Are you looking for the perfect computer system for your restaurant? Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or restaurant, there are a couple of things you must keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.
1. Network cables. Most systems are computer-based, designed to run on Microsoft Windows technology. This means that the workstations and peripherals communicates over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, it’s still much better to “hardwire” your computer stations. Some vendors include this service in their bid; while others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.
Regardless of who does the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each equipment will require a cable drop. A cable drop is the cable that connects a device to a network, like your computer or remote printer connecting to a networking source.
For a restaurant POS system, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a “home run” area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, because these devices can sometimes interfere with the communication of each devices.
2. Electrical. Installing a dedicated and isolated circuits for your equipmments such as your POS computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems that can share. No other electrical equipment should be plugged in this circuitry. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means that the circuit has a ground separate from the main electrical service. This helps to prevent spikes and surges that can destroy motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, that you’ll still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.
3. Designing workspace. When it’s time to design workstation areas, be sure to leave some extra space to comfortably fit all equipments there. A flat roomy space for server stations should be large enough to place a computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you are planning to use separate credit card equipment. Make sure you have enough space underneath the tabletop to hold the computer, the surge protector, power strip and a battery backup (UPS).
If you’re planning to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, you will want to have your contractor pre-drill holes to place cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole would be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.
For cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop space should also be ample enough to perfectly fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5 to 4 inch height. Be sure to get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath the counter.
4. Service plans, as part of your system. Your vendor will offer some type of service plan as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that are not built to last forever especially in a restaurant environment. POS printers will eventually break, fans will slowl fail, and hard drives will crash. How often they rely upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are not friendly allies to office and restaruant POS equipment.
There are those people who rarely experience problems wih their computers while others continue to suffer the same problems. The best thing a retail business owner can do is to invest in good equipment and maintain it to reduce future damages. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service agreements that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of the original purchase price.
Remember that your computer systems represents as a sizable investment. But if you set a time to make sure that the above steps are included in your checklist, then you are more likely to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.
The Author of this article is the Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com — With over 20 years of restaurant experience that helps ensure that your technology is more efficient and your business more profitable .