Effortless POS System Migration for Saudi Restaurants

Data migration from restaurant management software is often a hassle. That’s why you find many restaurant owners procrastinate switching to a new POS system for fear of losing important data along the way. Even though the benefits of POS migration may outweigh the trouble of the process, challenges still exist. In this article, we discuss how Saudi foodservice operators can migrate data easily and effortlessly.

The three challenges that may arise during POS system migration:

As technology advances, new and better Point-of-Sale (POS) system versions are released every day. Though the following three challenges may arise, still, you can get the better of them and find solutions to simplify your restaurant’s operational processes.

1. Fear of data loss: A database of critical restaurant information such as inventory records, sold items, customer data, and financial data is of extreme importance. Restaurant owners may fear the loss or damage of such sensitive information due to switching to a new POS system.

2. Delays due to migration: A new POS system may require training- even if minimal- which may consume time for familiarization,  getting used to the new interface, and learning the how-to of operation. Restaurants that can’t afford to spare time may drop off the whole idea altogether.

3. Problems of implementation: The average duration it takes to implement a POS system is between four and seven weeks. For many restaurant owners, such a prolonged period is a major concern, especially if unexpected technical issues arise.

How to overcome the three challenges:

1. Integrate massive data with a cloud-based POS system

First, you move your data to analytics software, then you incorporate it into your new POS system immediately. A cloud-based POS is generally easier to install, import data, and set up than your traditional POS.

Checking a particular report or specific data is less risky with a cloud-based POS system as you don’t depend on others to extract it for you as is the case with a traditional POS.

With a reliable cloud-based POS system, all your historical data can be integrated within an hour. Other reports such as monthly sales may take a bit longer.

2. Preserve the data during POS migration

Losing data during POS migration only happens with unreliable cloud-based POS systems. An excellent cloud-based POS system not only allows you to retain all your previous data but to even keep it saved for later use. The current advancement in technology allows two instances of temporary storage of data.

Considering migrating your Saudi restaurant to a new POS system? Aske Taker.

3. Train your staff

Efficient POS system training for staff and managers is indispensable. Delays and difficulties negatively influencing the customer experience are all caused by improper training of regular staff. Usually, training takes two days at most with a cloud-based POS system, whereas, with a traditional one, it may take up to four days for the setting up only.

For smooth staff training, allocate enough time, clean up and organize your data, and make sure formatting is correct before importing it into your new POS system.

You may think switching from an old POS and migrating to a new one is a lot of work. The truth is, it could be, but with a strong restaurant management solution, your POS migration will be implemented in no time.

Using a Restaurant Ordering System to Improve Customer Experience

The key to a positive customer experience is a well-designed and well-functioning restaurant ordering system. It doesn’t matter if your customer is dining in or ordering online. Their experience will determine whether they’ll become a loyal customer or a source of negative word-of-mouth for your business!

How does a restaurant ordering system help your business grow?

For the dining-in customer, an efficient restaurant ordering system can create a personalized experience as the staff takes the customer’s order on the spot and makes sure it is correctly entered into the system. In the case of online ordering, the ordering and tracking process makes the customer feel at ease. While for the kitchen staff, a restaurant ordering system helps them create personalized food experiences.

Why should you back your restaurant ordering system with POS software?

A backed ordering system streamlines orders from multiple channels. This makes it easier for restaurants to track sales as well as give a complete view of order details.  Also, menu adjustments and customized offers can be set based on the insights gained.

How does a POS software process orders?

An evolved, cloud-based POS software processes orders through:

1. Restaurant premises, for the old-school paper and pen method of order taking, can lead to errors. In addition, the traditional order cycle is longer which makes a restaurant ordering system via POS software more accurate and time-saving.

Another thing is that your staff has access to the menu and table numbers on the screen which helps them track and optimize the overall table turnover time. Even in takeaway and delivery, the orders are reflected in the same system as the on-premises.  

Marketing-wise, based on the types of orders, restaurants can tailor offers and discounts. And customers also will find it easy to split bills or do separate checks as the system automatically does the calculations.

