Today’s restaurant ecosystem is extremely dynamic; therefore, reliable and efficient POS systems aren’t just a luxury—they’re necessary. Imagine a bustling Friday night where orders are flying in, tables are turning, and your staff is hustling to keep everything running smoothly. This is where the magic of an iPad restaurant POS system comes into play. Unlike traditional setups, iPad POS systems for restaurants offer unparalleled flexibility, user-friendliness, and a host of features that can streamline operations from the front-of-house to the kitchen.
The focus of this blog is to delve into the world of iPad POS systems specifically tailored to the unique needs of restaurants. Whether you’re a restaurant owner looking to modernize your venue, a manager aiming to improve operational efficiency, or an IT decision-maker in the hospitality sector seeking robust and scalable solutions, this is the resource for you. We’ll evaluate various iPad restaurant ordering systems, discuss their features, and weigh their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to look for in an iPad POS restaurant system, how it can benefit your business, and why it could be the game-changing investment that takes your establishment to the next level. So, if you’re seeking an iPad POS system that can revolutionize how you manage inventory, handle customer relations, and process payments, read on. This is your one-stop shop for all things related to iPads for restaurants.
Why Choose an iPad Restaurant POS System?
In an industry where efficiency, speed, and customer satisfaction are paramount, your chosen tools can make or break your business. This brings us to the question: Why opt for an iPad restaurant POS system over traditional point-of-sale solutions? The answer lies in three key advantages: flexibility, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Flexibility That Adapts to Your Needs
One of the most compelling reasons to choose an iPad POS system for your restaurant is its unparalleled flexibility. Traditional POS systems are often bulky, requiring dedicated space and complex installations. In contrast, iPad POS systems for restaurants are portable and can be easily moved around to suit the layout of your establishment. Whether you run a cozy café or a sprawling franchise, the adaptability of an iPad restaurant ordering system allows you to customize your setup to meet specific operational needs. This flexibility also extends to software updates, ensuring your system stays current with the latest features and security protocols.
User-Friendliness That Empowers Your Staff
Let’s face it; no one wants to spend hours training staff on a complicated system. The intuitive interface of an iPad POS restaurant system minimizes the learning curve, enabling your team to get up to speed quickly. Features are often just a tap away, making it easier for your staff to manage orders, process payments, and interact with customers. This user-friendliness translates to quicker table turns and more streamlined service, enhancing the overall dining experience for your patrons.
Cost-Effectiveness That Boosts Your Bottom Line
Investing in a new POS system can be a significant financial commitment. However, iPad POS systems are often more cost-effective in the long run. The initial setup costs are generally lower than those of traditional systems, and the absence of expensive hardware components reduces maintenance expenses. Moreover, many iPad POS systems offer scalable pricing plans, allowing you to choose features that align with your budget and operational requirements.
Key Features to Look for in an iPad Restaurant POS System
The plethora of options can be overwhelming when selecting the right iPad POS system for your restaurant. However, focusing on key features can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your operational needs and business goals. Here are the essential functionalities you should consider:
Inventory Management: The Backbone of Your Operations
A robust iPad restaurant POS system should offer comprehensive inventory management capabilities. This feature allows you to track raw materials, monitor stock levels, and even predict when to reorder supplies. You can minimize waste and optimize your inventory turnover ratio with real-time updates. Effective inventory management can be a game-changer in an industry where margins are often razor-thin.
Employee Management: Streamlining Staff Operations
Managing a restaurant involves juggling various tasks, and employee management is undoubtedly one of the most challenging. An iPad POS system should offer features like time tracking, role-based permissions, and shift scheduling. These functionalities simplify administrative tasks and empower your staff to perform their roles more efficiently. The result? A more cohesive team that delivers exceptional customer service.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Building Lasting Connections
In today’s competitive landscape, customer retention is as crucial as acquisition. That’s where the CRM features of an iPad restaurant ordering system come into play. From storing customer preferences to tracking their purchase history, a good CRM system helps personalize the dining experience. You can also leverage this data for targeted marketing campaigns, turning occasional visitors into loyal patrons.
Payment Processing: The Cornerstone of Customer Convenience
The payment processing capabilities of your iPad POS restaurant system should be seamless, secure, and versatile. Whether it’s accepting multiple forms of payment like credit cards, mobile wallets, or even cryptocurrencies, a good system ensures the checkout process is as smooth as possible. This enhances customer satisfaction and speeds up table turnover rates.
