POS systems in company catering have to contend with special challenges - compared to conventional gastronomy. These include, above all, different price groups for dishes and the speed at peak times during the lunch break.
Fast and high-performance systems are therefore indispensable to ensure that orders and payments can be processed smoothly without, for example, lengthening waiting times for customers. Different systems have become established in company catering, which - depending on the conditions on site - bring different advantages for the guests.
The classic counter cash registers
The classic counter cash registers - cash registers with staff directly at the counter or at a separate cashier's desk - are the dominant image in the catering industry. They are easy to install and can be customized with various peripherals such as receipt printers, scales or card readers.
Counter cash registers allow targeted communication and support of guests. By addressing them directly, additional sales can be generated and errors in ordering or payment can be detected more quickly.
Self-service checkouts impress with high flexibility
Self-service checkouts allow customers to pay for their order themselves without the need for separate staff to make the booking. By eliminating the need for large checkout stations, the space required in the company restaurant can be used more efficiently and existing staff are relieved - guests can also save valuable waiting time thanks to the simpler checkout.
In the self-service checkout segment, various systems with different application options have become established. These include stations where products are scanned by the customers themselves or mini-checkouts where only a specific product is paid for using an employee ID card. Plate scanners - a camera that automatically recognizes and books goods - and order terminals have also recently come into use.
Checkout via smartphone as a convenient payment option
Payment via smartphone is also becoming increasingly important in company catering. Various payment methods such as SEPA direct debit, PayPal, credit card, digital credit, cost center or direct payroll accounting can be connected via the lunch app and offer users convenient and diverse options for paying for their (pre-)orders. Furthermore, in addition to app-based pre-orders, self-service systems such as Scan2Go are also possible.
Waiter cash registers for classic table service
Waiter checkouts allow guests to be served at their seats - just like in a classic restaurant. Orders are taken and settled directly at the table using a tablet. The data for this is transmitted to a main cash register via WLAN. Table service offers customers a high quality of service thanks to the speed of processing. In addition, errors can be corrected quickly.
Powerful checkout software for more efficient processes
High-performance and fast checkout software is essential, especially in mass catering: Different price categories and billing models, daily changing offers and fast processing during peak times at lunchtime are challenges that must be overcome. To this end, the POS software makes things easier for employees and impresses, among other things, with its simple recording and editing of processes.
In addition, a smooth connection to the merchandise management system and external devices is possible, which allows standard processes to be automated.
Conclusion: POS systems for every application
Checkout systems are an essential part of any company restaurant and play an important role in ensuring smooth operations. In the course of digitalization, new systems such as plate scanners, mobile payment or self-scanning options have become established alongside the classic checkout systems. Depending on the conditions on site, individual and custom-fit checkout systems can be installed. The variants can be combined with each other and are protected against manipulation thanks to TSE (technical security equipment).