2. Restaurant website/mobile application as lately, restaurants have come to realize that a self-owned restaurant ordering system like a website or app is the best way to manage the end customer experience. And the best part about this is the easy integration with POS software. Also, the orders received online through the website or app reflect in the POS. For customers, it’s easier for them to track their orders and view their order history.

As for restaurant owners- based on the collected consumption and customer data- they can create customized offers with notifications being sent to the customers via the app. This makes retaining customers a less challenging job. The insights about the performance of each dish as well may bring restaurant owners to make changes in the central menu which again reflect on the restaurant’s website and app.

Tips to consider when investing in a restaurant ordering system:

  • A single view of all orders across channels.
  • A POS that is equipped with the main requirements of an ordering system.
  • The ability to upgrade the existing restaurant ordering system.
  • A customer-centric restaurant ordering system.

Get started now with a new ordering system for your restaurant tailored to fit your budget and needs.  

Features to Look for in Your Restaurant Management Software for Employee Scheduling

In recent months, Covid-19 has made restaurant management more difficult than ever. And since employees are responsible for delivery kitchens, having their shifts scheduled systematically is key to their success. To help you as a restaurant owner or manager benefit from your workforce to the fullest, we listed the features to look for when choosing your restaurant management software for employee scheduling.

1. Easy shift-based scheduling

Starting from your employees’ availability, work schedules, and leaves, all the way to data tracking, the scheduling process should run smoothly. Considering efficient restaurant management depends on having the right employee work their best for reasonable hours, the system ensures your employees are neither overworked nor facing any obstacles while working.

As for takeout and delivery restaurants, a shift-based scheduling feature is a life-saver, for you may find yourself in need of twice as many employees as you did in the past.

2. POS integration

Another important feature is POS integration with your software. A POS system helps you gain a better understanding of your employees. Through your customer data, you identify areas of strength and weaknesses. Information such as the number of upsold orders, frequent and successful deliveries, and hours worked by each employee are all provided by the ideal restaurant management software.

As you analyze the data, you get a clearer vision of your employees’ true potential and possibly give incentives as per performance.

3. Mobile-friendliness

A part of smart restaurant management is to accommodate everyone. To have an employee scheduling software that is compatible with all devices- mobile phones included- is another important point to consider. Not all employees have access to laptops or computers all the time. This is why your restaurant management software must be optimized for mobile devices.

Also, this way, restaurant owners and employees can keep track of shift timings and tasks making it easier for both to remain updated throughout the day.

4. Faster communication

Ease of communication with employees is an essential feature of any restaurant management system, especially with employee scheduling. Efficient communication in terms of employee shifts, leave requests, and performance management should be covered by the software. With such an integrated platform, employees get to plan their vacation and you can keep track of their schedules at all times.

5. Unusual periods of activity coverage

Even during the chaos of the pandemic, it is unacceptable that restaurant employees are overworked. Your restaurant management system should keep track of unscheduled breaks, planned employee activities, and absence shifts.

Of course, adversity may result in management challenges, but having efficient software for employee scheduling can help you stay ahead of crises.

Check out Taker for customized features for your restaurant management system.

How to Make a Successful Restaurant App |Technology & Features

Recently, the food industry has been totally influenced by restaurant and food delivery apps. Several studies prove that a restaurant app comes high on the list when considering a prosperous restaurant business.  However, a food ordering app doesn’t guarantee instant success nor high demand among customers. With a myriad of possibilities in the restaurant app field, most restaurant owners choose to invest in a food ordering app.

Developing a successful food ordering app depends on many factors such as mobile technology, functions, features, and platform. Below we list some tips to consider for a successful restaurant app.

1. Choose the right technology:

  • The right mobile platform: First things first; decide the platform that will support your restaurant app. The wisest decision is to consider an app for both Android and iOS platforms to cover all target audiences.
  • A unique customer experience: Then, create a remarkable guest experiencethrough your restaurant app.And make sure the app is integrated into your POS and kitchen ticketing systems so that customers can track their orders.
  • The right technology: After that-depending on your app budget and the features you want- choose a mobile app development technology from PHP to Rugby or Flutter.
  • An intuitive UI/UX design: The intuitive UI/UX of your restaurant app ensures it runs flawlessly, lightly, and smoothly in food selection, ordering, order processing, and payment.

