iPad cash register software: a good idea for fast-food restaurants?

Installing efficient, easy-to-use cash register software to process payments and develop your business is an essential step for all restaurateurs. Cash register systems installed on iPads offer modern and attractive functionalities, but can limit the management of your fast food business. Find out more about the pros and cons of iPad cash register software in the fast food context. 

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The 4 advantages of iPad cash register software

The iPad is a touchscreen tablet designed and developed by the American giant Apple. IPad has made its name thanks to its aesthetics, its responsiveness and the intuitive nature of the device. The advantages of iPad cash register software : 

1. Mobility and flexibility

Cash register software available on iPad offers an alternative to traditional cash registers, with the mobility and flexibility associated with iPad devices.

Indeed, iPads are compact and portable, enabling orders to be taken at the table, in queues and outside the restaurant, and payments to be processed directly from the iPad cash register software.

Weighing between 680 and 730 grams, iPad devices are positioned between those of smartphones and laptops. 

2. Order-taking efficiency

Order management is facilitated by the ability to quickly adjust items, customize orders and handle special requests. This enhances the customer experience by reducing waiting times and avoiding trips back and forth between the table and the checkout. 

For takeaway orders, employees can use iPads to take takeaway orders, offering customers the ability to process and personalize orders quickly.

Restaurants with terraces can benefit from the mobility of iPads to provide outdoor service without sacrificing the efficiency of the ordering and payment process.

3. Fast payment

iPad cash register software often offers integration options with electronic payment systems, simplifying transactions for customers. As a result, your customers don't even have to go to the till, and can pay directly from the table. This speeds up the payment process, reduces errors and improves operational efficiency. During busy periods, this reduces waiting time and optimizes speed of service, without clogging up the space in front of the tills.

4. Ease of use for staff

iPad touch interfaces are often intuitive, making staff training easier and speeding up the order-taking and payment process. 

The first page of the home screen can be configured to display a row of applications. iPadOS offers numerous possibilities for applications that have been updated: display 2 different documents at the same time, open the same application twice, display up to five rows and six columns of applications on a single page, and so on. 

In terms of connectivity, the iPad operates either via a Wi-Fi connection, present in the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G models, or via a connection to the 4G network, all for browsing the Internet, downloading or sending data, and installing applications. 

 👉 To find out more: Choosing the best POS software for your restaurant

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Disadvantages of iPad cash register software 

Here are the limitations of using iPad cash register software in the fast-food sector:

1. Tablet fragility

One of the main drawbacks is the fragility of iPads. Originally designed for leisure use and not for intense commercial environments, iPads may not be suited to the fast-paced, demanding conditions of fast food.

2. Not suitable for intense activities

Fast-food outlets are often characterized by rush periods, when transaction volumes increase dramatically, putting the durability and responsiveness of the devices used to the test. iPads, while intuitive and user-friendly, may not stand up effectively to intense use over long periods.

3. Vulnerability

Working conditions in the fast-food industry expose equipment to increased risks of damage: heat emitted by kitchen appliances, the presence of grease and moisture in the air, as well as the risk of physical shock, can compromise the functionality and longevity of iPads.

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4. Difficulty integrating with other tools

If iPad cash register software needs to be integrated with other digital solutions (order terminals, loyalty program, KDS in the kitchen, etc.), this may involve additional costs, or even the impossibility of connecting your preferred tools to your iPad cash register software. In such cases, the use of iPad cash register software is restrictive or even counter-productive. 

Before opting for iPad cash register software, it's a good idea to ask yourself the right questions, and find out about integration and connectivity with all the tools and functions you need.

5. Expensive

The acquisition of iPads and cash register software represents a high initial cost compared with traditional cash registers. Although iPads are popular devices, they represent a very expensive investment for a restaurant, especially if you need to equip several points of sale.

In addition to purchasing several iPad tablets, it will surely be necessary toinvest in additional equipment such as receipt printers, credit card readers, barcode scanners and so on. These devices are essential for optimal use of the POS system, but they add to the initial costs.

In addition to all these devices, restaurateurs often have to purchase licenses and subscriptions for iPad cash register software.

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The Innovorder cash register

Ease of use and intuitive interface

One of the main advantages of the Innovorder cash register is its user interface, designed to be both powerful and easy to use, even during busy periods.

The caisse that best suits your needs

We have extended our range of cases to meet your needs:

• Innovorder Nano: more powerful than an iPad and NF525-certified
• Innovorder Move: a mobile checkout with 2-hour autonomy weighing less than 700g

Both are touch-sensitive, all-in-one (payment, printer, etc.) and ergonomically designed.

Order management optimization

The automation and centralization of orders enables smooth management, reducing errors and increasing the speed of service.

"The till is a real control tower: it automatically receives all my orders (terminal, delivery and click & collect)." Guillaume, Smash Smash franchisee

Regular updates and NF525 certification

Innovorder is committed to offering a solution that is always up to date with the latest standards and regulations, including NF525 certification, ensuring safety and compliance.

Synchronization with all solutions

Innovorder has developed the most complete ecosystem on the market to create a harmonious, seamless continuity. The cash register is synchronized with all Innovorder equipment and tools:

• Self Ordering Kiosk
• Online Ordering
• Kitchen production screen
• Coin-operated

This way, you have justone provider for all their solutions, which are all synchronized with each other. This enables people interacting with all the tools to move from one channel to another, thanks to a complete all-in-one solution, without losing the continuity of their experience.

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Opting for a cash register that is not adapted to your activity is a sure-fire way to make trouble!

Let an expert help you equip your establishment with the cash register software best suited to your needs.