For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

Is the POS Vendor a Start Up Company or an established business with a proven track record that can provide local references?

Many POS startups (mainly iPad and Tablet providers) do not survive more than a few years. The doors close once the low monthly fees for the POS system cannot pay the salaries of the phone support staff nor fund future development. If considering an inexpensive iPad Startup Company ask for several references in your region with similar concepts and sales volume. AdvancedHospitalitySystems(AHS)wasfoundedin1990.Forover25years,AHShassoldpointofsalecomputersystemsexclusivelytothehospitalityindustry.AHSistheauthorizedNCRAlohachannelpartnerandhasinstalledAlohaPOSinover1,700restaurantsinEasternPennsylvania,NewJerseyandNorthernDelaware. NaMonalCashRegister(NCR)openeditsdoorsin1884andisapioneerinthePointofSaleIndustry.

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Should I purchase a Cloud Based or Site Based POS system? Both have their advantages. Cloud based systems are less expensive and sometimes are a good solution for restaurants with small, simple menus. These POS systems have limited feature sets and can only function for a short period of time when the Wi-Fi goes down. Running the system in offline mode, without Wi-Fi can hinder your ability to accept credit cards. Click Here for a great example as to what happens when a cloud based system goes offline.

Store Based POS hosts the data at the restaurant rather than in the cloud. Store based POS may cost a bit more, but they are much more reliable than cloud based systems. Most store based systems can operate seamlessly without Wi-Fi or Internet. NCRAlohaoffersacombinaMonofbothstorebasedandcloudbasedPOS.NCRAlohacouldrunforover2weekswithoutInternet,Wi-FiorSiteController.Thisprovidesamuchmorestable,reliablesoluMon.Themeatandpotatoesareonthegroundtoalwayskeepthesystemupandrunning.GiYCards,Loyalty,OnlineOrdering,CustomerFeedbackandotherappsareallinthecloud.

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

The purchase of a Point-of-Sale (POS) system is one of the most important business decisions you'll make as a restaurant or bar owner. The right POS system makes sure every penny hits your

pocket and not your employees. There are many options to consider such as Cloud Based or Store Based. Rugged Touch Screens or iPads. You must look at feature sets, the complexity of your menu,

service options and future needs. This report will guide you through the purchasing process and help you ask all the right questions.

For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

Are Mobile Ordering Devices Right for my Business? Mobile ordering devices such as iPads, Android and Windows Tablets can improve table turn and increase the average check. In Table Service, it’s important for servers to make eye contact with customers rather than be fixated on the tablet. Also, the use of food and drink runners will improve overall efficiency. In Quick Service, tablets are great for “Line Busting”. Keep in mind that tablets are only as good as the Wi-Fi. As stated earlier in this report, if your Wi-Fi is down, the entire system is down.

AtAHS,wefeelthebestsoluMonforMobileOrderingisacombinaMonandtradiMonalterminalsmixedinwithtablets.InthisconfiguraMon,yourtradiMonalterminalswillconMnuetofuncMon,eveniftheW-Fiisdown.

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Initial Programming, Training and Installation Ask the POS provider who is responsible for programming the menu, training your staff and installing the system. Also, ask if this is performed remotely or in person. A successful implementation is critical to your operation.

Most Cloud Based and inexpensive iPad startup systems cost less because YOU are responsible for all the programming and the training of your staff. Often there are additional charges for the low-cost POS vendor to perform these services remotely. If you require onsite training and live day coverage you will be responsible for the cost to fly out a technician, cover meals, lodging and other expenses.

EveryNCRAlohaSystemincludesourpersonalConciergeService.Thisprovidesyouwithadedicatedprojectmanagerthatprovidesthefollowingservices:*InPersonMenuDevelopmentMeeMng*ProgrammingofEnMreMenu*TrainingofKeyPeopleinClassroomSe_ngonYourData*InstallaMonServices*LiveDayOn-SiteCoverage*2WeekonSiteFollowup*InaddiMontothepersonalizedtraining.NCRAlohausershaveaccesstoNCRUniversitywhereuserscanviewover100trainingvideos.WealsounderstandthatsomeMmesturnoverishighisthehospitalityindustryandweofferfreemonthlytrainingclassesatourVoorhees,NJOfficefornewmanagers

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

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Can the POS vendor adapt and change their software as the ordering habits of customers change? Today’s POS System is more than just touching a pretty picture on a POS screen and directing the item to print in the kitchen. The POS System needs to give you the ability to mine the data so you can look for product and customer trends that enable you to bring back customers. Competition is fierce and you need every advantage at your fingertips. Will the POS company provide the consultive services needed to help you better engage with your customers, or is the POS system just a transactional purchase to secure your credit card processing business?

Tokeepupwiththemanychangestoourindustry,NCRbudgetsoverseveralmilliondollarsayearforfeatureenhancementstotheAlohaSuiteofSoYwareProducts.TheR&DbudgetforAlohaismorethantheannualsalesofmostcompeMtors.TheprimaryfocusoftheNCRAlohadevelopmentroadmapistoconMnuetocreateproductsthatgeneraterevenueandkeepyourcustomerscomingbacktoyourrestaurant.NCR’sconsumerengagementsoluMonsofferavarietyofwaystocaptureyourguests’afenMonandconnectwiththemlikeneverbefore.