2. Choose the right features and functions:

Restaurant app competition is high which requires you always make sure yours stands out among the rest. Involve a unique, sleek design, user-friendly navigation functions, and customization features to accommodate your users’ needs.

Here are some of the features and functions you may want to include:

  • Detailed menu specifications like ingredients, calorie count, prices, pictures, and reviews.
  • An easy location of your restaurant on a geo-map.
  • An order and delivery tracking system to allow customers to track their orders.
  • Online payment methods such as debit/credit card, net banking, and e-wallets beside the regular cash on delivery method.
  • Login through social media accounts.
  • Order and delivery history.
  • Registration and profile management.
  • Booking system for in-advance table-reservation.
  • Discounts, offers, promos, deals, cashback, and reward points.
  • Push notifications for order confirmation, preparation, and readiness for delivery.
  • Evaluation and feedback system.
  • Dish recommendations.

Today, restaurant owners who are late to launch a food ordering and delivery app are most likely to suffer a huge loss in the next months. Investing in a restaurant app is not only a sound investment but also a smart decision, especially with recurrent lockdown due to the pandemic.

Now that you have an idea where to start, it’s time to take your restaurant business a step further with a restaurant app. For more details and to learn about Taker, click here

Why Your Restaurant Needs POS Integration

If you’re a restaurant owner, you probably have some repeat guests who regularly spend a good deal of money at your restaurant. Such information you may have come across through mere observation, but other valuable information may go unnoticed if there is no POS integration.

What is POS?
A point-of-sale system, or POS, is the place where customers make payments for products or services at your business. POS software isn’t limited to credit card payment transactions. It also tracks sales and inventory, adjusts prices, and gives sales reports.

What is POS integration?

Technology isn’t new when it comes to restaurant management. Think reservations, online ordering, stock management, loyalty programs, etc., all are aspects of restaurant digitization. But if you want to know a customer really well, the answer is data integration. In other words, instead of having a POS data system and a reservation management system run separately, why not integrate both and have a wider picture of what is going on in your restaurant. Hence, POS integration.

How do POS and reservation management systems complement each other?

A POS system would typically be used to monitor restaurant revenue and evaluate its menu based on sales and profit. One drawback of POS systems is their using tickets instead of data. This is overcome by POS integration with a reservation management system. Once POS integration takes place, you get insights into guest and server monthly revenue as well as average guest monthly spends, trends, lifetime value, and spend per reservation.

How does POS integration work?

Typically, data flows from the POS terminals to a centralized POS server, then to a cloud-based data warehouse – through custom integration software-, and finally to the system where the data is being shared.

For help with custom POS integration, check out the various package features offered by Taker

What are the 3 top pros of POS integration?

The greatest three benefits of integrating POS and reservation management systems are as follows:

1. Customized service

POS integration helps you identify VIP guests as the system spots high spenders as per revenue as opposed to the number of visits. Knowing your VIPs means knowing your strongest supporters and, thus, your brand ambassadors. When you offer your VIPs complimentary dishes or discounts, you easily get them to spread the good word around your restaurant.

2. Segmented marketing strategies

Thanks to POS integration, you can tweak your marketing strategies based on ‘guest’ segmentation. For instance, you may come up with new ideas for targeted messaging based on birthdays, food preferences (e.g., allergen-free or vegetarian), preferred dining days and times, and many more.

Even if a VIP guest hasn’t been to your restaurant for some time, you can win them back with a customized win-back offer based on their favorite dish.

3. Improved customer service

A dissatisfied customer may voice their opinion through a negative review which is something you may want to prevent from happening. As you reach out to them, and as you understand their complaint, POS integration shall add more context to the situation and help you handle it as best you can.

