transactions, etc. In contactless dining, the customer does all the food ordering, payment, etc., and the staff can manage the business even at busy times.
Visitor engagement
One of the most important aspects of customer experience is getting the customer engaged. While many restaurants aim to empower customer engagement, digital systems such as contactless ordering help restaurants provide seamless customer engagement.
Your staff and customer interactions must be robust enough to deliver a premium customer experience. But often it is not able to keep efficient.
By reducing interactions between customers and employees, you can maintain your service efficiency.
Access to the data
One of the most crucial elements in business is data. Planning a business without reliable data is quite risky.
By collecting customer data, one can formulate an effective marketing strategy and strengthen the relationship with the customer.
Customers can link their account with their mobile number or email address when using things like online ordering and QR code ordering. This data may be stored and used for marketing purposes.
The digital dine-in system opens up a lot of opportunities in the restaurant business. Customer data is crucial and helps to collect it easily.
Manage with limited staff
One of the problems restaurant businesses are facing is not getting enough employees. It is very difficult to manage a business with very limited employees.
But by implementing a digital system like contactless dine-in into the business, it is possible to manage the business with a very limited number of employees.
You can reduce the number of waiters as the customer performs many tasks themselves. You only need to hire a very limited number of employees as waiters. and also prevent rising labor costs by reducing employees.
The benefits of contactless dining for your customers
More freedom to choose
The customer has more freedom in their orders. They feel free to choose their dishes from the menu. The waiter is not in a hurry to take the order and the customer can give them the orders themselves.
They have complete freedom in their orders so they can accurately mention the ingredients in the tissues.
Healthy atmosphere
One of the biggest issues facing restaurant businesses during the corona pandemic is what precautions can be taken to prevent the contagion. The biggest fear of consumers was the spread of the epidemic. Contactless dine-in has helped restaurants maintain social distancing.
Social distancing prevented the spread of disease by reducing contact between customers and employees and created a new paradigm in the restaurant business.
In fact, the concept of contactless dine-in has revolutionized the restaurant business. Contactless dine-in helps restaurants stay clean. With systems like digital payment, there is no rush at their counters.
Speedy food delivery
Customers don’t like to wait too long. But in restaurants, food can be prepared only after ordering. Food preparation begins when the waiter takes the order and passes it to the KOT kitchen.
But contactless ordering can speed up the process. Customers’ phone orders are relayed directly to the POS and kitchen. The server serves the prepared food to the customer.
Booking option
Through Digital Dine-in, customers can reserve their table and arrange the time for the meal to be served. This way the customer can save time. No need to wait to get a table.
Premium digital experience
A premium customer experience is a key to success. To meet current customer expectations, you need to provide a more digital experience in your business. Tech-savvy customers want the digital transformation to make their operations efficient and transparent.
Customers love to connect with digitally transformed businesses. In this busy world, digitizing many customer functions can save a lot of time and make things like payments transparent and secure.
More privacy
Consumers want more privacy. Customers who come with or without family want more privacy. A system like contactless dine-in can provide more privacy than casual dine-in.
The customer wants to know more about the dish they are ordering. There are several limitations regarding the printed menu. It would be difficult to describe each dish in detail or provide more than one photo. But by using the digital menu, each dish can be mentioned in detail and multiple photos can be added.
The customer can understand each dish without the help of the waiter. Since the customer places the order himself, there is no chance of any kind of misunderstanding.
The labor shortage is one of the main problems faced by the restaurant industry. After the struggle with covid-19, the industry getting surviving. In this scenario finding the right employees are challenging and the industry is also facing a labor shortage. It was necessary to verify the fact that the restaurants had a shortage of workers.
In this blog, we are discussing:
The reason behind the labor shortage
The pandemic affects
How important is an employee to a restaurant
How the labor shortage could affect your restaurant
Where are they and how to attract them
Tips to attract laborers to your business
How to solve the labor shortage issue by relying on technology
The reason behind the restaurant labor shortage
You need to make changes to the work environment and other business activities to retain your existing employees and attract new ones to the business. A recent study shows that the employee quitting rate in the food industry is very high. The main reasons for that are everyone expects a better work environment, better salary, and career growth.
There is no labor shortage, never has been and never will be. It is not that there is not enough staff available. The biggest problem is finding the best employee for our needs.
Many believe that today’s generation does not like working in the restaurant industry. It is a misconception. many people leave restaurant jobs because their wages are insufficient for their living expenses.
A study shows that 43% of Americans are actively looking for a new job and over 50% of workers are considering leaving their company in the next year. Employees in various industries are looking for a job change because they think or expect a better work environment and career growth.
Along with that, employment opportunities are also increasing. The interesting fact is that employees who quit are only looking for better opportunities or other industry jobs.
The pandemic affected
The pandemic also affected the workers. Because many businesses closed and workers lost their jobs, so they started working in other industries. After the pandemic hit they lost their skilled employees.
Hiring or retaining a skilled employee costs a lot of money. Restaurants that are often struggling after the pandemic can’t afford to keep skilled employees with high salaries.
When many businesses are unable to retain employees, they try to hire low-paid employees who don’t have much experience.
