Cafeteria POS Software Is Crucial for Your School. Here’s Why
In the last year, students received their education from their bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. While some schools implemented hybrid learning, most moved online, taking a time-out from normal school activities such as pep rallies, sporting events, and even lunchtime. However, the CDC’s recommendation to resume in-person instruction has teachers and students alike prepared to return to a state of normalcy.
With many schools fully back in session this upcoming fall, your campus must prepare for a unique transition. That said, doubling down on your on-campus hardware and technology solutions will benefit all areas of your school community. One of these solutions includes cafeteria POS software. Read on to find out why this is crucial for you in the coming school year.
Enhance Throughput
While the cafeteria POS software you choose is important, so, too, is the hardware you choose to go with it. By the time the fall semester rolls around, students and staff alike may be rusty on lunchtime operations. For this reason, it’s important to enable a smooth transition; for example, hardware such as self-service kiosks make it easy to quickly handle large volumes of diners keeping them happy while supporting enhanced productivity.
By accepting payments from multiple locations in the school cafeteria rather than at one fixed POS station alone, you’ll increase customer throughput and satisfaction, leading to shorter lines at the fixed POS during peak lunch hours.
For even more flexibility as well as space savings, look to your provider for a superior tablet that may also be used with a compatible dock to create a fixed POS system. With the right POS system, you can integrate with other hardware support items such as mobile tablets for additional line-busting needs. The best applications will allow students to choose a-la-carte items to skip the lines and check out even faster.
Better Service for Students
Your students are your customers, and customer service can always be improved upon. In 2021, great customer service is reflected in a variety of payment options. The right cafeteria POS software and hardware will open doors for accepting multiple payment types, supporting payment processing efficiencies, and minimizing the need to turn away students.
Look to a provider with POS technology that integrates all of the POS peripherals required for processing EMV credit and debit cards, and contactless and mobile wallet near field communication (NFC) payments. This technology also accommodates payments with “meal cards” preloaded with funds by parents or students themselves. Most students will be very in-tune with their smartphones and various payment types aside from traditional cash and card payments, so offering a variety will cater to their preferences.
Self-service kiosks further streamline operations in cafeterias by allowing customers to place and pay for special orders without assistance, ensuring a quick and painless checkout experience. Orders are then automatically transmitted to the appropriate station, saving time and labor and improving quality of service. Just stick to a regular cleaning schedule to ensure that germ transmission is kept to a minimum at all of your self-service locations.
Quality Hardware for Staff
Working in a cafeteria can be a challenge; serving three meals a day in a busy, noisy, and fast-paced environment can prove to be a stressful task. Finding the best cafeteria POS software and hardware combination will ensure your staff is equipped with the tools they need to perform the best job they can.
Quality hardware will streamline internal operations for smoother work days and quick problem-solving, resulting in lower stress and friendly service. Your staff will also be able to simplify tasks by easily connecting to other technologies such as tablets and kiosks. Superior battery life, easy-to-use technology, and tablet capabilities will work together to make the lives of your cafeteria staff’s lives easier.
If you’re unsure what to look for in cafeteria POS software and hardware, the right provider will guide you in the direction to best support your students and staff. More than ever, schools are in need of durable cafeteria POS equipment to meet their specific needs. From public K-12 schools to four-year colleges and universities, using the proper software and hardware is important in fostering an environment that is both accommodating and productive.
At Touch Dynamic, we understand the school cafeteria industry’s needs when it comes to POS solutions. You need systems that move large numbers of students, staff, and visitors through the queue in a short period of time, all while providing excellent customer service. Luckily, we have the solutions you need, including our assortment of durable, customizable cafeteria POS hardware, including all-in-one POS terminals, tablet POS devices, and kiosks. We’re prepared to ensure your cafeteria is equipped to handle anything this fall. Contact our team of experts to learn more for your school.
