Restaurant Software Key Terms

Understand the types of restaurant software available by becoming familiar with certain terms

Restaurant software enables owners to price menus, handle reservations, take orders, inventory products and publish menus online. Certain software lets restaurant owners and staff manage restaurant functions completely online. While different software publishers offer a large variety of restaurant software, there are a few specific types of software beneficial for most restaurants. By understanding the types of software available and the specific names, restaurant owners can deal with publishers and suppliers easily.

 

POS software

POS software, also known as point of sale software, manages many aspects of a restaurant. Business software helps restaurant owners and managers control orders, inventory, employees and reservations. This software is common in many chain restaurants and is the system the wait staff uses to place orders and cash out customers.
Try: You can see a demo of POS software and research options at Execu/Tech Systems.

PDF menus

There is software available that helps restaurants create menus and then download a PDF version. Restaurants with websites should take advantage of restaurant software that helps create PDF versions of menus. Many customers go online to check out menus and pricing when deciding where to eat. Having an online menu may increase your customer base or increase the amount of new customers.
Try: SoftCafe offers restaurant software that includes creating PDF menus.

Handheld POS software

This term refers to POS software that utilizes a handheld device to take orders. The handheld system allows the wait staff to move around the restaurant, taking and placing orders, without having to run back and forth to the main computer system. These are beneficial to busy, fast food restaurants with long drive thru wait lines.
Try: Find out more in-depth information about POS scanners at Restaurant System POS Software.

Restaurant management software

When shopping for restaurant software, the term restaurant management software usually refers to a program that covers most, if not all, aspects of a restaurant business. This software is for managers or owners who don't currently use software to manage their business.
Try: Check out what restaurant management software does at the TracRite Software site.

Bar software

Bar software consists of liquor inventory and tracking. It's separate from much of the restaurant software available, but a needed resource for restaurants that offer a large bar.
Try: Bar Cop offers a detailed look at different types of bar software.

Menu costing software

Menu costing software helps you determine how much to charge for a particular platter, or whether purchasing a particular product is profitable. The software will break down the cost per piece, portion cost and cost versus profit.
Try: Take a look at a screen shot of exactly what menu costing software can do for your business at Windstar Corporation.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---