There is a shortage of staff when they do not get the employee at the salary they offer.
After re-establishing their business, they are unable to bring back their employees. This is one of the reasons for the restaurant labor shortage.
How important is an employee to a restaurant?
The key success of a restaurant is excellent service. Your employees will interact directly with the customer. You need to give your employees the same priority as your customers.
They play an important role in improving the quality of your service. So it is crucial that your employees are the most hardworking and skilled.
To provide a premium dining experience to customers your employees should be well-trained. Make sure your customers are committed, confident, dedicated, positive, hardworking, team-oriented, and proactive.
How the Labor Shortage Could Affect Your Restaurant
For a busy restaurant business, understaffing can negatively affect your service quality. Let’s take a look at how the restaurant labor shortage is affecting your restaurant.
The customer has to wait for a long time for food
To provide the best customer service experience, you need to ensure that your front-of-house staff is working properly. Otherwise, it takes a long time to receive and serve the food order and it creates a negative experience for the customer.
But for the restaurant business, having too many people at the front of house to take and serve orders can also lead to congestion.
Also, not having enough chefs in your back of house can increase food preparation time and lead to customer dissatisfaction. When you run out of labor in your back-of-house, existing staff have to prepare food. The chefs are unable to consider the quality of food as the orders come in one after the other.
Pro tip: If you can’t staff your front-of-house, you can implement technology such as self-service KIOSK. It helps the customer to place the order and make the payment themselves.
When the customer places an order it is passed to the POS and the kitchen. This will help you reduce order-taking time and reduce the number of employees.
Employee dissatisfaction
Existing staff will have to take on double the workload when there is a shortage of labor. Having to do double work for low wages can lead to employee dissatisfaction. It can lead to employee resignation.
Pro tip: Technology can help simplify operations in business. This will make your employee’s work easier.
Many business owners think that making the work of employees easier will reduce their workload and they will not work for what they are paid. But, if we can make the employees’ jobs easier, not only will their work be of quality, but also productivity will increase.
By using the KIOSK system, the work of the front-of-house employees can be made easier.
Hard to manage your online and online sales
Managing your online and offline business is hard, but keeping both channels efficient and profitable is necessary. with a limited count of employees, you cannot manage both channels efficiently.
A restaurant trying to run an online ordering business with limited staff cannot sustain the business. Speed of delivery is the core of the online business.
Pro tip: if you want to expand your online business and don’t have many delivery boys, then you can go for aggregator online ordering. With integrated point of sale software, you can expand your online business with aggregator integration.
Chance to lose your existing labor
Trying to do business with fewer employees means doubling the work for other workers. This will force them to resign from their jobs. Cannot carry on business.
Where are they and how to attract them
Attracting employees to the business is crucial. They always wait for better opportunities. They may be working for another business. Employees will be attracted to the business if you can create a good work environment and pay a fair salary within the business.
Here are some tips to attract laborers to your business
Use social media for showing your work environment
Social media is the perfect platform to showcase your work environment. You can post about your kitchen, labor, etc on social media and promote your restaurant.
Make reels of your work environment and post them on platforms like Instagram. This will convince others that the work environment in your business is good.
It is possible to attract new laborers and retain existing laborers while offering a better work environment.
Show the technologies you use
Give priority to innovations in business. Use technologies that make laborers’ jobs easier and spread them through social media.
For example, if you use restaurant POS software you can show how the order-taking works and pass it to the kitchen how to simplify labor tasks.
This will attract workers to the business as it will make their work easier and will make them more adept at using technologies.
Better salary
As you know, salary is an important factor in attracting workers. One of the main reasons for the restaurant labor shortage is the lack of fair wages.
A better salary package is required when hiring skilled employees. You are bound to pay a respectable salary in the industry. If you can offer a good salary package that attracts workers, you will be able to hire the best laborers.
Listen to them
You have to listen to your employees, consider them and solve their problems. It is important to retain your existing employees in business. Employees need to be encouraged to commit to the business.
You need to understand the problems they face in your restaurant and you need to be able to solve them.
How to solve the restaurant labor shortage issue by relying on technology
It is difficult to keep the business going with fewer laborers. But business can be managed by relying on technology. Even though technology has taken over the restaurant industry, technologies are helping to increase the efficiency of the business.
In many restaurants, food is served by robots. Many restaurants rely on technology to either get enough labor or reduce labor costs.
Restaurant management systems such as point of sale systems can be used to address restaurant labor shortages. It will help simplify the business and make it efficient.
You can manage your business from anywhere in the world and keep your inventory, sales, customers, employees, payments, and more.
Taking orders when you have limited staff
If you have limited employees, then you can set up a QR code menu or self-ordering KIOSK, so the customer can place orders themselves. There is no need for a server to take orders. For a restaurant business, you can use an Android tablet as your kiosk system.
The contactless dine-in concept has helped restaurateurs manage businesses with fewer employees. This concept has undergone many changes as technology has changed. Perhaps the contactless dine-in concept was able to bring a big change in the restaurant business.