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

Phone Support and Hardware Service Ask the POS provider the following questions.

PHONE SUPPORT * What are the hours of operation of the helpdesk? * Is the helpdesk US Based? * Is two factor authentication used for remote access to the system? If yes, ask the sales rep to explain the definition of two factor authentication? * Is proactive support provided? Can the POS system alert the helpdesk if an issue arises at the site or

does the site call when there is a problem?

Hardware SUPPORT * If a terminal or tablet needs to be replaced does a technician arrive at the site with the unit, load the menu database and verify it is operational? * How long does it take to receive a terminal or tablet replacement? * Is wear and tear covered?

AHSisalocalcompanyandallserviceisbasedoutoftheVoorhees,NJoffice.OurNewJerseyhelpdesktakesyourcallunMl2am,7daysaweek.OurCommandCenterSoYwarealertsourhelpdeskifaproblemoccursatthesiteanditallowsustofixandissuebeforeyoucallus.TwofactorAuthenMcaMonprovidesourtechnicianwithauniquepasswordthatchangesevery5secondswhenprovidingremotesupport.

NCRPOSterminalsarewarranMedandservicedas“FullUnitReplacement”andalwaysarrivewithanNCRCerMfiedTechniciantoensuretheterminalisproperlyinstalled.NCRcovers“wearandtear”onallPOSterminalsunderwarrantyorserviceplans

For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

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What is Software as a Service and is that the best way to purchase a POS System? Many POS companies sell their POS Software as a fixed monthly cost. This is commonly known as Software as a Service (SaaS). The monthly payment typically includes the POS Software, version upgrades and the phone support. The SaaS model is very popular in our everyday lives. We pay monthly fees for phone apps, to stream movies, to listen to audio books and now we even pay monthly fees to listen to Satellite Radio in our cars. In a SaaS model you are always current and no longer need to budget for service contracts.

AtNCRAloha,weallowyoutopurchasethesysteminthewaythatmakesyoumostcomfortable.WeofferyoutheopMonofatradiMonalpurchase,leasetoownopMonsorAlohaasaMonthlyservicethatincludesthehardware,thesoYware,phonesupport,upgrades,remoteaccessandamanagedfirewall.

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

Don’t be fooled by vendors that offer free POS! In life, nothing is free. If the POS software has value, there is an associated cost. The are many offers advertised for “free or almost free POS” all over the internet. The truth is that these companies want your credit processing. The fees are high, the contracts and statements are hard to understand and if you take in a high percentage of credit card payments, the system ends up costing you hundreds of dollars a month in hidden fees. Ask the sales representative if the system is still free if you choose a different credit card processor!

AtNCRAloha,weallowyoutochoosethecreditcardprocessorthatbestfitsyourneedsandprovidesyouwiththebestpricing.

For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

The features I need today may not be what I need next year?

It’s critical to think ahead. Today you may only need POS terminals and a Gift Card program. Next year your needs may be very vastly different. It may be time to add a loyalty program, offer your customers an online ordering app or self-order kiosk. As your business grows the POS system needs to have the feature set to grow with you. Ask the POS sales representative if they offer the following;

For more help selecting a POS System contact us HERE or at 800-950-0414

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Restaurant POS Purchasing Guide 9 things to look for when shopping for a POS System

About the Author

Dave Kasinetz is Vice President of Advanced Hospitality Systems. AHS been providing Point of Sale Solutions to the hospitality industry since 1990 and is the regional distributor of Aloha POS Software and NCR Hardware in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Dave attended The Pennsylvania State University and transferred to Widener University after his sophomore year. David earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Widener University's acclaimed School of Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1987. Upon graduation Dave managed Red Lobster restaurants for several years as well as serving as General Manager of the Pepperidge Tree Restaurant in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building. He joined Advanced Hospitality Systems in 1996. Dave played a major role in the creation of an elite Sales Team at AHS that has installed over 1,700 POS systems in the region since 1996. Along with his responsibilities as Vice President of Sales, Dave continues to manage a sales team that has made AHS and NCR Aloha, the POS leader in the Philadelphia and South Jersey markets. In this region, more servers and bartenders are trained on Aloha, than on any other POS SystemDave is a frequent guest speaker at Widener University, the University of Delaware, Drexel University and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Dave lectures to hospitality students on Point of Sale Systems. He covers Return on Investment from POS as well as the impact of integrating Customer Loyalty and Customer Feed Back to Social Media. Dave also lectures on new technologies that allow restaurateurs to Detect and Reduce Employee Theft. NCR has recognized Dave for his sales achievements in the NCR Aloha Presidents Club for 6 consecutive years. Dave also serves on the NCR Reseller Advisory Board and Product Board.

Dave Kasinetz 800-950-0414 dave.kaz@alohapos.net

Advancedhospitality.com