First Published: 10 February 2023 Best Restaurant Management Software UK
When looking for reliable restaurant management software for UK businesses, choosing a tool that optimises operations and enhances efficiency is essential. The Best Restaurant Management Software UK offers a comprehensive solution with adaptable features, assisting business owners and managers in effectively running their establishments.
This software streamlines various processes, including point-of-sale operations, inventory management, employee administration, customer management, and reporting and analytics functions. By simplifying these procedures, the software boosts efficiency and productivity, promotes customer satisfaction, and supports better business decisions.
As the demand for improved operational efficiency grows, the significance of using such advanced software in the restaurant industry becomes increasingly evident.
What are restaurant management systems?
Restaurant management systems, often known as POS systems or point-of-sale systems, are computer programmes that enable restaurant owners and managers to administer and manage their establishments.
The Advantages of Using Software for Restaurant Management
- Increased efficiency and productivity: Restaurant management software can assist in the simplification of procedures, the automation of tasks, and the enhancement of efficiency, all of which can lead to an increase in productivity.
- Improved customer service: A customer management system allows restaurant personnel to easily access information about customers, which can then be utilised to improve both the quality of service provided and the level of satisfaction experienced by those customers.
- Better inventory control: With an inventory management system, restaurant owners can track stock levels, manage inventory, and prevent waste.
- Improved employee management: Restaurant managers are able to schedule employees, keep track of the time they work, and analyse employee performance when they have an employee management system.
- Accurate reporting and data analysis: Restaurant managers are able to make informed business decisions based on data analysis thanks to the reporting and analytics technologies at their disposal.
Choosing the Right Restaurant Management Software
What are the top 4 Best Restaurant Management Software For The UK Market and why?
When looking for restaurant management software, it is essential to take into account not just the overall cost of the programme but also the unique requirements that your establishment has.
On the market in the UK, some of the most well-known brands are as follows:
TouchBistro:
TouchBistro has a comprehensive collection of functions designed to meet the needs of restaurant and hospitality businesses of varying sizes. It provides a wide range of functionality, such as inventory management, table administration, and reporting capabilities.
It is widely considered to be among the best restaurant management software in the United Kingdom. Pricing for TouchBistro is determined by a subscription model and begins at £69 a month for each individual device.
TouchBistro requires a minimum one-year commitment from its customers as part of its subscription model. The monthly fee is scaled according to the number of iPads that are used to access the TouchBistro app.
The monthly fee for the first iPad licence is £49 plus VAT; subsequent licences cost £45 plus VAT for each additional iPad, and the fee drops to £40 plus VAT for each additional iPad after that.
The price per device goes down as the number of devices purchased goes up, and there are significant price reductions available for companies that have more than 10 devices. In addition, they provide businesses with more than 20 devices with the option to choose bespoke pricing plans.
It is important to note that the prices listed here are examples, and it is recommended that you get in touch with TouchBistro or their authorised resellers to find out the pricing that is the most exact and up-to-date in your region.
Furthermore, the price may differ from one customer to another depending on the functions and features that are required. The price may include other expenditures such as transaction fees, the cost of hardware, and the cost of various added services.
Epos Now:
EPOS Now is one of the biggest providers in the UK. This software offers a range of features including inventory management, employee management, and reporting and analytics. It is suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants.
- Information about products, sales, and employees in real-time
- Fast stock checks with alerts for minimum and maximum stock levels
- Bulk imports let you add and change a lot of products at once.
- Automatic tax returns every three months and once a year
Prices for Epos Now
Epos Now has retail system bundles that include both the software and hardware you might need to get started. Each of these packages costs about the same and it is perfect for restaurants that want to start using an ePOS with streamlined ordering and payments that are built in.
Pricing for Epos Now is determined by a subscription model for each individual device. The price per device goes down as the number of devices purchased goes up, and there are significant price reductions available for companies that have more than 5 devices. They also provide businesses with more than 20 devices with the option to choose bespoke pricing plans.