Customer ordering through the QR code menu:
– Customers access the digital menu by scanning a QR code placed on the table. and making payment
-The orders directly transfer to the kitchen and POS.
-The chef makes the food server deliver the food to the table.
Customers ordering food by using KIOSK:
The customer can place an order by using KIOSK. you can place a KIOSK system on your restaurant. The customer can place orders themselves without any help from your employees. They can also make payments by using the integrated payment option.
Customers can collect food from the counter when the food is ready.
It helps to streamline your order-taking and reduce your employee cost. You can carry out your order ranking operations with a very limited number of employees.
Identify your peak times
With a detailed POS report, you can access data and analyze your restaurant performance. You can analyze data, identify peak hours, and schedule more employees around your peak hours.
If you are struggling to get enough labor and you couldn’t manage your rush hours, then the POS reports will help you to plan and schedule your staff for that hours.
Keep your top-selling items available
By analyzing POS reports as I mentioned earlier, you can identify your top-selling items. You need to make sure of the availability of necessary items available to prepare your top-selling items. With running a restaurant with a limited number of employees, it’s hard to keep your inventory efficient.
However, it is very difficult to always check and ensure stock is available. So POS software helps you manage and maintain your inventory efficiently. It also notifies you of a notification when the item runs out.
Or you can set a preset level and when the stock goes down it automatically generates a stock order.
So you can reduce manual operations. And you may not be able to manage your inventory efficiently with your limited number of staff.
Speedy checkout process
One of the problems faced by restaurant owners is managing the rush at the billing counter. Customers do not like to stand in long queues. Expansion of billing counters is not possible in these times of acute labor shortage.
However, you can speed up your checkout process by placing a KIOSK, offering different payment methods and printed receipts.
If you can offer multiple payment methods and digital receipts, customers won’t have to wait long for payment transactions. They can make payments as “tap and go”. You can also reduce receipt printing time by mailing invoices.
Identify your employees
Identify your best employees and reward them to keep them in business. POS tracks every employee and it helps you to identify their performance. It gives you better employee insight. You can also get detailed shift reports and more.
So you can identify your top-performing employees and maintain efficiency in all operations of your business.
Expanding business
Expanding the business is unthinkable if you only have a limited number of employees. Online business is highly profitable.
However, if you are using an online integrated restaurant POS, then you can start selling with online aggregators. The POS system allows you to manage your online and offline orders and minimize manual business operations.
Technology is a great solution to the labor problem facing restaurant businesses. Implementing technology into the business helps in increasing the efficiency and success of the business.
The problem of not getting Labor is likely to increase in the coming years. Success will be difficult if you don’t take actions that need to be made in the business.
sales increasing techniques for supermarket | LithosPOS
In the US market size of 2022, there are $811.5b supermarkets & Grocery stores. The retail industry is getting more competitive day by day. Businesses like the supermarket are hard to survive in this competitive market. Growth depends on various factors like location, business model, customers, products, and other marketing strategies. For example, if your business is located with fewer customers, and you competing with an industry giant, probably you cannot survive. Here we can discuss various selling strategies to increase sales in a supermarket
Before looking at the strategy
Before planning a sales-increasing strategy you need a clear understanding of your buyer persona. It includes their demographics, behavior, and more. If you have a clear buyer persona it will be easier to make a winning sales strategy.
All business is customer-centric. Identify customer pain points and provide solutions to them. There is no end to this process. You should constantly search for their problems and keep providing solutions at the right time.
supermarket payment options
Skyrocket your supermarket sales
Here we can learn 14 all-time sales strategies that even work for you.
1. Have strong in-store visuals
The customers want something to experience. The visual experience increases your brand recognition. It includes color, layout, interior, lighting, and other material. Focus on your customer preferences and bring that element to your in-store visuals.
Pro tip: Here are some tips to provide a premium visual experience
Color codes – use colors that grab attention. And also include your brand color as well
Something to read – use quotes, or tell stories on your store’s walls.
Smell – a good smell can stimulate a better experience.
Lighting – try varieties of lighting for bringing a better visual experience such as general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting
Music – music is another way to create a premium ambiance in your store.
However, providing a premium visual experience can help you to brand recognition, and increase sales, and customer retention.
2. Update your visual elements
Change your visual elements regularly. When customers revisit your store they will feel something new. You can also showcase seasonal products in displays and create a theme based on that.
For example, in the winter season, you can use some graphical images on your wall. and display your seasonal products. It will make an ambiance of the winter season in the store. These visual elements can boost your customer retention.
Pro tip: Experiment with different interiors, lighting, music, and other visual elements. Find your customer’s preferences.
3. Advertise and promote
Marketing is one of the most important ones to increase your supermarket sales. To promote your business you can invest in various promotion techniques. Traditional marketing techniques are still important. Billboards, posters, and other marketing approaches are great ways to promote your supermarket business.
Pro tip:Personalize your marketing campaigns. Customer behavior has changed a lot. Personalizing your offers and customer communication can bring great results. Personalized customer interaction is one of the benefits of digital marketing.
