Cloud-based POS systems are a relatively new phenomenon. But you may not have heard that they are incredibly powerful and can revolutionize your venue's operation. Curious? Read on!
Cloud-based can sound confusing. But essentially, it means 'web-based.' In the context of POS systems, it means a POS system that is run via the internet, as opposed to traditional POS systems, which are server-based. So your data will be stored securely on the web and not on a single device (server).
This article will discuss the differences between cloud-based POS and legacy POS systems and how moving to the cloud can help your venue increase operational efficiency, decrease risk, and provide superior guest experiences.
Cloud POS vs. legacy POS
Traditional legacy POS systems were built for a time when servers were the only option. But now, there are more options available to help you more effectively run your business!
Legacy POS systems
Traditional, legacy, server-based POS systems:
- Are expensive and bulky
- Require the venue operator to purchase a POS software license
- Contain fewer payment options for guests
- Involve expensive updates to maintain
Cloud-based POS systems
Cloud-based systems, on the other hand:
- Process all transactions online
- Can be accessed remotely and on the go
- Update faster, cheaper, and seamlessly
Cloud POS is the future! Over 2021 and 2022, more than 60% of recent POS system purchases were cloud platforms, setting a new milestone!
Which industries use a cloud-based POS?
All businesses can benefit from cloud-based POS systems.
Because of the speed and ease with which cloud POS systems can be handled and the multiple payment options accepted, in-venue operators and their guests can benefit from faster and more efficient transaction processing. And if a venue offers multiple self-serve POS devices, these efficiency levels skyrocket!
This means more satisfied staff and guests, which increases your operational efficiency and helps you grow.
Now, let's look at how cloud POS can help improve staff and guests' experiences across multiple industries.
Entertainment, leisure, and retail industries
Inventory management is a challenge for even the most established venue. Having a cloud-based POS system can assist in the reduction of human error through the use of automation.
Automation means that sales and inventory information can be synced and stored electronically immediately after purchase. This provides operators with far greater inventory control.
Multi-venue locations
Venues that operate out of multiple locations are the perfect candidate for cloud-based POS systems.
Cloud-based POS systems streamline and centralize business data across all locations. From the one dashboard, a venue operator can get a clear view of how every location is operating﹘making management simpler than ever.
Additionally, this type of POS allows operators to make changes once and apply this change to all required locations. These changes can all occur quickly and in real-time, optimizing operational efficiency.
Benefits of cloud POS
Log in from anywhere, any time
You'll never miss a beat. Cloud-based platforms allow you to check in on your point of sale activity anywhere, on any complying device.
You'll be able to see what's selling and what's not and be better equipped to make business decisions in real-time.
Faster in-store transactions
Every extra second it takes your team to process a transaction increases friction in the guest experience. So the faster the service, the better the experience!
Higher level of data protection
Now, this is a contentious one! We hear operators often question whether this point is correct. Indeed it is.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) compliance is a payment processing provider's obligation to adhere to the policies and procedures developed to protect cardholders' personal information. So, payment security will be your provider's job, not yours!
Finally, the data processed by cloud-based systems is stored in a robust data center using tokenization, not on the actual POS, device﹘providing a premium level of data security.
Lower costs and fees
Wave goodbye to costly software upgrades and maintenance fees! Maintaining a server in-venue is both time-consuming and costly. When you go cloud-based, updates occur seamlessly within the system at no further cost to your business﹘saving time and money!
Starting up is fast and easy
Getting started with a cloud-based POS system is faster than traditional legacy servers. Operators won't have to wait for a lengthy business service review process to be completed before operation can occur.
For more information about the setup process, click here.
How to choose a cloud POS system
We've talked about how cloud POS systems benefit any business in any industry looking to optimize its operations and efficiency. But how can you choose the one that's right for you?
Take time to evaluate must-have features and ascertain which will help your business excel. Then, seek the cloud-based POS software that caters to all your needs.
1. Modern, user-friendly interface
Your staff deserves to use tools that help them do their job better. That means having well-designed software and all the functionality they need to serve your guests!
Using purpose-built systems will greatly improve team member satisfaction and output rates. And increased staff satisfaction is a win!
2. Customizable interface
You want to be able to edit your POS views quickly and efficiently so that you can get onto more business-critical tasks!
With ROLLER, you can simply drag and drop and publish changes and updates to your devices.
Functionality like this is perfect for pushing promotions without the hassle (and wasted time) of entering manual updates at each machine.
3. Hardware that looks good
ROLLER's cloud-based platform runs on modern devices and allows you to choose the hardware that you like and fits in with your business. So no longer do you have to settle for old, slow, large, clunky machines that detract from the experience that your valued guests have with your hard-working staff!
4. Table management, tabs, and memberships inclusions
ROLLER's POS devices will enable your venue to easily:
- Track orders and bills against table numbers
- Allow guests to create running tabs, and close the tab out at the end of their visit
- Allow your members to receive discounts at the POS on certain stock items
All of which work towards enhancing your guest experience and leaving a lasting impression in their minds!
5. Cashless wallet options
Cloud-based POS devices offer the greater ability for guests to pay as they like - with the inclusion and acceptance of digital wallets, RFID wristbands, and BNPL options.
Not all cloud POS systems will provide these options, however, so ensure you choose one that does. Cashless wallets are the future, and including them will guarantee frictionless spending at your POS.
6. Manage bookings quickly and with ease
Cloud-based POS systems allow your venue to seamlessly manage your walk-in guests and guests that have already booked online. All through the one easy-to-use POS interface.
A cloud POS system like ROLLER is fully integrated, meaning your employees can find everything in one view﹘keeping lines flowing without delays!
7. Sell merchandise, food, and drink, all from one platform
You no longer have to manage multiple systems for your ticketing and retail point of sale systems. Now they are the same!
How's that for a fast, convenient, and powerful POS system?! It will help you serve your guests faster and free up more time for your employees to ensure guests have incredible experiences in your venue.
Benefit from the new age of cloud-based POS systems
What once sounded like a new-fangled piece of technology that didn't require your attention is now here to stay. Bring your venue into the new age of POS and reap the benefits of using a cloud-based POS system.
The most crucial part of venue management is ensuring continual guest satisfaction, and with cloud-based POS systems, you will have an incredibly powerful tool to help you do just this.
If you’d like to learn more about ROLLER’s all-in-one cloud-based platform, click here.