For more information on choosing a POS system for your restaurant, click here

4 Restaurant Management Strategies to Reduce Maintenance Cost

Restaurant management may not be a pleasant task, but that doesn’t change the fact of how crucial it is to a restaurant’s operations. Imagine your freezer breaks down all of a sudden. You depend on it for keeping all costly ingredients chilled. You’ll not only lose the cost of the ingredients, but the menu items depending on them, bringing your restaurant operations to a halt and your customer experience downhill.

Here are four ways of restaurant management to keep maintenance costs down and enhance customer experience.

1. Minimize unplanned maintenance

Electronics breaking down unexpectedly is usually caused by a lack of proper inspection and repair. Most cases of unplanned maintenance could be prevented by a simple maintenance program. As most restaurants tend to fix equipment after it’s broken, clever restaurant management is always one step ahead. Instead of doing reactive repairs, go for breakdown prevention.

When you take preventive measures and have a maintenance plan, your restaurant will run smoothly as you’ll reduce unplanned costly maintenance which in turn ensures a positive user experience.

2. Limit reactive maintenance

Reactive maintenance is fixing a piece of equipment or having it replaced after it breaks down. You’ll find that reactive maintenance is cost-effective in a few cases such as low-cost appliances, restaurant POS software, and other equipment you don’t really rely on. By employing efficient restaurant management, you’ll also know when it’s wise to apply reactive maintenance or go for preventive maintenance.

If you have an expensive fryer, for instance, that needs repair. It is best to avoid buying a replacement as it shall be costly. Instead, get it fixed, and then after it’s totally broken down, apply preventive maintenance to the new replacement.  

3. Digitize maintenance

Long gone are the days of pen and paper. You can begin with this method, but you’ll realize it is difficult to organize. By employing a computerized restaurant management system that integrates maintenance tracking, you’ll notice a significant increase in your ROI.

And here is how; a computerized maintenance management system helps cut business downtime often caused by broken appliances. It also keeps track of your maintenance and repair costs which helps you make the right buying/repairing decisions.

4. Outsource maintenance               

Staff members who are well-trained to create and use proper maintenance checklists will save you a ton of money. However, wise restaurant management doesn’t solely rely on staff members to fix broken-down equipment. Hiring a maintenance professional is only needed if you have a chain. Otherwise, outsourcing maintenance to an authorized company will deliver quality service and save you money.  

To wrap up, people go to restaurants to enjoy great food and have a good time. To achieve this goal, a restaurant should keep all its equipment appropriately functioning. So, taking the time to decide on the best restaurant management strategies to keep your appliances fully operating should be a top priority.

For website and app custom integrations, click here

Taker and Ita’am Launch a New #Ramadan 2021 Campaign “Ateamahum”

Welcoming the advent of the Holy month of Ramadan, Taker is pleased to announce joining forces with Ita’am Organization to feed the needy in a new Ramdan 2021 charity campaign.

The philanthropic campaign kicks off on Tuesday, Ramadan 1, 1442 AH by providing easy donation opportunities through the websites and applications of Taker’s partner restaurants in the Kingdom and by enabling their customers to donate directly to the campaign.

Out of the belief in taking part in social solidarity and as part of its contribution to society, Taker announces the launch of its strategic partnership with Ita’am Organization in Ramadan 2021 to feed those most in need. This comes in line with Allah Almighty’s verse in the Holy Qur’an “Help one another in righteousness and piety”, as Taker facilitates the donation process by allowing direct donations through its partners’ websites and applications.

Taker invites its partner restaurants to participate in the Ramadan 2021 campaign by offering donation options within their own websites and applications so that their customers can make direct donations to the campaign, reach larger numbers of donors, and share good deeds and cooperate with all social segments.

How It Works

Taker provides electronic donation options to the customers of its various partner restaurants to make a donation easier, smoother, and only at a click of a button. A special category option for the campaign will be featured throughout the websites and applications of Taker’s partner restaurants under the name Ateamahum which allows for an e-payment option only.