4. Instore coupons
It is a traditional marketing technique. The retailer gives a coupon to customers that have a special discount on a specific product. The customer can redeem the coupon when purchasing from the store. To increase your supermarket sales you need to focus on customer retention also. So your offer should be more beneficial to the customer.
Here are some tips to consider when planning coupons for marketing.
Expiration date
Always keep an expiration date. It will create a feeling of urgency. It also protects your exposure.
Expose the number
The offer in your coupon should be attractive. The customer should feel that offer is worth it.
Set a limitation
You should set some limitations on coupons. Decide what types of customers are eligible to use the coupon, and indicate what products have discounts.
5. Loyalty programs
Customers always looking for rewards. 63% of members spend more to earn loyalty rewards. By identifying your loyal customers you can run loyalty programs. It will encourage them to spend more.
However, you can identify your loyal customers by tracking them. A point of sale software can track and record every business transaction. With the help of reporting and analytics features, you can find your loyal customers.
Personalize your loyalty rewards. It will help you build stronger relationships with customers and increase sales. And make them feel like they’re getting VIP consideration.
6. Use larger carts
Let customers use larger shopping carts in your supermarket. It is psychology that encourages customers to spend more. Studies show that by using larger carts we can increase 40% in sales. It is a psychology that a customer to spend more.
7. Sell trending items
Sell top trending and best-selling items. It helps you to reduce your cost and increase sales. Identify what is most popular or trending and keep stock of those items.
For example, if you are selling seasonal products, then you don’t want to keep stock of that product in the off-season.
You can find your top-selling items by using point of sale software. The software tracks every item in your inventory. It will help you to identify your top-selling items and sales trend.
8. Keep stocks available
If you don’t sell a product that customers looking for, then they will rely on your competitors. To keep your product stocks available you need a proper inventory management system.
If you are running out of stock on an item, the software will notify you. Or you can set a level and when the stock goes below your preset level the stock will automatically add.
Studies show that if your inventory is taken regularly and accurately your operation profits can maximize by up to 26%.
9. Engage with the WhatsApp group
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media. You can create a WhatsApp group and ask your customers to join the group. So you can share your special offers and discounts with the group.
Pro tip: However, you don’t need to go for paid promotions. All you need to do is collect and add the customer to your WhatsApp group.
10. Enough parking
Parking is one of the important ones to increase sales in supermarkets. The majority of customers owned vehicles.
If you don’t provide enough parking facilities, then the customer will not likely choose your store. Parking is one of the important aspects to increase sales in supermarkets. You should have to create a well-designed parking layout.
11. Faster checkout
Customers don’t like to stand in a long queue. For speeding up your checkout process you should use technologies. Using POS software you can simplify your checkout processes. LithosPOS support different types of payment methods and payment partners. So you can offer multiple payment options for your customers.
Using digital receipts will help you to reduce printing time. You can simply send invoices to customer emails or phone numbers.
However, customers can use contactless payments and digital receipts you can speed up your checkout processes. It will make the customer love shopping.
Pro tip: You can implement a self-checkout option for a better customer experience and avoid the long queue. Invest in a self-checkout kiosk for that. it will also encourage customers to purchase more.
12. Promote corporate social responsibility
As a business owner, you have responsibilities to society. Many business owners successfully have more Instagram followers than their company’s Instagram page. They are interacting and help people. They are doing so many social welfare activities. It will increase your sales and business goodwill as well.
Pro tip: You can start with your local welfare associations. Help and collaborate with them.
13. Provide delivery option
Delivery is one of the options to increase sales in your supermarket. Customer behavior is changing day by day. To meet their expectations you have to simplify your business transactions.
So the customer doesn’t need to come to the store to purchase. However, it is one of the pain points of your customers and you can provide delivery options as solutions.
14. Proper visibility
Visibility is one of the main things in business. If you do not get enough visibility to customers, you cannot survive. Make sure both your online and offline store getting visible to customers.
However, make more visible gets more sales. you should also optimize your entrance. Keep eye-catching products, add top-selling products, and create a good customer experience.
15. Train your employees to provide premium customer service
You need to train your employees to provide premium customer service. Provide training to manage all types of customers. If your employees can build a relationship with customers, sales will be much easier.
People want to get suggestions about a product before they buy it. Your employees have a good rapport with the customers so they can make suggestions to the customers.
16. Cross-selling and upselling
You can suggest complimentary products or upgrades to customers during their shopping journey. For example, if a customer is buying pasta, recommend pasta sauce or grated cheese. It allows you to increase your sales and customer retention by up to 90%.
For a customer unfamiliar with a particular product type, you can educate them about the product and its uses, It improves your service quality and customer experience.
However, make sure your customers are well-trained and knowledgeable about all the products in your store.
The Beauty Of No Artificial Preservatives / Burger King. the marketing lesson you need to learn | LithosPOS
Not where opportunities arise. Marketing strategies succeed where opportunities are created. Burger King always tries to come up with very creative marketing ideas. Being the largest fast food chain in the world, they are willing to take any kind of risk in their marketing. The biggest example of that is the campaign called “The Beauty Of No Artificial Preservatives”.
