Choosing The Right Restaurant POS Computer Systems

Are you in the process of looking at a new computer system? Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or restaurant, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.

1. Network cabling. Most systems are PC-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. Which means your workstations and peripherals communicates over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, I would still prefer to “hardwire” your computer stations. Some vendors include this service in their bid; others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.

Inspite of who does the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each computer equipment needs to have a cable drop. A drop is considered a cable that runs from a remote printer or PC back to the networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.

For POS systems, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that connects every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a “home run” area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, because these devices can cause communications interference.

2. Electrical. Install dedicated and isolated circuits that all of your POS, computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems can share. There should be no other electrical equipment on this circuitry. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means its a separated ground from that of the main electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and surges that may destroy motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, you may still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Properly designed workspace. When it’s time to design workstation areas, be sure to leave enough space to comfortably fit all needed equipments there. A flat roomy space for server stations should be large enough to hold a computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you plan to use separate credit card equipment. Leave enough space below the tabletop to hold your computer, the surge protector, power strip and UPS.

If you’re planning to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, have your contractor pre-drill holes where to run cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole should be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.

For the cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop space should also be large enough to perfectly fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5 to 4 inch height. So better make sure you get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop for your drawer to be recessed perfectly in.

4. Service plans, as part of your system. Many vendors may offer different types of service plans as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that will not last forever especially in retail establishments like a restaurant. POS printers will eventually break, fans will fail, and hard drives will crash. How often they depend upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are not friendly allies to office and restaruant POS equipment.

I’ve seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing an operator can do is to invest in good equipment and then protect that investment by maintaining it. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service agreements that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges from 10% to 20% of the original purchase price.

Remember that computer systems represents as a sizable investment. But if you set a time to make sure that the above steps are included in your checklist, then you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.

The Author of this article is the Customer Relations VP at POS-for-Restaurants.com — With over 20 years of restaurant experience helping businesses like yours to use your technology more efficient and make your business more profitable .