It may seem like a difficult wall to jump over, but integrating your POS system with other tools you use in your restaurant can help you supercharge your operations. But this obviously comes with some technical challenges when it comes to connecting multiple softwares to your POS. To make things easier for you, below we are laying out a comprehensive guide on how to integrate with a POS system.
The Benefits of Integrating Your POS System with Other Tools
Integration of your POS system is essentially the bedrock for true customer-focused operations by merging all of the available tools and enabling your organisation to be faster, more comprehensive and also cheaper to run.
- Increased data accuracy
- Operational efficiency
- Improved customer experience
- Accurate forecasting
- Enhanced marketing
- Flawless reporting
- Better decision-making
- Better cash flow management
Integrating Your POS System the Right Way
Now let's have a look at the steps you should follow in order to integrate your POS with other systems.
Assess Your Business Needs
Before doing anything, analyse where your business currently is and what do you want to accomplish with the POS system integration. Are you looking for something to help with accounting or do you need an integration to assist stock management?
Choose Compatible Systems
All systems aren't built to integrate. Therefore, you will need to select a POS system that is compatible with the tools you are planning on using. Choose a modern POS system, like 3S POS, that allows seamless integration through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Think of APIs as connectors between two systems, allowing them to form a bridge and transfer data or essentially talk to each other.
Set Up APIs or Connectors
Assuming you have all of your systems lined up, the next step is to set up the APIs and connectors. Think of APIs as interpreters or translators that allow different software tools to talk to each other and allow them to share data.
If you have an API-based POS system and other tools, then you could simply configure the APIs to talk to each other. For instance, to integrate your POS with your inventory management system, you can simply go to your POS settings, find APIs or integrations and generate or enter API keys.
Then head to inventory management settings, find API integration, configure endpoints, map data fields and test connections to ensure proper synchronisation between your POS and inventory management systems.
If your systems doesn’t have built-in API integration options, you might have to hire a team of software engineers to build you a custom API module.
Also, for those of you who have never dealt with any kind of API development before, we would recommend working on hiring a POS system integrator or a software developer who is knowledgeable in the space. These professionals will guarantee that your integration is secure, effective and personalised to the requirements of your business.
Sync Data Between Systems
Now that we have the technical setup complete, let's sync data between your systems. The real magic happens here when everything is linked, and data is transmitted between your POS, inventory management, accounting software, and everything else. For instance, every time you make a sale, your inventory levels are automatically adjusted in real-time meanwhile, the transaction is also recorded on the accounting end.
Data syncing can be set up either in real-time or at configurable intervals based on your business requirements. Businesses requiring current data, such as busier retail outlets, will benefit from real-time synchronisation.
Test the Integration
It’s imperative to make all the tests before making the system live. Ensure correct data is being sent across from systems and all functionalities are working as required. This step is important as it allows you to catch any issues that may arise before the system is working in real-time.
Train Your Staff
The fact remains that even the best systems mean little if people don’t know how to use them. After you get your POS system integrators working, be sure to train your team how to use it. Make sure they know how systems interact and what the new capabilities offer. This will keep things from being out of whack and help everyone get on the same page.
Monitoring & Supporting the Integration
Once the POS integration goes live, that’s not the end of it. Make sure you monitor how the systems are working regularly. You should routinely verify the sync of data to guarantee processing systems are functioning as expected.
Useful POS Integrations
Now that we are done with the basics, here are some common integrations that can help your day run smoother than ever.
- Inventory Management
- Accounting Software
- E-Commerce Platforms
- CRM Systems
- Employee management system
- Customer support
- Marketing tools
Conclusion
Linking your POS system to other business tools is more than just a matter of convenience. It can improve the efficiency, accuracy and customer focus of your entire operation. Through a combination of carefully evaluating your needs and setting up the correct APIs to data sync, you can create an operation that is seamless enough to operate in ways you could never have imagined.
For almost 20 years, 3S POS has offered one of the most flexible EPOS systems to international brands such as Caffe Concerto, Chaiiwala, Heavenly Desserts, Pepe’s Piri Piri, GDK and thousands more delighted customers.
If you are looking for an Restaurant POS System that will not just help you accept payments but includes inventory management, multi-site management, loyalty programs, and much more, speak to our sales for a free demo.