Preservatives and artificial flavors in many fast-food restaurants have long been criticized. Being a fast-food restaurant chain has a lot of commitment to the community. The campaign represents a shift in the fast food industry toward more natural and socially conscious foods.
What is The Beauty Of No Artificial Preservatives
Burger King banned 120 artificial ingredients from its Whopper sandwiches in the U.S in 2020, such as colors, flavors, and preservatives. Today’s society has a clear understanding of what they eat.
120 artificial ingredients banned by Burger King
Advertisements feature Whopper Burgers with no artificial ingredients added. And with a 34-day time stamp, the aging of the burger is beautifully illustrated. In fact, by making the process of food rotting beautiful, the importance of unadulterated food is being exposed. Burger King strives to give organic food the definition of beautiful in a nutshell.
Burger King has also made it clear that they do not use preservatives in the form of colors, additives, and flavors from artificial sources for a natural taste in all their products.
The output
After publishing the video they got 8.7 billion organic impressions from social media (according to Verizon Media and Boxnet).
And 40 million earned in media. (according to Cision and Boxnet).
There were as many negative comments as positive. However, 75% of the comments were positive.
As I said before, people can identify the pros and cons of each food. Burger King exposed a reality to the people. As a restaurant, by organizing such a campaign, their business has proven to be transparent. And it helped them to build trust and a good brand image.
With this, Burger King has been chosen to have organic fast food, putting an end to the age-old criticism that fast foods are adulterated. Here, the video is exposed to a horrifying reality of a burger with Artificial Preservatives. Here we can see that everything that seems good has a negative side and everything that doesn’t seem right has a positive side.
In The View of Marketing
Burger King brought a huge change to the food industry. They can provide the healthiest food to their customers. Discussing the marketing aspect of it, it is seen that they have got a very successful output.
By exposing a fact, they developed faith in the minds of the people. People today are very health conscious, so when they want to eat a burger they want to choose a healthy or unadulterated one. Burger King has taken timely business decisions by carefully observing the changes in the lifestyle of the customers. Therefore, they were able to generate 14% sales with this one campaign.
However, the video was able to explain to customers in a very simple way why customers should choose their business in a competitive market. It has become a challenge for other businesses as they have proven to be committed to the community.
restaurant pos software for coffee shop, food businesses | LithosPOS
What Do You Have to Learn From It?
Whether you are a small or medium business, you can learn a lot from the marketing strategy of a big-chain fast food restaurant like Burger King. Identify marketing opportunities and plan when and how to use them. You need to identify the changes in customers, trends, or lifestyles and the changes they can bring to your business and use it for marketing strategies.
Burger King understood the pain point of their customers and made a big business decision to solve it and marketed it well.
Also, we can see the importance of being very transparent with a business customer. Keeping customers informed about what is happening in the business and what changes you have made to prevent will help you to build a good brand image.
point of sale software for small business | LithosPOS
A point-of-sale (POS) system is essential to improve day-to-day operations. The system helps in core functions of the business like employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and inventory tracking. So, your overall business functions are integrated with the system, and simply manage it.
In this guide we’ll cover:
How does a point of sale software work at a small business
Why do you need to consider a point of sale software for small businesses?
Type of small businesses and suitable point of sale software
Tips for choosing the best Point of sale software for small businesses
Types of point of sale software are commonly used
Frequently asked questions about a point of sale software for small businesses
How does a point of sale software work at a small business?
Point of sale software keeps your business efficient. It tracks sales and accepts payments from customers when a purchase is made. Most of the point of sale software is integrated and includes features that help you streamline your business, such as inventory management, report and analytics, payment integration, and a customer loyalty program.
However, let’s dive deep and learn how point of sale software works in a small business,
To get a clear picture, we can take a real-life scenario.
A customer comes to your instore and asks for one product they want
You are offering multiple payment methods and payment partners. The customer chooses one option and makes a payment
Point of sale tracks and records sales and automates printed or email receipts – customer satisfied.
As I said earlier point of sale software features help to streamline all your business operations.
1. The customer comes to your instore and asks for one product they want: studies show that when you are running out of stock more than 75% of customers rely on your competitor. So you need to make sure of the product availability.
So how will you do that? well, the software tracks every item in your inventory. When an item runs low on stock, you will be notified. Or you can preset a level and the stock will automatically add to the inventory.
2. You are offering multiple payment methods and payment partners Customers choose one option and make payment: “80% of retailers are suggesting contactless payments. It helps them to keep checkout counter clean and safer for employees and customers”.
However, you can enable a premium customer experience with integrated payments. It will boost your checkout process. Offering various payment methods and payment partners based on your country. The customer feels secure and flexible
3. Point of sale tracks and records sales and automates printed or email receipts – customer satisfied: the software records each transaction. You can check the sales data anytime. By automating the receipt option you can save a lot of time. and it will also help enhance the customer experience. If the customer prefers digital receipts you can send them to their email.
4. You are using customer data for your customer retention strategy: every time a purchase is made by the customer it will record in the CRM. based on their buying history it’s easy to find your loyal customers.
