Having Proper Computer Systems Helps Improve Your Restaurant POS System
Looking to buy 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 must keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.
1. Network cables. Most systems are computer-based, designed to run on Microsoft Windows technology. This means that the workstations and computer equipments will communicate over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, it’s still much better 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, all must be properly plugged and tested before installing any equipment. Each computer equipment will be needing a cable drop. A drop is considered the cable connecting from your remote printer or PC back to the networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.
For a restaurant POS system, 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, as these devices can sometimes interfere with communication.
2. Electrical. Installing a dedicated and isolated circuits for your POS equipments such as your POS computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems that can share. No other electrical equipment should be plugged in this circuitry. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means its ground is separated from that of the main electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and surges that can damage motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, you may still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.
3. Designing workspace. When designing your workstation area, be sure to leave ample space to comfortably fit all needed equipments there. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to place your computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you plan to use separate credit card equipment. There should be enough space directly underneath the tabletop to hold the computer, the surge protector, power strip and a battery backup (UPS).
If you want to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, you’ll want to have your contractor pre-drill holes to place cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole would be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.
For your cashier and bartender stations, 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-inch 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 fit perfectly in.
4. Service plans, as part of your system. Vendors may offer service plans as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that are not built to last forever especially in restaurants. POS printers will eventually break, fans will fail, and hard drives will crash. How often is dependent 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 plans that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of the original purchase price.
Computer systems represents as a sizable investment. But if you dedicate the time and planning required to properly put in place and maintain the system, 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 Vice President at POS-for-Restaurants.com — With over 20 years of restaurant experience that helps ensure that your technology is more efficient and your business more profitable .
Tags: Point of Sale, Point of Service, POS, restaurant automation, restaurant computer, restaurant hardware, restaurant point of sale, Restaurant pos, restaurant pos equipment, restaurant pos quote, restaurant pos solution, restaurant software