Running a small restaurant comes with its own unique set of challenges. From managing staff and tracking inventory to keeping an eye on profits and handling payments, every task can quickly become overwhelming. A good point-of-sale (POS) system can simplify many of these responsibilities, letting you focus more on your customers and less on administrative headaches. But with so many POS options available, choosing the right one for a small restaurant can feel confusing.
One system that often comes up in discussions is Total Touch POS. It’s designed to handle not only basic order processing but also inventory, labor, reporting, and even online ordering. Small restaurant owners want to know whether this system is worth investing in, especially if they are running on tight budgets or have limited staff. This guide explores how Total Touch POS works, its strengths, challenges, and what to consider before making a purchase.
What Is Total Touch POS?
Total Touch POS is more than just a cash register. It’s a complete system built to manage multiple aspects of a restaurant. From front-of-house operations like taking orders and processing payments to back-office management like tracking inventory and labor costs, it covers many areas that a small restaurant needs.
The system operates on a hybrid model. This means it runs locally at your restaurant, so it can function even if the internet goes down. At the same time, important data is backed up to the cloud, giving you access to reports and insights from anywhere. This combination of local reliability and cloud convenience makes it appealing to small restaurant owners who need both flexibility and dependability.
Key Strengths of Total Touch POS
Reliable Operations with Hybrid Design
One of the most significant advantages of Total Touch POS is its hybrid setup. Local storage ensures that orders can continue even during internet outages. This is especially important for small restaurants that cannot afford downtime. Cloud backups allow owners to view sales, track inventory, and analyze labor costs remotely, giving you the flexibility to manage your business from outside the restaurant.
Detailed Analytics for Better Decision-Making
Small restaurants often operate on thin margins. Knowing which menu items are profitable and which are not is critical. Total Touch POS offers detailed reporting features, allowing owners to track sales by item, compare peak times, and evaluate labor costs. These insights help owners make informed decisions, such as adjusting menu prices, scheduling staff more efficiently, or identifying top-selling items.
Inventory and Labor Management
Keeping track of stock and staffing levels is a challenge for many small restaurants. Total Touch POS includes built-in inventory tracking, which helps monitor ingredient levels, set reorder alerts, and reduce waste. The labor management tools allow you to schedule employees, track hours, and even connect labor costs directly to payroll. For restaurants serving beverages, it also offers pour control and measurement features to reduce spillage.
Flexible Payment Options
Small restaurants benefit from flexibility in payment processing. Total Touch POS works with multiple payment providers, allowing restaurants to select a processor that fits their budget and needs. This flexibility helps control costs and provides a smoother checkout experience for customers.
Online and Mobile Ordering
Online ordering has become increasingly important for restaurants. Total Touch POS supports web and mobile orders, which are sent directly into the system. This reduces human errors and helps manage orders efficiently, especially during busy hours.
Strong Support Network
Total Touch POS offers a support network for installation, training, and ongoing assistance. This is particularly valuable for small restaurants with limited technical staff. Reliable support helps ensure the system runs smoothly, minimizing disruptions and downtime.
Challenges to Consider
While Total Touch POS has many advantages, it is not perfect for every small restaurant.
Costs Can Be Unclear
Unlike some modern POS systems with transparent monthly pricing, Total Touch POS often requires a custom quote. This includes hardware, software, installation, and sometimes support fees. Small restaurants with strict budgets need to plan carefully to avoid surprises.
Slightly Complex Setup
The hybrid design that makes Total Touch reliable also adds complexity. A local server and proper hardware are necessary, which might require technical knowledge or additional support. Small restaurants without dedicated staff may need to rely on external support to maintain the system.
Learning Curve for Staff
Total Touch POS includes many advanced features. While this is beneficial, it means staff will need time and training to use the system effectively. Without proper onboarding, small teams may underuse important tools like inventory tracking or kitchen displays, reducing the potential value of the system.
Dealer Dependency
Installation and training are usually handled by authorized dealers. Choosing the right dealer is critical because service quality and training effectiveness can vary. Small restaurant owners should research dealers carefully before making a decision.
Less Suitable for Very Small Operations
For tiny cafés or street food stalls, the system may feel more complicated than necessary. Lightweight, fully cloud-based systems can sometimes be easier and quicker to implement for very low-volume operations.
Real-World Feedback
Feedback from restaurant owners suggests that Total Touch POS is powerful but comes with trade-offs. Users appreciate its comprehensive features and strong reporting. However, some feel it may be more complex than necessary for certain smaller operations. This highlights the importance of evaluating your restaurant’s specific needs before investing.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you are considering Total Touch POS, keep the following in mind:
- Business Type: Evaluate whether your restaurant requires advanced features like inventory tracking, labor scheduling, and online ordering.
- Budget: Factor in hardware, software, installation, and support costs.
- Dealer Selection: Choose a reputable dealer who can provide thorough training and reliable service.
- Staff Training: Allocate time to train employees properly so the system can be used to its full potential.
- Reporting Usage: Determine which metrics are most important, such as cost per dish, labor versus revenue, and peak sales times.
- Payment Processing: Compare providers to ensure competitive rates.
- Demo and Trial: Test the system during peak hours to see if it fits your workflow.
If you want to explore other POS options for order counters or small restaurants, check out total touch pos for detailed comparisons and product listings.
Conclusion
Total Touch POS is a powerful, feature-rich system that can greatly benefit small restaurants. Its hybrid design, detailed analytics, inventory control, and labor management make it ideal for restaurants that need more than just basic order processing.
However, its complexity, cost structure, and training requirements mean it may not be suitable for every small restaurant, especially those with very low volume or minimal staff. For restaurants ready to invest in a system that grows with their business, Total Touch POS can provide a strong foundation for operational efficiency and profitability.
For restaurants just starting or looking for simpler solutions, it may be worth exploring lighter, cloud-only POS systems that are easier to set up and manage.