Use the data for marketing purposes (email marketing, WhatsApp marketing, SMS marketing, google ads, Facebook ads, etc) by targeting your loyal customers. As you know customer retention cost is cheaper than acquiring a new customer.
The Point sale software for small businesses is integrated and has multiple features. You can see here that everything is connected. So it keeps all the operations efficient.
Pro tip: Rather than investing in multiple software such as inventory management, CRM, loyalty programs, and online delivery, you can get everything under one umbrella. So you don’t need to pay for each software. For a small business, the point of sale software is worth it.
Why do you need to consider a point of sale software for small businesses
The image will give you a better understanding. So, you don’t need to visit another 5 blogs to understand this.
LithosPOS is one of the leading point of sale software with thousands of restaurant and retail customers from 64+ countries. The industry-leading software has 12+ integrated payment partners with multiple payment methods, online ordering and eCommerce integration, inventory management, accounting integration, and many more.
Intending to help and encourage small business owners, LithosPOS is the most affordable point of sale software for small businesses when compared to other software.
LithosPOS Uniqueness
Use the software like any other software on your mobile and pc
Helping small businesses and startups for getting success. Most affordable
Multiple integrated payments based on your country’s
eCommerce integration
Aggregator integration
Inventory management
Report and analytics(real-time, daily, weakly, monthly, and yearly)
Customer loyalty program
Work offline as well as online
Employee management
Manage multi-location business
Works on any devices
Access to reports from anywhere (cloud-based)
24/7 customer support, and more
Simple to use
LithosPOS focuses on user experience. With simple navigation and a better interface, anyone can simply understand the software. The data visualization and analysis are much simpler, you can view and analyze data in one interface. For example, you can see your eCommerce and in-store sales and compare them in one interface.
Most affordable
When compared to other point of sale software LithosPOS is the most affordable with so many benefits. LithosPOS aims to provide affordable software to small businesses and startups and help them grow.
Customers are now opting for smart devices or cards to make payments. by 2024, contactless payments are projected to triple from $2T to $6T. You can offer a premium customer experience with integrated payment. You can choose your payment partners based on your country.
It helps restaurant retail businesses to provide a premium customer experience to their customers. It helps to facilitate payment transactions and speed up the checkout process.
eCommerce integration
According to NRF retail sales are projected to reach $5.13-$5.23 trillion, with online sales growing 10-12% in 2023. The online business has high potential in the coming years. and online business becomes a necessary platform that helps you to increase sales and reach customers as well.
You can manage your online business and offline business with LithosPOS. Making reports and automating inventory, managing sales, and customers will be easier. Integrate your e-commerce platforms such as WooCommece, Shopify, and more.
Lithospos is a way for businesses to expand their business. Lithospos helps you accept online and offline orders, manage inventory efficiently, and know the performance of your platform.
If you are a restaurant owner you can expand your online business with various aggregators. For example, you can choose Uber Eats as your aggregator, sell items, and analyze your business.
Inventory management
LithosPOS keeps your inventory profitable. By preventing out-of-stock and maintaining inventory levels you can save a lot of money. The software will notify you when an item running low on stock. It also helps to generate reports and simplify accounting such as tax reports, sales reports, purchase returns, sales returns, and more.
By automating inventory, your inventory will also change based on the orders received from your online and offline platforms. You can automate all the manual tasks, including headaches.
Report and analytics
Access to the business data in real-time and manage it from anywhere in the world. Analyze your business performance such as most selling items, worst selling items, most and worst sales days, online sales, offline sales, employee efficiency, customer report, and more.
Customer loyalty program
LithosPOS point of sale software for small businesses tracks every customer. So you can simply find your loyal customers based on their buying behavior. However, you can use the customer contact details for marketing purposes. For example, send offers through emails, or SMS, and you can also add on a custom customer loyalty app.
Work offline as well as online
The software is cloud-based, but you don’t need to worry about it. If the internet is down you can make sales offline mode. After the internet is restored the data will automatically sync.
Employee management
Finding your top-selling and worst-selling employees and analyzing their performance will be easier. By tracking employees you can identify the cash lack at the end of the shift.
Manage multi-location business
Manage your multi-location business with LithosPOS. Transfer the goods across your businesses, simply analyze and generate inventory, sales, customer, tax, and many other reports.
Works on any device
If you are a small business owner with a limited budget, LithosPOS fits you. The software works with any device. You can simply run it on your existing Android, ios, and Windows devices. So you don’t have to buy any special hardware.
Pro tip:
Most of the POS software providers will tell you to invest in expensive hardwares. However investing in POS software like LithosPOS allows you to use any hardware that you have or you can afford. It is a huge advantage for small and medium businesses.
Access to business from anywhere
To manage your business you don’t need to be in your store location. Using LithosPOS cloud-based point of sale keeps your business efficient wherever you go. Access to the business report – analyze and manage, all you need is an internet connection and LithosPOS.
24/7 customer support
LithosPOS is always there to help you. You can contact customer support anytime you want.
Pro tip:
Small businesses need scalable software. In the future, your business will expand. In such a scenario, cloud-based software that can grow with the business is essential. Constantly changing software providers at every stage of your business growth can be difficult and time-consuming. It is also challenging for employees to learn the software if you consistently change.