Starting at £80/month, the retail POS software from Epos Now has a lot of useful features, with a focus on managing the cash register and stock. Epos Now has a lot of hidden costs, such as an annual licence fee of £224 per register. Because of this, it’s best to get a full breakdown of your cost from the Epos Now support team before you buy.
Toast:
This software is a cloud-based point of sale and restaurant management system, and it has received positive reviews from business owners who operate restaurants in the United Kingdom.
It provides powerful capabilities for managing inventories and employees, as well as reporting and analytics, online ordering, and customer service, among other things.
It is suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants. Toast offers several pricing plans which are based on the number of devices that will be used with the software. The pricing for Toast is determined by a subscription model and it is ideal for restaurants who want to get up and running on an ePOS with streamlined ordering & integrated payments. Starting at £80/month
The price per device goes down as the number of devices purchased goes up, and there are significant price reductions available for companies that have more than 10 devices.
In addition to this, they provide organisations with more than 20 devices with the option to choose bespoke pricing plans.
Lightspeed Restaurant:
Lightspeed’s POS is an all-in-one system which is a very popular choice among UK restaurants. It offers a wide range of features including menu management, inventory management, employee management and customer management.
Also, reporting and analytics as well as integration with other point-of-sale systems. It is suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants. Lightspeed restaurant offers several pricing plans which are based on the number of devices that will be used with the software.
Lightspeed is perfect for businesses that want a sales system that does everything in one place and has great customer service and integrations.
Lightspeed’s POS, which is an all-in-one system, can be rented on a monthly basis through a number of different plans. It’s a point-of-sale system (EPOS) which uses cloud technology.
Lightspeed restaurant offers several pricing plans which are based on the number of devices that will be used with the software. That’s because Lightspeed’s software is so powerful that it can even be used to make custom receipts, but it costs £59 per month, which most small and medium-sized businesses won’t be able to afford.
The pricing for Lightspeed Restaurant is set by a subscription model per month per device. The price per device goes down as the number of devices purchased goes up, and there are significant price reductions available for companies that have more than 10 devices.
In addition, they provide businesses that have more than 50 devices with the option of purchasing a unique price plan. Prices may differ from one customer to another depending on the functions and features that are required.
Lightspeed provides hardware as well as software. The hardware comes in kits or can be bought separately so that it can be tailored to your needs. The hardware for Lightspeed includes printers, scanners, and cash drawers, among other things. It offers customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support, and connects to more than 250 other programmes.
For restaurants, orders can be taken at the table and sent straight to the kitchen by the wait staff. This means that the staff doesn’t have to wait for an open terminal to finish the order. This shortens the time between when a customer orders food and when they get it. Also, with Quick Keys, you can quickly record sales. Another feature of Lightspeed is splitting the bill which can be hard to use in some restaurants.
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What software is used in restaurants?
Restaurant management software is commonly used in restaurants to streamline processes such as point-of-sale, inventory management, employee management, customer management, and reporting and analytics.
What is the best POS system for restaurants and bars UK?
The best POS system for restaurants and bars in the UK will depend on the specific needs of your business. Some of the best-known brands in the UK market include TouchBistro, Epos Now, Toast, and Lightspeed.
Features of a Good Restaurant Management Software
A good restaurant management software should include the following features:
- Point-of-sale system: A restaurant management software package should always include a point-of-sale (POS) system as a standard component. It makes the ordering process, as well as payment and checkout, very simple and quick.
- Inventory management: A comprehensive restaurant management software should also have an inventory management system, which helps to track stock levels, manage inventory, and reduce waste. Inventory management helps to ensure that no food or other resources are wasted.
- Employee management: An effective restaurant HR system is tailored to your business’s unique requirements and financial constraints. The software should also include an employee management system which enables scheduling, time tracking, and performance assessments.
- Customer management system: A customer management system enables the recording of customer preferences, orders, and feedback, which may then be used to enhance customer service. The best customer management system for your restaurant in the UK will depend on your restaurant’s needs and budget.
- Reporting and Analytics: Reporting and analytics programmes should include tools for data analysis and decision-making.
