Western Expo showcases new POS solutions

Western Expo showcases new POS solutions
Tags: Online Services, Software, Trade Show
September 1, 2009 - Christa Hoyland

The co-located Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina in San Diego wrapped up yesterday, in San Diego as attendees filled the aisles looking for the latest technology to improve their restaurant operations. A number of point-of-sale providers at the Western Expo featured new solutions aimed at filling those needs.

Exhibitors like Squirrel Systems debuted items to help smaller operations, such as the company's Squirrel in a Box POS system. Squirrel in a Box is designed for small restaurants or those just moving to POS and features a scaled down system with simplified installation. Squirrel customizes features as needed, and the POS can be used for one to three terminals.

"It's a more easily implemented solution," said Patrick Harger, system engineer for Squirrel Systems.

Radiant's Aloha Quick Service POS now offers the Aloha Takeout module, an add-on designed for call-in orders. The system allows for future orders such as with catering programs and call-ahead takeout orders. The Aloha Quick Service POS itself is designed with a speed-of-service focus, with upselling and make-it-combo prompts.

NIT Business Solutions featured ASI Technology's Restaurant Manager POS solution, including a new iPhone application. The free downloadable app allows managers and owners to remotely monitor and manage their Restaurant Manager POS system. The app allows for instant access to alerts and reports.

MICROS Systems showcased its Conversational Ordering feature, which simplifies order input to meet the way customers describe their food choices. For example, condiments and toppings automatically appear when a customer orders a burger, with the preset choices in a different color. Cashiers can quickly input choices to add or subtract toppings as needed.

Auphan Software featured its Web-based POS solutions, which allows managers and operators to access and manage the system remotely. The solution includes free integrated online ordering and a spot for ad displays on the order confirmation screen. Auphan president and CEO Wayne Au said the ad display has become an unexpected money maker for some franchisees, who have opted to sell the spots to partner retailers.

"We never thought about using it that way until we noticed they were selling advertising using our system," Au said. "It's a new way of making money."