However, Invest your money in the right software, not only for today but also for tomorrow.
What type of small business are you? | You need this
Single store business
If you are running a single-store business. Because of the limited budget and manpower, the business needs to invest in cloud POS software. You can reduce manpower by automating business operations. Automate inventory, generate reports, and more.
Pro tip:
You can also invest in a self-service KIOSK to reduce the need for labor. So the customer can checkout themselves.
LithosPOS-kiosk-software
Multilocation chain
To make multi-location businesses profitable you need a proper system. To keep both businesses efficient you need to invest in point of sale software. When you started using the software the inventory process got easy.
For example, if your one store runs out of stock, you can transfer goods from one store to another. The point is it allows you to manage everything in one software.
Combined brick-and-mortar and Online business
If you are a business owner with both online and brick-and-mortar stores, it can be more challenging to manage.
For example,
You sold a product through your eCommerce store
You are manually reducing items in the inventory
And manually calculating the online and offline sales
You are struggling to calculate your sales, profit, loss, and more in your business(online and offline)
Instead of that, you can invest in point of sale software for small businesses
For example,
You made a sale through your e-commerce platform
It automatically reduces that sold item from the inventory
The software automatically generates reports end of the year, month, week, or in real-time
You can simply analyze all your sales data without any manual calculations.
Managing both online and offline is crucial without technology. By integrating all your business operations together, you can manage your entire business from one place with one software.
Tips for choosing the best Point of sale software for small businesses(How to buy)
Your budget: consider your budget before buying software. It will be more expensive when purchasing the hardware. If you choose software that is compatible with any device, it allows you to use the software on your existing or low-cost devices as well.
User-friendly: The software should be very user-friendly. It should be easy to use even by a non-technical person. This will help prevent wasting a lot of time on software training. Every newly joining employee can use the software with ease, with no need for special training.
Your size: Consider where your business is now and at the same time consider your goal. Forecast your business growth and invest in point of sale software that can scale with you.
Your industry: Consider your business industry. If you are a retailer you need retail point of sale software it includes features such as payment integration, eCommerce integration, accounting software integration, CRM, and more
If you are a restaurant owner, you can invest in a restaurant point of sale software that includes payment integration, online ordering, aggregator online ordering, integration, accounting software integration, CRM, and more.
Types of point of sale software are commonly used
Here is the list of commonly used point of sale software for small businesses.
POS Type
Description
Suitable Businesses
Online POS
Operates over the internet and allows businesses to process transactions from different locations. Offers flexibility and accessibility.
E-commerce stores, multi-location retail businesses, service-based businesses with mobile operations
POS system installed on desktop computers, typically used in fixed locations such as retail stores or restaurants.
Boutique stores, high-end retail stores, cafes, and businesses with a focus on aesthetics and customer experience
iPad POS
Built for Apple’s iPad devices, providing a user-friendly and intuitive interface for processing transactions.
Retail businesses, cafes, small and medium-sized businesses, and businesses utilizing Android devices
Android POS
Specifically designed for Android devices, offering compatibility with a wide range of smartphones and tablets running on the Android operating system.
Retail businesses, cafes, small and medium-sized businesses, businesses utilizing Android devices
On-premise POS
Installed locally on the business’s own servers or computers, allowing complete control over the system and data.
Large retail chains, businesses with specific security and compliance requirements
Multichannel POS
It supports multiple sales channels, such as physical stores, online stores, and marketplaces, enabling seamless integration and management.
Retail businesses with an online presence, businesses selling through various channels, businesses aiming for centralized control
Omnichannel POS
POS system that provides a unified and consistent experience across all sales channels, allowing customers to have a seamless shopping experience.
Retail businesses with a strong online and offline presence, businesses prioritizing personalized customer experiences
Frequently asked questions about point of sale software for small businesses
Which point of sale software is the most affordable?
LithosPOS is the leading point of sale software for your small business. The price is low when compared to other software. It has a wide variety of payment integrations, inventory management, eCommerce integrations, aggregator integration, online ordering, report and analytics, customer loyalty programs, and more.
Can I use the phone as a point of sale (POS)?
Yes, you can. You can manage your business using your mobile devices as your POS. All you need is an app and a card reader. The software is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and more.
Is the point of sale software expensive?
Investing in cloud-based software is less expensive. You can reduce the high amount of hardware costs by using Android, ios, and Windows devices.
How long does it take to install a Point of sale software?
You can set up the software within 5 minutes. For example, you can quickly add thousands of items using CSV spreadsheets to inventory management. So, it is really fast and you don’t have to invest your time too much time in point of sale software.
Which is the most popular POS system for restaurants?
LithosPOS is the most popular POS system for restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. We are currently present in over 70 countries and our software is being used by over 6,000 independent businesses and 100+ chain stores. We support 5 languages including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Arabic. We have registered our company in the US as Lithospos, Inc. and we already have hardware and payment partners in several countries, including the US.
For a restaurant what type of business functions can be integrated with LithosPOS?