Reporting and Analytics: Making Data-Driven Decisions
Lastly, your iPad POS system should offer robust reporting and analytics. From sales reports to customer behavior analytics, these insights enable you to make data-driven decisions that can significantly impact your bottom line. Whether it’s identifying slow-moving menu items or peak business hours, the right analytics tools can provide invaluable insights.
Best iPad Point of Sale System for Restaurants in 2023
1. Vend Cloud-based iPad POS System for Restaurants
Vend is a cloud-based POS that caters to delivering key restaurant management solutions such as inventory management, work schedule management, CRM management, and enhancement of customer experiences to any business size.
It is built and designed to work on diversified devices such as Macs, PCs, and iPads with a dedicated integration of the native application. This POS system can also be attached to peripheral devices as and when required in the restaurant, such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers, for easing the operational activities under one solution.
Vend is used for its add-on feature wherein the system will continue to work and push transactions even when the internet is unstable and automatically syncs all the offline transactions into the cloud database as soon as the connection is restored or is stable again.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Detailed reports on transactions, inventory management, list menus, etc.
- Customer-centric and delivery service features
- Deep menu customization as per requirements and modules
- Flexible options for accepting payments.
- Supports iOS hardware ability
Pros:
- Vend Integration for iPad restaurant POS system
- Ease of use and friendly interface
- Feature-wise menu customization
- Round the clock support via call, e-mail and chat window
- Advanced analytics and reports exporting feature
Cons:
- Pricey than its rebels offering the same features
- Reports of frequent outages with no reference fixing read
- Buggy offline mode and failure of syncing into the cloud
- Requires specific hardware functionalities
Pricing:
Vend offers three pricing plans- Lite ($99 per month), Pro ($129 per month), and Enterprise (Quote on request). A free trial is also available for 14 days. Any restaurant manager can use this tool during the trial period with full accessibility to features before deciding to purchase it.
2. Lightspeed Restaurant POS System
The Lightspeed restaurant POS system is designed to provide specialized solutions relating to diversified elements in restaurant management operations. With Lightspeed POS, restaurants can streamline and ease the processing of order placement for their customers. Customers can browse the menu affixed on their table and place their orders directly, then proceed to the payment page.
It is rich with attractive front-end features such as menu display and management, customized payment options for combos and single items, inventory management and updating ingredients stock after processing an order.
Administrative functionalities include a detailed billing system and workforce management. This solution syncs with all the major requirements of restaurant management plans as well as provides transparent and highly detailed reports.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- It has a bunch of third-party integrations as per restaurant ease of operations
- It also supports kitchen displays
- It has the option to use the free trial and later adjudicate for purchase
Pros:
- If you are labeling your food in the restaurant for takeaways, it has barcoded inventory management too.
- Round-the-clock support via call, e-mail, and chat window
- No hidden costs
Cons:
- Slightly expensive for the same features available with rivals.
Pricing:
The pricing plans to acquire this start from $69 per month and have a cap plan of $229 per month.
3. TouchBistro Restaurant POS System
Touchbistro is a popular iPad based restaurant POS system catering to the restaurant management needs of small, medium as well as large-sized restaurants. This POS system specifically empowers the contactless payment module along with bill splitting on the table of the customers by inputting the order details. With such rich features, the restaurants can focus on streamlining seamless customer service experience and business expansion.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Customer-centric with customized functionalities such as bill splitting and contactless transactions.
- Loaded with basic features to support the operations of the back office, like staff management, customer management, customizable receipts with name and card details, etc.
- Options for multi-payment modes such as card, and offline payments, etc.
- Customizable menus for workflows and offerings.
- Easy integration with third-party native applications and cloud reporting.
Pros:
- One of the highest-selling iPad restaurant POS
- Automation of cash flow and sales records
- Easy to use and set-up
- Can work in both online and offline mode
- Flexible integration with third-party native apps
Cons:
- Lack of custom menu uploading feature
- No user-friendly interface
- Lack of standard customer support
Pricing:
The pricing plans start from $69 per month and have a cap plan of $399 per month.
4. Square Point of Sale System
Square is a recognized mobile payment processing POS system accustomed to providing a full suite of restaurant management operations needed not only for established restaurants but also for mobile restaurants, pop-ups, and small food business ventures as well.
