Self-Order Point of Sales (POS) System in Restaurants

Customers of restaurants now hold higher expectations than in the past. They often seek prompt service while still receiving a high standard of customer service. Self-service Point of Sales (POS) software solutions make this possible by allowing customers to order their food and send it to the kitchen, which helps save time and optimises labour costs.

Let’s explore the benefits and how the self-order POS system can benefit your restaurant.

Why is self-order better for restaurants?

Self-order Point of Sales (POS) systems refer to interactive technology solutions that allow customers to place their orders directly without waiting for a server to take their orders. According to Business Insider, self-order systems can lead to 25-30% faster service, minimising wait times for customers and increasing table turnover. Here are 4 main reasons why more restaurant store owners are adopting self-order systems in their stores.

Enhance customer experience

The foremost benefit of self-order POS systems is to reduce waiting times for customers. They no longer need to stand in long lines or wait for a server to take their order. With just a few taps on a touchscreen, orders are placed efficiently and accurately. For servers, instead of having to take the order of every waiting guest, they can take their time with guests, answering any questions and offering advice on the menu. Additionally, these systems empower customers to customise their orders to suit their preferences, eliminating the need for complex verbal instructions. 

Improve order accuracy

Getting their orders right is a benchmark of customer satisfaction. When orders are taken manually, there’s no guaranteed way to mitigate errors. Sometimes, misunderstandings happen and things get mixed up, leading to the wrong orders. However, with self-ordering systems, these mistakes are reduced. These systems enable customers to customise their orders directly, making sure that customers get exactly what they want. This streamlines the order process and significantly reduces the error.

Reduce labour costs

Self-order POS systems allow businesses to optimise their staffing resources. With fewer employees tied up at order points, staff can be allocated to food preparation and other critical tasks. You can keep up with customer demand while your staff can focus on creating a more pleasant dining experience.

Increase order values

The interactive nature of self-ordering systems encourages customers to explore menu options and potentially add more items to their orders. This allows your staff to concentrate on suggesting additional food and drinks to guests.

Key components of a self-order POS system

Your self-order POS system needs to help customers complete their orders with minimal staff support. A self-order setup usually includes:

• Self-order software: The self-order POS system should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows customers to easily browse the menu, select items, customise orders, and complete payments. Besides, it’s necessary for seamless communication between the front-end self-order system and the kitchen display systems for accurate order preparation
• Self-order hardware: You can enable self-service ordering through tablets or mobile phones. Customers have the option to independently place orders by scanning a QR code, and payment can be easily processed for added convenience
• Payment terminal: Provide a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and cash (if applicable).

• Receipt printer: Compact receipt printers designed to seamlessly integrate with kiosks. Customers can get the receipt right after they complete payment.
• Kitchen display system (KDS): A display system in the kitchen that shows incoming orders and any customisations for efficient preparation.

Both the software and hardware components should be chosen carefully to match your restaurant’s needs and provide a seamless and enjoyable self-ordering experience for your customers.

How does self-order POS work?

The self-order process in a restaurant usually includes the following steps:

Step 1: Customer Interaction

The customer approaches a self-order kiosk or tablet located within the restaurant. The kiosk's screen displays an inviting and user-friendly interface that prompts the customer to start the ordering process.

Step 2: Menu Selection and Customization

The customer browses the digital menu presented on the kiosk's screen. Each menu item is accompanied by descriptions, images, and prices to aid the customer's decision-making. The customer selects items by tapping on the screen. They can choose various options for each item, such as size, toppings, sides, and special requests.

Step 3: Reviewing and Modifying Orders

After adding items to the order, the customer reviews their selections on the order summary screen. They have the option to modify quantities, remove items, or make additional customisations if needed.

Step 4: Placing the Order

Once the order is finalised, the customer proceeds to the payment stage. The kiosk offers various payment options, such as credit/debit card, mobile wallet, or cash (if supported). The customer enters payment details or selects the preferred payment method.

Step 5: Payment Processing

The self-order POS system securely processes the payment transaction in real time. Upon successful payment, the system generates an electronic receipt that includes details of the order and payment.

Step 6: Order Confirmation and Transmission

Simultaneously, the order information is transmitted to the restaurant's kitchen display system (KDS) or preparation area. The KDS displays the order, including any customisations, to the kitchen staff for efficient preparation.

Step 7: Order Fulfillment

The kitchen staff acknowledges the order on the KDS and begins preparing the items. As each item is prepared, the staff marks it as complete on the KDS.

Step 8: Order Ready Notification

Once all items in the order are prepared, the KDS alerts the staff that the order is ready. The staff can notify the customer through various means, such as displaying an order number on a screen or announcing it over a speaker.

Step 9: Order Delivery

The customer proceeds to the designated pickup area, where they can easily locate their order. If there's a pickup display, the customer can identify their order based on the order number or name.

Which POS system supports self-order featuring?

Odoo Point of Sales

Odoo is a suite of open-source business management software that offers a wide range of applications, including an Odoo Point of Sales (POS) system. Recently, Odoo announced that Odoo 17 will include self-order features for the POS system. Let’s explore a general overview of how a self-order POS system in Odoo might work so far

Self-Service Ordering and Convenient Mobile Payment

With Odoo POS, you can enable self-service ordering through tablets or mobile phones. Customers have the option to independently place orders by scanning a QR code, with the added convenience of seamless payment processing.

Preparation display with Kitchen Screen

Odoo 17 brings in an exciting update called the Kitchen Screen for Point of Sale (POS), packed with some pretty amazing features. This new addition offers a live feed that updates in real-time, so you don't have to keep reloading. It’s also designed to be super easy to use with a touchscreen, and you can customise how things are organised. Managing orders gets even better with quick filters to sort things out.

But there’s one important feature that seems to be missing for now. It's the order number not showing at the top, which is useful to call customers when their food is ready. We're hoping Odoo will add this feature before the official release.

Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS is known for its flexibility and adaptability, particularly in the retail and restaurant sectors. While Lightspeed offers robust POS solutions, including features that can support self-ordering, the exact features available may vary depending on the specific plan and any updates that have been released.

In the context of self-ordering, Lightspeed POS could offer features such as:

• User-friendly interface: Lightspeed POS typically provides a user-friendly interface that can be customised to suit self-order kiosks or tablet-based ordering.
• Menu display and customisation: You can showcase menu items with images and descriptions, allowing customers to make choices and customize orders according to their preferences.
• Integrated payment processing: Lightspeed POS supports various payment methods, enabling customers to pay with credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and more.
• Order management: Orders placed through self-order kiosks can be seamlessly integrated into the restaurant's workflow, ensuring efficient and accurate preparation.

Both Odoo POS and Lightspeed POS offer a myriad of features that make them viable options for businesses looking to implement a self-order system. However, the best choice depends on specific business needs, existing infrastructure, budget considerations, and desired integrations. 

If this is something you’re interested in and want to find out more about the self-order POS system, please contact us. We’re happy to have further discussions with you.

Conclusion

Self-order POS systems are like a big change in how restaurants work. Imagine technology and eating out coming together smoothly. When restaurants use this new system, they can make their work faster and serve customers better.

This special system helps restaurants do two things at once. First, it makes their work smoother and faster. Second, it gives customers more ease and choices when ordering food. As technology keeps growing, restaurants that use this system are leading the way to a new and better dining experience. This helps restaurants make more money and makes customers happy too. In a world where having a good experience and getting things done quickly is important, self-order POS systems are a big deal that you should think about.