Self-service is beginning to become a popular trend in the hospitality industry. Whether this means compiling your own salad, or building the perfect cup of frozen yogurt, we have been seeing these self-serve businesses pop up everywhere. Franchises and restaurants unable to offer this self-serve food feature have been scratching their heads trying to find a solution, until now. Recently, the introduction of self-serve Point of Sale systems have been showing up making on-the-go customers especially happy.

Self-serve POS systems provide an easy to use interactive menu for consumer to place their own orders. The menus are accompanied with pictures and customization options making ordering simple. This new technology allows fewer errors because the possibility of miscommunication is eliminated. However, POS systems allow customers to, for example, leave off the avocado or add bacon, just as if you were ordering with a server.

The systems are similar to that of an ATM machine or EZ print ticket booth at the movies. They have a touch screen paired with a credit card swipe or cash insert that allows customers to pay and order all at once.

The benefits of these POS systems are endless. Allowing customers to be responsible for sending their own orders to the kitchen eliminates any potential conflict or again, miscommunication. Also, these allow businesses to reduce their costs by not needing as large of a service staff to assist the customers. A large advantage of these systems is in the feature that allows customers to select their language. This will allow better service and no barriers for customers not speaking the local language. Another benefit is in the speed.

Today’s consumers are on the go, and the trend seems to be that the customers who receive the fastest service leave the most satisfied. With this new system, lines at fast food restaurants will be shorter and order times at restaurants will decrease as well.

These simple benefits make purchasing one of these systems not only convenient but a smart choice for companies. Business owners should begin to consider this self-serve option before purchasing their next POS system.