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Company to Begin Testing Resturant iPad POS System
- Thread starter ClaireL
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I can definitely see that taking off.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw waitresses taking orders on the iPad at some point and wirelessly transmit orders to the kitchen.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw waitresses taking orders on the iPad at some point and wirelessly transmit orders to the kitchen.
It's interesting that they note that the ROI scales up from small, independent restaurants to chains.
I would think the iPod touch would actually be more convenient for this kind of usage, though (and this company seems to be making it available). Waitstaff can easily put an iPhone/iPod into a pocket, e.g. an apron pocket, whereas I would think it would be challenging to carry an iPad without having to put it away when bringing food or beverages out....
Cool App.
Apple really needs to get a 6"-7" (sized for grip across without balancing like current iPad) iPad out there for easy one handed operation. It would be perfect for these applications.
Operation while balancing in a busy restaurant seems like a formula for many dropped iPads. But a firm grip on a narrower version would be a lot more secure, plus it could be holstered when hands are busy.
Yeah I know there is the touch, but it is too small for this kind of thing.
Apple really needs to get a 6"-7" (sized for grip across without balancing like current iPad) iPad out there for easy one handed operation. It would be perfect for these applications.
Operation while balancing in a busy restaurant seems like a formula for many dropped iPads. But a firm grip on a narrower version would be a lot more secure, plus it could be holstered when hands are busy.
Yeah I know there is the touch, but it is too small for this kind of thing.
The article mentioned porn and all I could think about around 1m12s when she asked if there was anything else she could get the guys was dirty. 
But really, providing they can offer waitstaff a way to hold the iPads better (there's a case where you slide your hand through a sort of handle which may work) and the waitstaff can actually pocket (apron pocket?) the iPad then this could take off.
One thing I'd say is a stylus of sorts would be better for this use.
But really, providing they can offer waitstaff a way to hold the iPads better (there's a case where you slide your hand through a sort of handle which may work) and the waitstaff can actually pocket (apron pocket?) the iPad then this could take off.
One thing I'd say is a stylus of sorts would be better for this use.
I think they should use iPads in place of menus.
There could be pictures of all the menu items to easily scroll through (like with the ebay app or the periodic table app), and if you click on an item then it would display a new page with just that item, maybe a bigger picture or animation, along with all the options and prices for that item. If someone wants that item they can then select it from that screen. When the order is ready, they just click "submit" and it goes to the kitchen over Wifi.
Then while waiting for food you can also use it to browse the web, play games, etc.
They can attach tracking devices and alarms to the iPads to make sure they don't walk out the door.
There could be pictures of all the menu items to easily scroll through (like with the ebay app or the periodic table app), and if you click on an item then it would display a new page with just that item, maybe a bigger picture or animation, along with all the options and prices for that item. If someone wants that item they can then select it from that screen. When the order is ready, they just click "submit" and it goes to the kitchen over Wifi.
Then while waiting for food you can also use it to browse the web, play games, etc.
They can attach tracking devices and alarms to the iPads to make sure they don't walk out the door.
I can't see most waitstaff carrying an iPad to each table--they will be dropped and have to endure spills and food grime on them. I think many will continue to take orders on a traditional small notepad which they can stick in their pocket. More likely, they will take what they written down to a shared iPad/iPads close to the kitchen.
Maybe not though, the iPad isn't designed for this type of use. The traditional terminals are.
Maybe not though, the iPad isn't designed for this type of use. The traditional terminals are.
Eventually they will use MS surface computing and have the menus and credit card readers directly in the tables themselves.
Now that would be cool - use the ipad in the same way waitstaff use notepads to write on. If it could relay the order to the appropriate places (to the bar or kitchen) simultaneously it would be perfect! Wireless transmission to a printer for receipts and you'd be set.
There might be logistical issues with having staff carrying around iPads while working though.
I cant see this taking off.
Using an ipad to take orders doesnt have any advantages over a notepad. If you coupled it with a credit card reader or had one at the table (and therefore no waitress) I can maybe see it streamlining the ordering process, but that feels gimmicky. Maybe it would work in those restaurants where you get your food on a conveyor belt.
I would also say that it would be hard to convert restaurants who already use a traditional POS system to ipads. It would be a logistical nightmare to integrate the ipad with an existing system, limiting its use to new restaurants who haven't decided on a POS system.
As other posters have said - things get dropped, spilled and bumped in a restaurant - thats why the terminals are stripped down, steel encased fujitsu's, not shiny imacs.
I think this is a case of creating a solution for a non-existent problem.
Using an ipad to take orders doesnt have any advantages over a notepad. If you coupled it with a credit card reader or had one at the table (and therefore no waitress) I can maybe see it streamlining the ordering process, but that feels gimmicky. Maybe it would work in those restaurants where you get your food on a conveyor belt.
I would also say that it would be hard to convert restaurants who already use a traditional POS system to ipads. It would be a logistical nightmare to integrate the ipad with an existing system, limiting its use to new restaurants who haven't decided on a POS system.
As other posters have said - things get dropped, spilled and bumped in a restaurant - thats why the terminals are stripped down, steel encased fujitsu's, not shiny imacs.
I think this is a case of creating a solution for a non-existent problem.