Amalgamated with all the basic POS solutions, such as customized menu compartmentalization to single dish and combo and pricing management, the front-end administrative management is systemized.
Additionally, this restaurant management solution is loaded with streamlined back-end and customer-facing features such as inventory control and management, CRM management, and customization of bulk discounting rates on a predetermined set of orders which otherwise traditional POS systems don’t offer.
The Square POS system for the restaurant includes a template of an online commercial store wherein you can manually update your inventory for pick-up lanes as well as delivery with detailed inventory reports in the back end.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Has no billing cycle and hidden costs attached
- Commission charged on per transaction basis
- Round-the-clock customer support
Pros:
- Free to use for a lifetime
- Slick and easy to use hardware system
- Catering to all business sizes of restaurants
- Detailed reports and logs of inventory management, along with flexible integration of native apps
Cons:
- Add-on features as per business sizes vary and can be costly
- High transaction rate for non-card payments billing
- Priority support to add-on paid plans only
Pricing:
While Square’s restaurant POS service is free of cost, the transaction charges deployed on you are:
- 2.6% + 10 cents of each card-based sale
- 3.5% + 15 cents for each keyed-in transaction
- 2.9% + 30 cents for online sales
Add-on features vary as per customizations.
5. Lavu POS iPad-Based POS System
Lavu is a POS solution packed with more than 300 restaurant management solutions and features catering to provide services to any format of restaurant ventures such as franchises, bars, nightclubs, lounges, cafes, and food trucks. This POS system has not just limited itself to the basic capability of traditional POS system offerings, which is to just initiate and process a transaction.
Loaded with a handful of abilities, its employee management functionality includes shift scheduling and maintenance, payroll reports generation, customized sales management reports, detailed inventory reports, and online order processing.
Adding to the add-on features, Lavu is also designed to offer delivery routing for orders, customizable combo menu and happy hour menu addition, flat layout customization, and other similar friendly user interface abilities. With its customer-centric module, Lavu has the ability to accept diversified payment modes such as card, cash, and online methods with advanced bill splitting and multiple payment processing under a single window.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Table mapping and online reservation booking in advance
- Customizable menu with combo builders and upsell suggestions as per present sales over a period
- Workforce management with shift scheduling and clock-in/clock out
- Inventory tracking posts every sale to the ingredient level
- Map routing with online delivery services
Pros:
- Option to modify combos and upsells as per suggestions
- Integration for process mapping and online delivery
- Diversified transaction options
- Detailed inventory management
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- UI can be improved
- Limited integrations
- No trial period
Pricing:
Lavu POS system is priced at $69 per month for a single terminal but it also offers custom pricing for multiple terminals, which is revealed as per needs and customizations.
6. Epos Now All-in-one POS
Epos Now is an industry-based POS system solution provider catering to provide distinguished features as per the needs in the retail domain as well as the restaurant industry. Tailored with industry-specific solutions and restaurant operations management, this restaurant management solution has streamlined the core ability to execute front-end and back-end operations systematically for the workforce with its unique offerings.
Epos Now has a handful of features and offerings for its iPad POS system for restaurants, such as order processing and management, inventory management with each order, CRM, client profiles with basic details and order history tracking of specific profiles, workforce management, and sales reports with details of time and payment mode used. Apart from the basic features, it also has additional industry-specific add-on features such as bill-splitting among customers, reservation of tables by token payment, and customized theme-based restaurant booking and table booking plans.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Integration of third-party applications with ease
- Workforce management ability with individual staff permissions
- Reliable hardware solutions and options
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Friendly UI for staffs usage
- Low cost on training with friendly UI
- Supporting peripheral devices such as printers and barcode scanners
Cons:
- Complex reporting mechanism
- Not available for free
Pricing:
Epos Now’s pricing starts from $39 per month.
7. Clover POS
Clover POS is a domain-specific POS system specifically designed to cater to the iPad POS restaurant operational needs, such as order and payment automation and alignment of front and back-end activities for small and mid-size restaurants as solutions. Clover POS is an all-rounder basic POS solution that can be utilized by reputed small cafes, mobile food vans, and established food ventures wherein the automation of workflows and schedules, along with internal communications between the kitchen, floor, and staff, can be streamlined.
