RMS or POS? A Strategic Guide for Modern Restaurateurs

Selecting the ideal management system for your restaurant is like choosing the right ingredients for your signature dishes. You're probably familiar with Restaurant Management Systems (RMS) and Point of Sale (POS) systems. However, understanding their differences and how they complement each other is essential.

Both play a vital role in the smooth operation of a restaurant, yet they cater to distinct needs. RMS acts as the strategic planner behind the scenes. It addresses everything from supply chain logistics to guest relations. Meanwhile, POS functions as the dynamic face of your operation that handles every transaction.

While they share the goal of streamlining operations and enhancing customer satisfaction, their functionalities serve different segments of your business. This blog will examine how evaluating both systems can lead to a more efficient, profitable restaurant operation.

Difference between RMS and Standard POS systems

Whether you're fine-tuning your back-end operations with an RMS or streamlining front-end transactions with a POS, integrating these systems can transform your business.

Restaurant Management Systems 

A restaurant management system is a comprehensive software that optimizes the various aspects of restaurant operations. It aims to facilitate smoother management and enhance customer service. 

It helps with everything from taking your order, tracking food availability, scheduling when staff work, paying employees, and even understanding what customers like. Here's a closer look at its core functions:

• Point of sale: Acts as the central transaction component by managing orders and processing payments.
• Employee scheduling: Organizes staff shifts so that the restaurant is adequately staffed.
• Payroll management: Automates salary calculations, deductions, and payments for all staff members.
• Customer relationship management: Collects and analyze customer data to enhance service and personalise customer interactions.

RMS systems provide valuable insights into customer flow, order patterns, and average spending. They reduce manual tasks, streamline communication, and help maintain efficiency. 

Point of Sale Systems

Point of Sale (POS) systems are the front-line workers of your restaurant. They are a blend of software and hardware that manages sales transactions within a restaurant. Beyond basic transactions and invoice generation, a modern POS system covers a broader spectrum of operations. Modern cloud-based POS system also offer integration with kitchen display systems and table management. 

Here's a closer look at its functionalities:

• Order management: Simplifies order taking and sending orders to the kitchen and ensures accurate billing.
• Sales tracking: Monitors daily sales and provides insights into sales trends.
• Staff management: Organizes staff schedules and tracks labor costs.
• Customer service: Enhance dining experience by reducing wait times and improving order accuracy.

POS systems include hardware, like durable POS terminals and mobile tablets for tableside ordering and payment. They also include software that offers comprehensive management features. However, their primary focus remains on sales-related activities. They don't get deep into the operational or managerial aspects that RMS covers.

Here is the differences between a restaurant management system and a point of sale:

Types of Restaurant Management Systems

A wide variety of restaurant management systems have been developed to cater to the unique demands of different dining establishments. This ensures that each eatery can optimize operations effectively regardless of its type.

Point-of-Sale (POS) System

A Point-of-Sale system is a crucial technology at the core of restaurant operations. It facilitates order and payment processing, directly influencing customer service and operational flow.

• Order Management: Enables staff to input customer orders for various service types, which are instantly relayed to the kitchen.
• Payment Handling: Manages different payment methods, ensuring swift and secure transactions.
• Sales Monitoring: Allows real-time sales tracking, providing valuable data for strategic decisions.
• Menu Updates: Simplifies menu management, from adding new items to adjusting prices.
• Customer Information: Collects data for use in marketing and loyalty strategies.

Inventory Management Tools

Inventory management tools help balance supply and demand. It helps you maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and costs.

• Stock Visibility: Provides up-to-date information on inventory levels.
• Efficient Ordering: Enhances ordering precision and can automate the procurement of routine supplies.
• Reduction of Waste: Helps you use ingredients before expiration, reducing spoilage.
• Expense Management: Helps you avoid unnecessary purchases, which can inflate costs.

Reservation and Table Management Systems

These systems streamline the reservation process and optimize seating arrangements. You can use it to maximize both space utilization and customer satisfaction.

• Digital Reservations: Allows guests to book tables online, eliminating the need for manual phone bookings.
• Seating Optimization: Efficiently manages the dining area to maximize seating capacity.
• Management of Waitlists: Organizes and communicates wait times to guests effectively.
• Personalized Service: Facilitates the creation of guest profiles to tailor dining experiences.

Digital Ordering and Delivery Systems

Online ordering and delivery platforms extend a restaurant's reach and cater to the convenience of digital-savvy customers. It also integrates seamlessly with existing systems.

• Customer Convenience: Offers easy online ordering for delivery or pickup.
• System Integration: Ensures that online orders are efficiently processed through integration with POS systems.
• Expanded Delivery Service: Utilizes third-party services to broaden delivery capabilities.
• Marketing Insights: Gathers customer data that can be leveraged for targeted marketing efforts.

Roster Management Software

Roster management software simplifies the creation and monitoring of staff schedules, ensuring optimal workforce utilization in line with business needs.

• Schedule Creation: Facilitates easy scheduling based on employee availability and demand.
• Attendance Oversight: Tracks employee attendance, aligning it with scheduled shifts.
• Operational Efficiency: Helps balance staffing during varying levels of business activity.
• Staff Communication: Includes tools for effective communication within the team. 

Conclusion

Restaurant management systems and point-of-sale systems now form the core of the restaurant industry. They enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer service, and increase sales. 

Selecting the ideal system requires considering your unique requirements. Do you need something mobile for a food truck? Or something more robust for a fine dining setup? Think about what will make your life easier and your customers happier.

Looking for the best system that exceeds expectations without stretching your budget? OneHubPOS is what you might be looking for! Our feature-rich, easy-to-use POS software is available for just $1 for the first three months! Book a demo to see how it simplifies your restaurant operations with our robust cloud POS.