Looking For A Better Computer System For Your Restaurant POS?

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 cabling. The majority of systems are computer-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. This means that the workstations and peripherals will communicate 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 arranged with a third-party vendor.

Inspite of who does the cabling, all must be properly plugged and tested before installing any equipment. Each equipment needs to have a cable drop. A cable drop is the cable that connects a device to a network, like your computer or remote printer connecting to a networking source.

For a restaurant POS system, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from 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 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. There should be no other electrical equipment on this circuitry. I would prefer getting your network, phone, and electrical service to be near to each other. An isolated circuit means that its ground is separated from the main electrical service. This helps to prevent spikes and surges that can case damage motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, you may still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Properly designed workspace. When it comes to designing your workstation area, be sure to leave ample space to comfortably fit the equipment needed there. A flat roomy space for server stations should be large enough to place a 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 below the tabletop to hold the computer, surge protector, power strip and UPS.

If you’re planning to place your workstations on mill-manufactured top such as granite or woodwork, you may want to 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 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. Be sure to get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath the counter.

4. Service Plans. Many vendors will 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 is dependent upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are not friendly allies to office and restaruant POS equipment.

There are those people who rarely experience problems wih their computers while others continue to suffer the same problems. The best thing a restaurant owner can do is to invest in good equipment and maintain it to prevent future damages. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service contracts that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges from 10% to 20% of the original purchase price.

Computer systems represent 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 Vice President of Customer Relations 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 .