Basic features that the Clover iPad POS system for restaurants delivers as a restaurant management solution include order management and cancellation or modification even after payment, CRM and tracking of customer order histories along with order details, workforce management, discount scheme customization on orders, and many more such additional abilities.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Accepting and processing online orders and automation of delivery management
- Dynamic floor plans
- Bunch of third-party integrations
Pros:
- Feasible for small and medium-sized business
- Wide-range of POS hardware systems as per business sizes and needs
- Free trial for adjudication
Cons:
- Need a domain-based website for the business
- Additional features are not cost-friendly for new ventures
Pricing:
The base plan starts at $4.95 per month. However, there are dedicated restaurant plans as per customization starting at $39.95 per month.
8. Revel Systems
Revel systems were one of the first iPad-based POS solutions to enter the market. They have diversified POS solutions for domain-specific needs such as retail and hospitality, wherein they are catering to restaurant business operations solutions in small, medium as well as large enterprises.
Their POS solutions are suitable for established restaurants, small and large seating café, quick-service, and retail. Their wide range of administrative features includes cash flow and sales management, inventory management, reservation management, order serving time management as well as security management.
They also have customer-centric POS solution features such as CRM management, customer-specific discount coupon management, and order on the go. Apart from these features, they also have the integration to ease the management solutions such as inventory management, workforce management as well as communication management between the front end and the back end of the restaurant.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Cash-flow and sales management, order processing and delivery management with reports, reservation management and security.
- Customer-centric functionalities such as customized discount coupons, CRM with order history and on-the-go ordering placement and processing.
- Streamlined management solutions for restaurant operational functionalities such as inventory management, workforce management and communication.
Pros:
- Offline mode
- Detailed reporting in the dashboard
- CRM and customer-specified billing
Cons:
- Functionalities flexible with add-on pricing
- Lack of dedicated customer support
Pricing:
A free demo is available for this tool. Revel POS Software’s price starts at $99 per month per terminal. The installation fee starts at $649.
9. eHopper
eHopper POS systems are majorly utilized by small restaurant ventures for streamlining their business operations. Its features include order management, employee management, inventory management, transaction management and receipt generation, CRM management and reporting. Additional features of eHopper that stand it out are restaurant service tipping, contactless transaction options and customer credit management.
eHopper can provide detailed reports to the restaurants for the inventory, employees as well as customers under a single panel. It also has an additional feature of bill splitting by the number of table reservations as well as the number of heads at each table with several options such as cash, card and online banking.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Detailed reports for transactions, inventory, employees, and customers.
- Multiple payment options like cash, credit card, and split payments.
- CRM database with previous order reports and billing.
- Diversified support and processing of order types like take-out and delivery.
Pros:
- Automated workflows
- Ease of use
- Security over financial transactions and information
Cons:
- Limited functionalities in free or low-cost add-ons
- Lack of priority in customer service
Pricing:
eHopper POS software has three pricing plans compartmentalized and accustomed to the restaurant’s operational needs i.e. Essential Package (Free), Freedom Package ($39.99 per month), and OmniChannel Package ($79.99 per month).
10. Waiterio – Multiplatform POS System for Restaurants
Waiterio is an online POS system compatible with several devices and operating systems, including iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. This is a versatile POS system that can be used for restaurants, food trucks, bars, and ghost kitchens.
All you have to do is install it, upload or add your menu items and extras, and start issuing orders. Your staff members can also install it on their devices and send orders directly to the kitchen through a KDS or a thermal printer. And it’s got a very intuitive interface and advanced safety features like limiting the access your staff has to certain aspects of the app.
It also comes equipped with interesting features such as QR code menus, creating an online menu, and an automatically generated website for your restaurant, which you can link to Google My Business.
Top features of this iPad POS system:
- Detailed sales reports
- Table, order, and staff management features
- Online and QR code menu options
- Free mobile-friendly menu and website
Pros:
- Compatible with iPad and other mobile and desktop devices
- Ease of use and implementation
- Compatible with peripherals such as KDS, thermal printers, and cash registers
- 24-hour chat support
Cons:
- It doesn’t have inventory management features
- Doesn’t work without an internet connection
Pricing:
Waiterio offers three plans and a free trial, and the plans only limit the number of orders you can issue. The large plan includes infinite orders per month and costs $79 per month or $59 billed yearly. The medium plan includes 1200 orders per month and costs $59 per month or $39 billed yearly. And the small plan includes 600 orders per month and costs $39 per month or $19 billed yearly. You can also use the app for free, but it’s limited to 100 orders per month.