You can integrate your various business functions with LithosPOS. You can simplify your inventory, CRM, employees, payments, and online business. It also helps you to integrate with the front office and back office functions like KOT, kitchen display, customer display, Kiosks, and more. Not your business tasks, you can also simply manage your multi-location business through a centralized dashboard.
How do I set up a POS for my small business?
Get instructions from the POS provider
Set up hardware (computer, printer, scanner) and connect it with POS software
Upload products using Excel(bulk upload)
Give user permission
Configure taxes/payment options
Integrate with other software
Give training to staff
Test thoroughly, then launch and monitor
Identify the ways you can grow your small business and use it
Does LithosPOS integrate with QuickBooks?
Yes, LithosPOS integrates with QuickBooks. It allows you to simplify your accounting operations. And you can also integrate many other software as well.
Best POS with credit card processing option
LithosPOS can seamlessly integrate credit card processing into your point-of-sale system, providing you with a secure and efficient payment solution
Switch to Cloud-Based POS | It's Simpler Than you think | LithosPOS
Until a few years ago, businesses relied on traditional POS software for their operations. However, with the advent of cloud-based POS software, they are now making a significant shift. The transition to cloud-based platforms has empowered businesses with even more powerful and simplified POS capabilities.
The main reason everyone is switching to the cloud is that cloud-based POS is more convenient and easier to use than traditional POS. it became essential for restaurant and retail businesses. it also helps to manage merchants, customers, sales, inventory, and more.
So before discussing how to switch we want to choose the right software.
Tips for choosing the right cloud-based POS software
A cloud POS should have these features:
Compatible with any devices
The software you are going to purchase should work on any device. if you already have the hardware you do not need to buy another to install the software. You can access it through any device like Android, iOS, or Windows.
Works on offline mode
Internet is essential when using cloud-based software. software needs to be able to work even when the Internet is down. syncing data as soon as the internet connection is restored. the software can work offline just like you do online.
Analytic and reporting feature
Based on the detailed data, the business can move forward. software capable of providing detailed Analytics will help you grow your business.
Integrated payment
Integrated payments are a crucial part of the customer experience. cloud POS software should be able to offer different payment options and partners depending on the specific country
Manage inventory
Manage your product inventory, and increase profits by preventing stock shortages with Purchase Order Receiving.
Customer loyalty program
The POS should include a loyalty program option. new customers can automatically be added to the program
POS software should be able to accept orders online using the web & app and online aggregator integration. It allows you to expand your business online and generate more profit. By integrating with popular online ordering aggregators you will get higher visibility on customers.
eCommerce integration
eCommerce integration should be possible. The cloud-based POS should have integration with e-commerce platforms. It will help you to scale your business online and make more profit.
Employee management
Employee performance can be tracked using reports and analytics to hold your employees accountable. So you can identify their efficiency and inefficiency and take action. It can also help you to manage HR operations, So you can manage them more efficiently.
24/7 support
Find a service provider who provides 24/7 support to address your issues.
Why you need to use cloud-based POS
Why you should switch to cloud-based POS. if you are using a traditional POS and it is important to understand the needs when switching to a new system. if you are currently using cloud POS, it is time to examine how effective your current POS is.
So let’s start from the beginning what is a cloud-based point of sale (POS)?
A cloud POS is a web-based point-of-sale system that allows you to manage your entire business. the business data is stored in the cloud so that you can access the data anytime from anywhere in the world. simply allows access to all information from a remote server instead of being stored and accessed locally.
Importance and benefits of a cloud-based POS
Accessible from anywhere
Access and manage your business data from anywhere in the world with the help of the internet. because the data stored in the cloud makes it more convenient to manage your business efficiently.
Traditional POS has limitations in accessibility. you must be physically present at the store location. because everything is stored on local servers. this is one of the significant reasons you should switch to cloud-based POS.
Maintenance
Cloud POS software is easy to maintain. no manual operation is required to install updates, it automatically keeps up to date. so no special maintenance, you can save money.
Maintaining traditional POS is more crucial. The updations can be made only by a technical person. it is time-consuming and expensive.
Data Security
With the use of cloud-based POS, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can significantly reduce the risk of fraud connected with credit card processing by automatically backing up and syncing data via a remote server.
Also, the business data kept on servers is highly encrypted. This implies that the information saved in your system would be unreadable even if someone were to obtain access to it.
In the case of a traditional POS system, the data is stored in a local server. so there is a high chance of physical damage, such as fire, flood, theft, etc.
Hardware
The hardware is really expensive. no need to buy special hardware when switching to cloud-based POS. you can use it on your existing Android, ios, and PC devices. All you need in addition is an internet connection.
Scalability
Business growth and expansion are desired goals of every business. the POS system can scale. when your business grows it is possible to upgrade POS also. You do not have to spend too much time or money on that.
Seamless Integration
One of the main reasons you should switch to cloud-based POS is seamless integration. One of the most complex parts of managing a business is payment transactions. but unfortunately, it is an important part of the customer experience.
Integrated Payments gives your customers a premium checkout experience. a cloud POS enables you to accept different payment types and payment partners.
So what to look for when switching to a cloud-based POS
