Are you looking for the perfect computer system for your restaurant? Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or restaurant, there are a couple of things you must keep in mind when installing systems that will help you manage your critical data and help you operate your business.

1. Network cabling. The majority of systems are PC-based, designed to run on Microsoft Windows technology. This means that the workstations and peripherals most likely will communicate over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, it’s still much better to “hardwire” your computer stations. Some vendors include this service in their bid; while others specify that cabling must be arranged with a third-party vendor.

Inspite of who will work on the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each equipment needs to have a cable drop. A cable drop is the cable that connects a device to a network, like your computer or remote printer connecting to a networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.

For a restaurant POS system, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a “home run” area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, because these devices can cause communications interference.

2. Electrical. Install dedicated and isolated circuits that all of your POS, computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems can share. No other electrical equipment should be placed in this circuitry. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means its a separated ground from that of the main electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and surges that can disrupt motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, that you’ll still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Properly designed workspace. When designing the workstation area, be sure to leave enough space to comfortably fit your needed equipments. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to hold a computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you are planning to use separate credit card equipment. There should be enough space directly underneath the tabletop to hold the computer, the surge protector, power strip and UPS.

If you plan to place your workstations on mill-manufactured surfaces such as granite or woodwork, you may want to have your contractor pre-drill holes where to run cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole would be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.

For cashier and bartender stations, tabletop space should also be large enough to perfectly fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5-inch to 4-inch height. So better make sure you get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop for your drawer to fit perfectly in.

4. Service plans, as part of your system. Vendors will offer some type of service plan as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that are not built to last forever especially in a restaurant environment. POS printers will eventually break, fans will slowl fail, and hard drives will crash. How often is dependent upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are the most common danger to office and restaruant POS equipment.

I’ve seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing a retail business owner can do is to invest in good equipment and then protect that investment by maintaining it. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service plans that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges from 10%-20% of the original purchase price.

Remember that computer systems represents as a sizable investment. But if you set a time to make sure that the above steps are included in your checklist, then you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.

The Author of this article is the Customer Relations Vice President at POS-for-Restaurants.com — With over 20 years of restaurant experience helping businesses like yours to use your technology more efficient and make your business more profitable .

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