Cash Register vs POS system: What to Choose for Your Restaurant

When you’re considering choosing a cash register vs POS system, you should be aware that the cash register is designed mostly for processing sales transaction and doesn’t come up with the more advanced features a POS system offers such as data reporting or staff management.

In this article, you will find a detailed explanation of how cash registers and POS systems work and tips to help you make the best choice for your restaurant.

A cash register is a mechanical or electronical device used to record the amount of sales. Typically, the machine has a display that shows the amount due, and a drawer used for storing cash.

The cashier inputs the sale information (in a restaurant’s case, the menu items that were ordered) and the cash register calculates the total, shows it on the display for the customer, and records the transaction.

The cashier can also open the cash drawer to store the received cash or offer change to the client. Newer versions of a cash register can also come with a credit card terminal.

When making a choice between cash register vs POS system, you must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. This is why a cash register can be a great choice for your restaurant:

• Low cost: compared to POS systems, cash registers tend to be cheaper. Therefore, if you have to limit your spending, cash register may be the best option;
• Simple to use: cash registers require no technical knowledge, you can learn to use them in minutes as the process is simple and intuitive;
• Less technical issues: as the cash register has fewer components than a POS, they are less likely to experience technical problems and are often more durable.

If you choose a cash register for your restaurant, you will have saved some money, but you will also experience the following disadvantages:

• Error-prone record keeping: because you input the sales data manually, there is always room for errors that can lead to inaccurate record keeping;
• Limited payment options: when you use a cash register, you can only accept cash payment and sometimes card. You won’t be able to serve customers who prefer digital payment methods;
• Basic functionality: a cash register can only do what it was created for, which is sales processing. It won’t be able to make work easier at your restaurant with additional features, like an efficient POS system would.

A POS system is a blend of hardware and software that restaurants use to process transactions, keep track of sales data, manage staff, and more.

The POS system is a more evolved version of a cash register because it comes with extra features that make running a restaurant easier.

To make an informed choice between a cash register vs POS system, you need to have all the data. Here are the advantages you will enjoy if you select the best restaurant  POS system from GloriaFood:

• Faster transactions: when you use a POS system, you only have to select the ordered menu items from the color-coded dashboard, no need to manually input them. This will speed up the payment process considerably;
• Less errors: because the system takes care of order placement and sends the orders automatically to the kitchen, there is less opportunity for human errors;
• Improved inventory management: the GloriaFood POS system allows you to set up the number of available menu items, so you are always informed of how much food availability you have;
• Better customer experience: when you can accept multiple payment methods (cash, card, smartphone) and provide fast service, clients are more likely to come back;
• Improved communication between FOH and BOH: that will further speed up food preparation time as orders placed with the POS are automatically sent to the kitchen;
• Improved kitchen workflow: you can set up multiple printers so orders get sent to the dedicated station, such as the pizza station or the salad preparation area.

• Detailed sales reports: GloriaFood POS has an embedded in-store reporting module that gives you access to a variety of useful restaurant data such as number and value of sales, type of orders, best selling dishes and much more;
• Enhanced security: having only a cash register also opens you up to fraud or theft. A POS system is a more secure way of accepting payment as your money will be safely in your merchant’s account;
• Ability to track employee performance: with a personalized ID, you will be able to track each action that employees perform on the POS, be it placing an order or accepting a refund. Moreover, with GloriaFood POS, you also have the Training module that enables you to show newbies around without affecting your financial statements.

Now that we’ve seen both a cash register definition and a short description of a POS’s role, let’s delve into the key differences between the two ways of accepting payment at your restaurant.

A main difference between a POS and cash register is that a cash register is limited to on-premises. You can only input the orders and check the data while on location.

With the GloriaFood POS system, all your data is stored in the cloud. You can also see some of the reports in the GloriaFood admin wherever you are, such as the checks you’ve created through the POS.

Imagine a busy Sunday lunch where your restaurant is full. All tables are filled with clients, and you even have a line of people waiting to be seated. With a cash register, service time is only going to decrease as you have to manually input each order.

Instead, if you opt for a POS system, you can open checks and accept payment in seconds. Each of your employees gets an RFID card from GloriaFood that provides them with instant access to the POS that further speeds up the service.

What is the difference between a cash register and a POS? One of the most important is access to your restaurant’s data. When you use a cash register, you only get basic sales records.

But, with the GloriaFood POS system, you have the following restaurant POS reports at your fingertips:

• Property financial report: where you can see net sales, offered discounts, order types, cash payments, and more;

• Employee financial report: access info on opened checks, ordered menu items, service charges, discounts & applied tenders;

• Open check report: have an accurate sales report by going over all open check at the end of the day;

• Check journal report: identify any possible fraudulent activity;

• Family Group & Menu Item Sales reports: easily scope out your best-selling dishes and categories and the ones that are underperforming;

When you analyse the cash register vs POS system cost, the cash register will attract your attention because you will have to pay less for it up-front. Because of its basic functionality, a cash register will always be cheaper than a POS.

But if you want your restaurant to succeed long-term, you must invest in technology that helps your business grow. A POS system can help you increase sales at your restaurant by providing accurate data, fast service without errors, and time-saving features.

To get the best value for money, try out the GloriaFood POS that offers a free POS starter kit valued at ~$1,800 so you are not paying for hardware. Find out more about pricing here.

When you compare a cash register vs POS system, you will immediately notice that a cash register can only accomplish one thing, which is recording sales.

On the other hand, the GloriaFood POS system comes with many included features designed to make work easier for you, such as:

• Staff management: you can assign different access to different employees, such as only giving cash register access to more senior employees;

• Ability to connect to multiple printers: to send out orders to the dedicated station so dishes can be prepared faster;
• Menu editor: you can quickly add new menu items, update pricing, or mark items as out of stock when you run out of ingredients so clients know they are no longer available;

• Online ordering integration: discover a new revenue stream by accepting online orders with the GloriaFood online ordering system that is seamlessly integrated with the POS.

If you are still undecided between a cash register vs POS system, look over these  factors that will make your choice easier:

If you have a very small restaurant with not many orders, a cash register may be a great option for you because you don’t have to provide fast service.

But, if you plan to grow your business, budgeting for a POS system is a must. Client loyalty is directly influenced by quality of service, and you need a POS system to create a great dining experience.

If you have a very limited budget and can’t afford to spend more money, cash register can be an option for the beginning. But, long-term, a POS system has a better return on investment, so you may want to rearrange your spending to account for it.

Moreover, GloriaFood POS has a low monthly fee and free starter kit hardware that will help you succeed even if you have a small budget.

As a cash register can only record sales and print receipts, it hardly fits in the technologically developed era we are living in now.

If you want to keep up and even stand out from your competitors, you need to take advantage of the included features of a POS system that streamline operational processes.

Ultimately, choosing between a cash register vs POS system is a question of your business needs. But, looking over the benefits, features, and differences listed above, there is only one choice that will help you better your restaurant, and that is the GloriaFood POS system.