Restaurant POS Software Key Terms

Learn some application terms associated with restaurant POS software

Running a restaurant is no easy task. Everything from the ordering and preparing of food to procuring reservations needs immense attention to detail.

Luckily, through the advent of restaurant POS software, some of these tasks have become a little easier. Restaurant POS software keeps track of everything from employee attendance to reservations, inventory and sales figures. Here are some key terms commonly found when interfacing with restaurant POS software.

Central office reporting

Central office reporting refers to a function of restaurant POS software that reports inventories and financial statistics to the home office. This is most commonly used in chain restaurants so that the franchise headquarters and franchise locations can stay in sync.  This is especially important for those businesses accepting credit card payments. 

Table diagram

A table diagram is found in virtually all restaurant POS software systems for any cafe style or fine dining restaurant. The diagram exhibits all of the tables in the restaurant, as well as the number of patrons at each of those tables. Many table diagrams interact with a touch screen. 

Time and attendance

The time and attendance feature refers to an application within the software that calculates when employees are working and how much they are selling. Employees log into the software using a code and the time and attendance feature keeps track of their sales. More advanced applications also track tips and prepare tax forms. 

Inventory control

Inventory control refers to an application that tracks shipments. Inventory control is imperative to the success of a restaurant so that they can keep their food margins monitored and avoid food spoilage. 

Integrated ordering system

An integrated ordering system is an application within restaurant POS software that allows customers to place credit card orders through Internet ordering, phone ordering, kiosk ordering or ordering at any other location. The order is sent to both the cashier and the kitchen so that the food may be prepared. 

Sales report

A sales report refers to a calculation over a period of time that determines the gross sales of the restaurant. All restaurant POS software programs have some form of this application. The more in-depth applications track trends, popular items and customer favorites. 

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