How to Use MDM to Manage Your iPad Restaurant POS System
In the modern restaurant landscape, technology isn’t just a convenience; it’s a cornerstone of efficient operations. While an iPad restaurant POS system can revolutionize your establishment’s workflow, managing multiple devices securely and efficiently can be challenging. This is where Mobile Device Management (MDM) comes into play.
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile Device Management, or MDM, is a technology that allows you to manage, monitor, and secure multiple mobile devices from a centralized platform. In the context of an iPad restaurant POS system, MDM can help you control various iPads used for order-taking, payment processing, and other tasks, all from a single dashboard.
Benefits of Using MDM for Your iPad POS System
Implementing MDM for your iPad POS restaurant system offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Security: MDM allows you to enforce security protocols across all devices, safeguarding sensitive customer data and financial transactions.
- Streamlined Operations: With MDM, you can push updates, install apps, or modify settings on all iPads simultaneously, saving time and reducing manual errors.
- Remote Management: Whether you’re a franchise owner with multiple locations or a restaurant manager often on the move, MDM allows you to manage your iPad POS systems remotely.
- Compliance: For restaurants that must adhere to industry regulations or internal policies, MDM can help ensure all devices are compliant.
By integrating an MDM solution into your iPad restaurant POS system, you’re not just adopting a tool but embracing a comprehensive solution that enhances operational efficiency, security, and overall management. Given the complexities and demands of modern restaurant operations, MDM is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but a ‘must-have’ for any establishment serious about leveraging technology to its fullest potential.
How to Choose the Right iPad Restaurant POS System for Your Establishment
Selecting the ideal iPad restaurant POS system is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Various factors come into play, each contributing to the decision-making process. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the myriad options and choose a solution that aligns perfectly with your restaurant’s unique requirements.
Budget: Balancing Cost and Value
The first consideration is, of course, your budget. While it’s tempting to opt for the most feature-rich iPad POS system available, assessing whether you’ll actually use all those functionalities is crucial. Many iPad POS systems for restaurants offer tiered pricing plans, allowing you to start with essential features and scale up as your business grows. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective in the long run, and the most expensive one may offer features you don’t need.
Size and Layout of the Restaurant: Tailoring to Your Space
The size and layout of your restaurant can significantly influence your choice of an iPad restaurant ordering system. For smaller venues, a single iPad may suffice for taking orders and processing payments. Larger establishments or those with multiple service areas may require a more complex setup, involving several iPads, each dedicated to specific tasks like order-taking, payment processing, or inventory management.
Specific Operational Needs: Beyond the Basics
Every restaurant is unique, and so are its operational requirements. Maybe you need advanced CRM features to manage a loyalty program, or perhaps your focus is on robust inventory management to handle a diverse menu with seasonal ingredients. Identify the specific needs of your restaurant and ensure the iPad POS restaurant system you choose can meet or exceed these requirements.
Integration Capabilities: A Cohesive Ecosystem
In today’s digital age, your iPad POS system should seamlessly integrate with other software solutions you may be using, such as accounting software, online reservation systems, or third-party delivery platforms. This ensures a cohesive operational ecosystem that simplifies management tasks and reduces the likelihood of errors.
Scalability: Planning for Growth
Last but not least, consider the scalability of the iPad restaurant POS system. As your business grows, your POS system should be able to grow with it. Look for systems that offer easy upgrades in terms of hardware and software so you’re not locked into a setup that could become obsolete in a few years.
Choosing the right iPad POS system is a significant investment in your restaurant’s future, one that can yield tangible benefits in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, your bottom line.
Summing Up
In the challenging world of restaurant management, efficiency and security are not just buzzwords but essential components of a successful operation. An iPad restaurant POS system brings many benefits to the table, from streamlined inventory management to enhanced customer engagement. However, to truly unlock the full potential of this technology, integrating an MDM solution is a strategic move you can’t afford to overlook.
In summary, an iPad restaurant POS system managed via MDM software is a comprehensive solution that can elevate your restaurant’s operations to new heights. Don’t miss out on this game-changing combination; the future of restaurant management is here, and it’s more accessible than ever.
Given the operational advantages and the enhanced security features, signing up for a 14-day free trial or scheduling a demo with our experts could be the first step in revolutionizing how you manage technology within your restaurant.