The individual requirements and financial constraints of your restaurant might have a significant impact on the reporting and analytics software system that you choose.
Conclusion
The use of restaurant management software can greatly improve the overall operation and success of a restaurant. It is important to choose the right software that fits the specific needs of your restaurant and to use it to its full potential. With the right software in place, you can increase efficiency, improve customer service, better manage your inventory, and make more informed business decisions based on accurate data analysis.
Some of the best-known brands in the UK market include TouchBistro, Epos Now, Toast, and Lightspeed, each with its own unique set of features and pricing plans. It is important to research and compare different options to find the one that best suits your restaurant’s specific needs and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What is the best software for restaurants?
In the UK, some of the best restaurant software includes platforms like Epos Now, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Square for Restaurants. These solutions provide a variety of features, including POS, inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer relationship management, catering to various types and sizes of restaurants.
How much is Epos now?
Epos Now pricing in the UK typically starts at around £25 per month per terminal for the basic package. This affordability is a testament to the cost-effectiveness of the software. Additional features, hardware, and more comprehensive packages can increase the cost. It’s advisable to check Epos Now’s UK website for the latest pricing details.
Can I use Epos now without a subscription?
Epos Now generally requires a subscription to access its full range of features, continuous updates, and cloud-based services. While some basic functionalities may be available without a subscription, a subscription is typically needed to utilise the software fully. The subscription model ensures that you always have access to the latest features and updates, and it also includes customer support and maintenance, which can be beneficial for businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff.
What software is needed in a restaurant?
A restaurant in the UK typically needs:
- POS software, inventory management software,
- staff scheduling software,
- reservation management software, and
- customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
The convenience of all-in-one solutions like Epos Now, Lightspeed Restaurant, and TouchBistro is that they often integrate these features into one package, relieving you of the hassle of managing multiple software.
Is EPOS expensive?
The cost of Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems in the UK varies based on features and the business’s size. Basic systems may start at around £800 to £1,000, while more advanced systems with multiple terminals and extensive features can cost several thousand pounds. Monthly subscription fees for software generally range from £20 to £100 per terminal.
Is Epos a good POS system?
Epos Now is regarded as a good POS system in the UK, and it is known for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and flexibility. This user-friendliness instils confidence in its ease of use. It serves various businesses, including restaurants and retail, and is supported by strong customer service. The suitability will depend on the specific needs of a business.
Who is Toast’s biggest competitor?
In the UK, Toast’s most significant competitors include:
- Epos Now,
- Lightspeed Restaurant,
- TouchBistro, and
- Square for Restaurants.
These companies offer similar POS solutions tailored for the restaurant industry, with comparable features and pricing structures. When it comes to customer service, Epos Now and Lightspeed Restaurant are known for their responsive support teams, while TouchBistro and Square for Restaurants offer extensive online resources and user communities for self-help.
What is the cheapest POS system for a restaurant?
The most affordable POS system for restaurants usually varies based on the size and individual requirements of the establishment. However, some inexpensive options that are popular among smaller restaurants include:
Square POS: Known for its simplicity and affordability, it offers basic functionalities for processing payments, managing orders, and tracking sales. It’s a popular choice for small businesses due to its low upfront costs and transparent pricing structure.
Clover POS: Clover offers various POS solutions tailored to different types of businesses, including restaurants. Their entry-level systems provide essential features at an affordable price point, making them accessible for budget-conscious restaurant owners.
Epos Now: Epos Now provides adaptable POS solutions for small and medium-sized restaurants. It offers affordable hardware options and customisable software packages, allowing restaurants to tailor their POS systems to their specific requirements while staying within budget.
Revel Systems: Revel Systems offers a scalable and budget-friendly iPad-based POS solution. Their entry-level package provides essential POS functionalities at a lower cost, making it suitable for small restaurants looking for an affordable yet reliable system.
ShopKeep: ShopKeep offers an intuitive POS system for small businesses, including restaurants. With transparent pricing and no long-term contracts, it’s a cost-effective option for restaurants to streamline their operations without breaking the bank.
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