Top 8 Time-Saving POS Features Every Restaurant Should Be Using

Here are eight time-saving POS features that every Aussie restaurant should be using.

Running a restaurant isn’t a walk in the park. Between juggling staff, keeping track of stock, making sure the food’s top-notch, and keeping customers happy – it’s full on. That’s why having the right tools in place makes all the difference. One of the best ways to get more done with less stress? A solid Point of Sale (POS) system with time-saving features built in.

If you're still relying on old-school methods or using different systems for every little thing, it’s time for a change. The modern POS can do way more than just process payments – it can help you run a tighter ship, save time, and even boost profits.

Top 8 Time-Saving POS Features Every Restaurant Should Be Using

1. Table Management with Visual Floor Plans

Managing tables used to mean scribbling on a notepad or trying to memorise who’s sitting where. With modern POS systems like POSApt, you can use a touchscreen layout of your venue to see which tables are free, booked, or waiting for the bill.

Why it’s a time-saver:

• You’ll know straight away where to seat walk-ins.
• Staff can assign and switch tables quickly without confusion.
• It helps cut down wait times and keeps things flowing during busy hours.

This simple feature makes life easier for front-of-house staff and improves the customer experience too.

2. Online Orders that Sync Directly with Your POS

Online ordering isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it’s a must. But if your online orders are coming in via text, phone, or separate apps, you're probably wasting time copying them into your system.

A POS with integrated online ordering means:

• Orders go straight to the kitchen as soon as they’re placed.
• You reduce double-handling and mistakes.
• It syncs with your menu, prices, and availability in real-time.

Whether customers are ordering from your website or an app, this feature saves heaps of time and helps things run smoothly behind the scenes.

3. Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Tired of running dockets or dealing with missed orders during the dinner rush? A Kitchen Display System is a game-changer. Instead of printing paper tickets, orders pop up on a screen in the kitchen, telling your chefs exactly what to make and when.

Perks include:

• Orders show up instantly and clearly.
• You can track how long each dish has been in progress.
• It cuts down shouting across the kitchen (and the stress that comes with it).

No more lost tickets or mix-ups. Just clean, streamlined communication.

4. Real-Time Stock & Inventory Tracking

Stock takes are a pain – no two ways about it. But POS systems with inventory tracking can take a lot of the grunt work out of it.

Here’s what it can do:

• Automatically update stock when you sell something.
• Send alerts when ingredients are running low.
• Track usage so you know what’s selling and what’s going to waste.

This helps you avoid over-ordering or running out of key items mid-service. Plus, you’ll spend way less time counting boxes in the storeroom.

5. Split Bills & Flexible Payment Options

If you’ve ever seen a group of mates trying to split a bill six ways, you know how messy it can get. A POS that allows for quick and easy bill splitting is a win for both your team and your customers.

You can:

• Split by item, person, or custom amounts.
• Accept different payment types in the same transaction.
• Process payments faster and with fewer errors.

This means happier customers, faster table turnover, and less time spent fiddling with numbers.

6. Automatic Reports and Insights

Making smart decisions starts with knowing your numbers – but who’s got the time to dig through spreadsheets every day? A good POS takes care of that by giving you real-time data and automated reports.

You’ll get insights like:

• Your best (and worst) selling menu items.
• Sales trends by day, time, or staff member.
• How much stock you’re going through.

Whether you’re planning a new menu or deciding when to bring in more staff, having this info at your fingertips saves a heap of time and helps you run things smarter.

7. Staff Rosters and Timesheets Built-In

Keeping track of who’s working when, who’s running late, and who did what shift can be a nightmare without the right system. Many modern POS setups include employee management tools to make it easier.

Features to look for:

• Staff clock in and out directly on the POS.
• Automatic timesheets to make payroll easier.
• Assign roles and control who can access what.

It means fewer headaches for managers and less paperwork come payday.

8. Customer Loyalty and CRM Tools

Keeping regulars happy is key to running a successful restaurant. But remembering who ordered what last week or tracking loyalty cards by hand? That’s time-consuming.

POS systems with built-in loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM) tools make it easy to:

• Track repeat customers and their preferences.
• Offer loyalty points or discounts automatically.
• Send promotions or birthday offers with a few clicks.

Not only does it save admin time, but it also helps bring people back through the door.

Bonus: Cloud Access for Remote Management

Running a restaurant doesn’t mean being tied to the venue 24/7. With a cloud-based POS, you can check in on sales, make menu changes, and monitor staff performance from anywhere – even from the beach or your couch.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing everything’s ticking along, even when you’re off-site.

How POSApt Can Help

If you’re after a POS system that’s designed for Aussie restaurants and cafés, POSApt has got you sorted. It’s packed with all the time-saving features we’ve just covered – and more.

Here’s why restaurant owners love POSApt:

• Works perfectly with Android devices.
• Syncs your kitchen, front-of-house, and online orders in real time.
• Includes stock tracking, reports, and staff management tools.
• Offers local support and easy setup.

Whether you run a small family restaurant or a multi-site food business, POSApt helps you get more done in less time – so you can focus on the food and the customers.

Final Thoughts

Time is one of your most valuable resources in hospitality. The longer you spend dealing with admin, fixing mistakes, or working around clunky systems, the less time you have to grow your business.

By investing in a POS system that does the heavy lifting, you can:

• Speed up service
• Cut down on errors.
• Make smarter decisions.
• Keep customers and staff happy.

So, if you haven’t already, take a good look at your current setup and ask yourself: Is it helping you save time or holding you back?

With tools like POSApt, you’ll be running a smoother, faster, and more profitable operation in no time.