Pizza POS Systems
There are a number of things you should look for in a pizza POS system. Running a pizza shop, whether it's a single location or multiple locations has some things that are unique to the pizza business. Many times it's is very difficult, if not impossible, to program an 'off the shelf' system to do everything needed to run an efficient and profitable pizza business.
Things to consider:
Ordering: A touch screen ordering system will speed up the ordering process and reduce errors at the same time. For a pizza POS system, it should be able to handle portion sizes (1/2 and 1/4) as well as custom toppings too. The pizza POS software should also be able to recognize dine in and carry out. You might also need to consider, delivery, bar orders and/or take and bake types of orders.
Toppings: A touch screen system for adding and deleting items. If you have 'standard' topping on some of your pizzas, then some systems allow the employee to remove toppings or add topping with a simple touch. Plus some systems will automatically pull up your standard toppings and allow the employee to tell the customer exactly what toppings come on the pizza they are ordering.
Caller ID is a big time saver. With this option on your pizza POS system you can see not only who is calling but some systems even pull up what they ordered the last time they called. There are even systems out there that will automatically pull up the customers ordering history so you immediately know just how frequently the customer orders. And lets not forget that Caller ID virtually eliminate wrong call back numbers too.
Order Recall: In conjunction with the caller ID mentioned above, the Order recall feature on some systems all the employee to duplicate a previous order with a simple touch of the screen. Plus it's a nice touch when the employee 'knows' the customer and 'remembers' what they ordered last time.
Delivery Dispatch: If you offer delivery then you know that it only takes one late delivery to lose a good customer. With some systems, the Delivery Dispatch option lets you know when the driver is late returning and/or when a pizza has been waiting too long for pick up. Some systems allow you to track the drivers efficiency, average delivery time, wait time, cash tracking as well as the number of pizzas they have delivered. This tool is great because without it a problem driver can get "lost in the noise".
Mapping Option: There are lots of ways to get a map and directions to a customers location but why not use a POS system that integrates with an existing system so you can get automatically generated maps and turn by turn directions with every order?
Zoned Delivery: If you charge different amounts for delivery to different 'zones' then the 'zone delivery' option is a good choice. This will automatically charge the customer the correct amount depending on the delivery location.
Open Accounts: If you have acquired any businesses or schools or other types of organizations, the you may need to consider an open accounts option (sometimes referred to as a House Accounts Option). This option will allow you to set credit limits for these accounts as well as printing monthly or weekly statements and invoices for these customers. Efficient billing means you collect your funds faster.
There are lots of other options you may want to consider for your pizza business but the ones mentioned above are by far the most popular as well as being the ones that help you run a more efficient and profitable company.
