Consider mobile order systems to boost service efficiency

With mobile, handheld order systems, servers love that they can shoot a drink order to the bar, send appetizer orders to the kitchen, and take the meal order if guests are ready, all without leaving the table.

Mobile POS systems eliminate the two-step process of writing or memorizing orders and finding a POS station (which may be far away, on another level, or occupied) to enter the information. Orders are often more accurate and fire faster in the kitchen. 

When looking into systems, there are key questions to ask to ensure the system you choose will facilitate and not frustrate your service team. In fact, it’s smart to include some key members of staff—those who will be using these devices daily—to help vet systems on offer.

The mobile setup
Consider how much servers need to tap, scroll or swipe screens to get orders just right and how long it takes. How exactly do servers enter special requests and flag allergen warnings on the system? 

If needed, can handhelds be tailored to match your legacy POS, the one your servers are used to using? Can menu items be organized the same way?

Can the handheld’s menu be customized to the concepts’ menu so that it’s simple and intuitive to navigate to your top sellers and your restaurant’s most common customizations and modifications (dressing on the side, no onions, split orders, etc.)

Do servers need to type in special requests? Is it easy to do or is the screen and key-in too small?

The physical device
Will the handheld fit in an apron pocket? Servers delivering a tray of food or drinks need two hands.

How easy is it to charge or change the battery on these devices?

Does your restaurant’s Wi-Fi reach all corners of the operation (indoor, outdoor, multilevels) with a strong signal?

Payment
Most mobile order systems take credit/debit payment at the table, but there are several considerations to think through. 

Customers very much like being able to pay at the table via the server’s handheld, but they most definitely don’t like being stared down as they input the tip amount. Some prefer to scan a QR code on their receipt with their phone to pay and tip at their leisure and without the server present.  

Have consideration too for the fact that when the customer pays through a handheld, the process may interrupt their meal occasion—and table conversation—because payment has to happen when the server presents (vs. leaving a check or receipt at the table and returning for it). 

When looking for a system to invest in, ask how the system handles split checks or last-minute requests for individual checks? How do receipts print out?

Finally, how does the system handle cash payments?
 
Servers report loving their handhelds. One on reddit commented: “It fits in my apron and saves me an ungodly amount of time. I can process credit cards at the tables like they do in Europe; my  customers love this. I'm not making unnecessary trips, especially when I’m on the patio. I've waited tables for 20 years and I'd hate to go back to a non-handheld system.” 

Another adds: “Inputting orders to the POS takes the same amount of time, whether you do it into the handheld or station, but the handheld ordering will go through from anywhere in a few seconds to a few minutes. That gives you just a little extra time to take care of all your tables. It's especially useful for big tables or tables that take a lot of time to order and ask lots of questions.” In those cases, servers have more time to check on their customers.