5 Restaurant POS System Problems (And How to Avoid Them)

“Every advantage has its disadvantage.”

This Dutch proverb stands as an ideal testimony for restaurant POS systems. 

While these comprehensive solutions come with an intuitive & appealing dashboard and are packed with incredible features that enhance efficiency and streamline daily operations, they highlight certain drawbacks, such as security vulnerabilities, complex usage, hardware issues, limited customizations, and expensive models.

Every problem comes with a loophole, and so does this one. In this article, we will discuss five common pitfalls of a restaurant POS system and how to avoid them like a pro. 

Let’s walk through them, shall we?

Restaurant POS System: 5 Common Issues & How to Deal With Them

1. Expensive Solution

Restaurant POS systems can be considered a costly solution, especially if you own a small business. The system may be a one-time purchase; however, recurring costs, such as maintenance fees, integration charges, transaction fees on each sale, and payment processing, can be expensive over time. If you choose a subscription model, you need to pay a monthly or annual fee for continued access to the services. 

Although the solution is assessing the system's overall value, including overhead expenses, to comprehend what fits your budget and whether you will be able to extend it depending on the requirements. While budget plays a pivotal role, it's crucial to choose a solution that offers essential features without burning a hole in your pocket. 

2. Security Issues

No matter how secure your system might be, unauthorized access and cyber crimes can arise at the drop of a hat. This can be a major threat to your restaurant business as it stores customers' personal information, and losing such valuable data not only exposes confidential details but also impacts your business's credibility. 

To prevent this major roadblock from interrupting your seamless journey, it's crucial to opt for a system with a robust infrastructure that complies with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) to evade transactional fraud such as stolen card information or identity theft. 

Check if the system offers end-to-end encryption and frequent system updates to shield your company’s and customer’s data from losing or hacking. 

3. Difficult to Use

Difficulty in usage is one of the most common issues when using a POS system, and is often faced by users because of the tricky interface and various touchpoints. Another reason can be inadequate training. If you and your staff are not trained properly, it could lead to errors and delays in order fulfillment, resulting in frustration and establishment abandonment. 

Sometimes, new updates in the software can also cause challenges in usage. Hence, it is important to address these troubles right from the start and choose a POS system with a user-friendly dashboard and intuitive interaction points to simplify your experience. 

Familiarize yourself and your staff with the system thoroughly by connecting with a provider who can dedicate their time to explaining the nuances of it. Remember to adapt to the workflow of new features and updates to navigate the POS effortlessly. 

4. Integration Complexities

Integration of your existing solutions such as online ordering platform, inventory management software, accounting, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) with POS can sometimes be arduous and time consuming. Additionally, you need to have technical expertise by your side to successfully complete the incorporation process. 

Choose a POS system that is flexible enough to integrate with an array of softwares & applications and offers constant compatibility without triggering any technical glitches or bugs for the smooth and efficient functioning of your restaurant business.

5. Hardware Issues

Last but not least, hardware failure. It is one of the most significant concerns that can disrupt your system, impacting the productivity and sequence of operations in your restaurant. 

Some issues include an unresponsive touchscreen, printer malfunctions, card reader failures, and network connectivity issues. However, these problems can be resolved with simple solutions. 

Do not physically damage the touchscreen, and if the issue of unresponsiveness persists, contact technical support immediately. 

For the printer, clean and maintain it at frequent intervals. Clear any paper jams and replace cartridges upon the requirement. Keep the card reader free from debris, and if you still notice the error, get in touch with the provider for a service or replacement.

Make sure your POS system is connected to a reliable and secure network, providing abundant bandwidth. Do not forget to implement backup WiFi to maintain the connectivity and sync data during power outages. 

A Quick Recap!

With this, we conclude our blog and hope these solutions will help you resolve the issues in no time. Before we sign off, here’s a glimpse of what we discussed so far —

• Expensive solution: POS systems can be high-priced solutions, although it’s imperative to consider your requirements, budget, and overall software cost to make the most out of your investment. 
• Security issues: You cannot stop cyber attacks, but what you can do is choose a system that is secure, complies with regulatory standards, and offers end-to-end encryption to protect your data and sleep with peace of mind. 
• Difficult to use: Some POS systems are designed with a complex interface and multiple functionalities & buttons, which can be confusing for you and your staff. Go for a solution with an appealing and straightforward dashboard for hassle-free operations. 
• Integration complexities: The POS system should flawlessly integrate with other softwares and offer consistent performance without unwanted setbacks. 
• Hardware issues: Problems like unresponsive touchscreens, printer malfunctions, and internet connectivity can impact your restaurant’s operations, but they can be tackled by maintaining & cleaning hardware utilizing a reliable network. If nothing works, contact the POS provider immediately.

Looking for a simple and powerful POS system for your restaurant? Contact us and get a demo today! Our solution is equipped with a kitchen display system, order tracking, pricing, online ordering & delivery, and table & menu management to execute every task without a hitch and boost the sales of your restaurant. 

OVVI POS is an ideal choice for establishments like fine dining, quick service, bar & lounge, pizza, frozen yogurt, food truck, and fast casual, and has a variety of incredible features like — 

• Simple ordering process & inventory management
• Very easy table layout
• Intuitive pizza builder
• Multi-language mode
• Table-side ordering & payments
• Kitchen display solution
• Emv – chip card & apple pay payments
• Reporting & insights
• Multi-store capabilities
• Self-ordering kiosk