Restaurants are required to add two menu options with several meals to be donated via the campaign.  Then they will promote Ateamahum campaign through social media accounts, website, and newsletter to attract the largest possible number of donors.

In addition, Taker provides the necessary marketing materials and designs for the campaign for easy use on your website and application. The donated meals will be collected from all the branches of the participant restaurants on a weekly basis and distributed via Ita’am.

How to Choose a POS System for Your Restaurant

Getting a new system for your restaurant can be daunting especially when you are overwhelmed by the endless options existing in the market. Deciding on the vital features for your restaurant will help you narrow down the options and ease the selection process.

When selecting a new POS there are 4 main features that you should keep in mind;

Smooth User-centric Experience

Almost all POS types available provide the same functions which are; collecting and calculating fiscal data. But each POS type differentiate from the other in the way the data is stored, accessed and personalized.

Each POS system has its own layout, user interface, and operating system. You should choose one that can be easily navigated by your employees, that way you can save time and money spent training new employees to use the system.

Moreover, you should consider investing in a POS system that includes marketing features such as loyalty programs tools. You can use the system to collect customer’s phone numbers and link them to their accounts then reward them for their frequent visits. This loyalty program will increase customer satisfaction and provide data on the preferences of your customers. 

Further, you have to make sure that your POS saves time and makes you operate efficiently. If your system is hard to navigate, this will waste your staff and customer time and will cut the time that could have been used to grow your business. Your POS system shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes to navigate.

POS Mobility

An ideal POS system should allow you to record sales and inventory whenever and wherever you are. Mobile POS systems give you access to business data and information from any web browser. These Cloud-based systems allow you to get all key transaction data with a simple click of a button.

Many restaurants today provide their services in different locations and provide food catering services. You can even find a modern restaurant in the format of food trucks and pop-up restaurants. That’s why restaurant managers need to decide on the amount of mobility needed before choosing a particular POS system.

POS Reporting System

Your chosen POS system should provide elaborate and detailed sales reports that are accessible and customizable to your restaurant needs. Your sales reports should ideally include your best-selling categories and items and the cost and margin to effectively measure your ROI. In addition, those reports should track sales by time and department to optimize your operations and adjust your staff schedule.

Many POS systems provide additional features such as;

  • Inventory: Real-time inventory data
  • Payment: Payment methods used and taxes applied.
  • Customer Data: Customer order history and preferences.
  • Reservation options: Via Integration with your reservation system.

POS Security:

Even if your POS system has the best features and capabilities; all this means nothing if your customers’ payment information isn’t secure. In order to get a POS with proper security features, you have first to check all the industry regulations and standards concerning security. If your POS doesn’t meet the minimum qualifications for payment security, it will be rendered useless by your customers.

To determine if your selected POS is secure check the following features;

  • Encryption and tokenization
  • EMV Technology
  • Breach protection
  • Anti-fraud services

Choosing the right restaurant POS can either be an advantage o r a liability to your business, so make sure to take your time and choose a system that best suits your business needs.

QR Codes for Restaurants; 5 Ways to Engage Your Customers

Restaurants around the world have been struggling with reopening amid the Covid-19 pandemic. With finding ways to bring life back to normal while maintaining hygienic measures, QR codes for restaurants have become an alternative to physical menus.

A restaurant technology relying on QR codes is the perfect way to reduce contact between customers and employees, and consequently, the spread of germs and viruses. It simply works by scanning a code through your personal device that instantly gets the menu displayed.

Even in non-Covid-19 times, QR codes for restaurants save employees the hassle of reprinting physical menus every time there’s an update or a specialty menu which allows for more flexibility and fewer costs. 

Here are five ways to engage your customers in QR codes.

  1. Menus

A QR code replaces a physical menu and eliminates its use altogether during the time of Covid-19. When we are past the pandemic, there will be no urgency in using a QR code on a menu; however, adding one at the top is smart restaurant technology that allows customers to view your dishes in their preferred method. 

  1. Stickers

Having QR codes for restaurants printed on stickers is an efficient and less expensive marketing tool. The sticker with your QR code may be customized and stuck on menus, takeaway packaging, tabletops, and windows. Have a look around your restaurant, and you’ll find your QR code could be displayed on many parts of it.

  1. Posters

Apart from the aesthetics of posters, having QR codes displayed on them is a cheap and easy-to-prepare restaurant technology. The more eye-catching the poster is, and the larger the QR code is, the easier it becomes for customers to notice and scan.

  1. Flyers & Business Cards

The cheaper alternative to posters is flyers. Imagine trying to fit your entire menu on a small flyer? The print would be too small to read. Instead, focus on the flyer design, and let potential customers view the menu through a QR code. 

Business cards displaying QR codes for restaurants are excellent in networking and directing people to your website, menu, and social media rather than having to look them up. 

  1.  Tabletop Stands & Inserts

Both will display your QR code right in front of your customers with no intrusion or distraction. They may also be placed at the register or the hostess table. Besides, their free-standing nature allows customers to scan the code without picking it up.  Plus, it is easy to get the plastic insert holder cleaned between customers. 

QR ordering is the new online ordering system

Restaurant technology has undergone many upgrades recently, one of which is an online ordering system supporting QR ordering. A customer scans the QR code, browses the menu, selects the items, sends the order, and pays online. This QR online ordering system is perfect for busy restaurants and fast-food places with long queues. To update your restaurant technology, check out Taker.

6 Steps to Running a Profitable Takeout System During Covid-19

Delivery and takeout system programs have gained more popularity lately. With Covid-19 lockdown affecting restaurants, they became more of a necessity. 

A recent study has found that due to Covid-19, 62% of food sellers have integrated a takeout option, and 40% of consumers prefer takeout over on-site dining. This is proof enough that delivery and takeout system programs are expected to continue long after the pandemic is over. 

With more demand on takeout and delivery, competition is inevitable. Here are six steps to boost your profit through a takeout service and food delivery system.

 Offer Family-Sized Meals 

To maximize your takeout profit, feed the whole family. Upgrade your restaurant’s menu to include deals on family-sized meals. Family deals that serve 8+ people are time and hassle-savers. Your restaurant will become a convenient option among big families, and with an efficient takeout and food delivery system, most likely it will be their favorite.

Cut Down Your Cutlery

When you cut down your cutlery, you will cut down costs, and even better, invest in the necessities. Surveys say that most customers find plastic cutlery useless. This doesn’t mean you remove it altogether. Involve your customers in making the decision and ask for their permission to have them removed. A good idea is to have your food delivery management system include cutlery “add” and “remove” buttons. 

Maintain Food Safety

Food safety, cleanliness, and hygiene have never been more crucial. Keep your restaurant’s hygiene in check, and make sure your food delivery system applies the best hygiene practices. Your takeout system should run under hygienic conditions as well. Aside from proper cooking, clean, and disposable packing, masks should always be worn by employees and even customers dropping by for their takeout. Hand sanitizers should be available to all, and your food delivery management system should clearly list Covid-19 safety measures. 

Hit the Digital World

Now that most businesses have gone digital, a digitized takeout and food delivery system shall maximize your profit. A website or app with a food delivery management system providing a “pre-order” feature is always a hit. Customers can place an order online then pick it up once it’s ready. If a customer is tight on time, choosing the “delivery” feature on your food delivery management system comes in handy.  

Give Out Gifts 

Everyone loves gifts, and loyal customers deserve the gesture than most. A gift doesn’t have to be a free meal. Consider giveaway ideas that are non-food-related. They come as a nice surprise. And if you feel like playing it safe with a food gift, coupons and discount vouchers are always a good idea. Also, limited-time-gifts to non-repeat customers are a smart investment that will help you gain new loyal customers. 

Grow Your Social Media Presence

Social media platforms are the perfect way to reach people at all times. 3.8 million people use social media for an average of two hours a day. With minimal marketing, you can promote your food delivery system and how it saves potential customers time and effort through doorstep delivery and takeout options. Considering digitizing your restaurant business? Check out Taker