Which Android device should you choose for a cafe or restaurant?

Mobile tablet, touchscreen, stationary POS terminal, or perhaps a Smart TV? In this article, we'll focus on Android-based devices. These include not only tablets and mobile devices, but also stationary terminals, touchscreens, Smart TVs, and tablets for special applications. We'll analyze them for their usability in various applications. In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about POS systems for coffee shops.

Stationary position

Tablets are ideal as stationary stations. They can be mounted on a special stand that provides stability and protects the tablet from theft . Thanks to their small size, compared to a traditional POS, they don't take up much valuable counter or bar space, while simultaneously enhancing the prestige of the establishment . Replacing tablets in the event of a failure is easy, as they are widely used and, above all, easily accessible . Restaurant owners often buy an additional tablet, lured by their low price, to use it in the event of a hardware problem.

Thanks to their mobility, tablets have many other applications. Smaller , 7-inch tablets work well as stationary stations in places where space is limited, such as in all vehicles such as food trucks, taxis, vans, and buses. Connecting the tablet to a wireless printer significantly simplifies device installation and customer service.

Touchscreens, thanks to their large size, make it easy to navigate the app. Furthermore, multiple USB devices can be easily connected to such devices . Such solutions often pique the interest of restaurant customers.

Suggested equipment:

– 10-inch tablet + stationary printer + wireless barcode reader + stable stand – equipment for stationary points of sale,
– large 21-inch touch screen + stationary printer + wireless barcode reader – convenient operation, provided there is adequate space,
– 15-inch ECOPLUS terminal + stationary printer + wireless barcode reader – traditional stationary solution,
– 7-inch tablet + mobile printer + stable stand in mobile places, e.g. food trucks, buses, taxis or door-to-door sales,
– Internet connection via WiFi or GSM network (3G, LTE).

Direct customer service

Tablets are ideal for direct customer service . A cashier or waiter can approach a customer and take their order, entering it directly into the system . This significantly speeds up order processing. For example, the kitchen immediately receives information about the order, and in-store items can be quickly added to the bill before the customer changes their mind, etc. Such solutions have been used in Apple stores for several years.

Serving customers using a tablet eliminates errors related to illegible handwriting and allows for on-site receipt issuance using a mobile printer. It also allows for credit or debit card payments via a mobile terminal (mPOS). This significantly speeds up and improves service quality – for example, eliminating the need to queue at a stationary POS to enter orders. The tablet can also be stored in a specially designed pocket , which waiters or cashiers carry with them – significantly simplifying their work.

Suggested equipment:

– 7-inch tablet + mobile printer,
10-inch tablet + mobile printer – if the tablet also serves as a stationary workstation,
– Internet connection via WiFi or GSM network (3G, LTE).

Customer Display

A tablet also works very well as a screen for presenting products during ordering, a so-called customer display. It can be mounted on a special stand, significantly improving the quality of service. Meanwhile, the screen can display presentations with promotions, various interesting facts, the history of the establishment , and so on. This solution will undoubtedly enhance the establishment's prestige and customer satisfaction , and consequently increase sales.

Suggested equipment:

– 7-inch tablet,
– 10-inch tablet,
– Internet connection via WiFi.

Kitchen (KDS) – information screen in the cafe

Tablets are often used as an information display in the kitchen , also in conjunction with a voucher printer. They enable information to be sent from the cashier/waiter to the kitchen and vice versa – for example, from the kitchen to the waiter that a selected order is ready for collection. This solution allows for quick communication between staff.

10-inch tablets are also used in cafes as kitchen displays . Due to their low cost and (importantly!) size, they can be easily mounted on a wall.

Suggested equipment:

– TV + Smart TV with Android + numeric keypad – for standard kitchen applications,
– 10-inch tablet + stable stand – used in kitchens and cafes as an information screen,
– large 21-inch touch screen – convenient touch operation,
– 7-inch tablet + stable stand in mobile places – e.g. food trucks,
– Internet connection via WiFi.

Display with presentation, promotions or daily menu 

Restaurants are increasingly seeing displays displaying daily specials, promotions, or simply menus with prices. This allows for a modern presentation of the menu, which is sure to attract many customers. Similar to e-menus, it makes it easier to change prices, menu items, promotions, photos, and so on. There's no need to repeatedly print menus, replace them, or add pages to the menu.

Everything can be managed conveniently, even at home , from a browser.

Suggested equipment:

– TV + Smart TV with Android,
– large 21-inch touch screen,
– 10-inch tablet + stable stand,
– Internet connection via WiFi.

E-menu for the customer

Tablets are increasingly being used as e-menus for customers , significantly simplifying menu management. Changing prices, adding promotions, multiple language versions, or multiple photos of dishes is no problem. Combine this with an attractive menu design and you'll create a menu that's sure to delight your customers.

Suggested equipment:

– 10-inch tablet + stable stand or table mounting,
– 7-inch tablet + stable stand or table mounting,
– Internet connection via WiFi.

Mobile inventory

Smaller tablets are also useful for inventory taking . Their portability and portability make them easy to take with you wherever you go. For example, a manager can take a tablet into the warehouse to record the current inventory. There's no need to write down the inventory on paper and then enter the data into the system. This simplifies and speeds up staff work.

Suggested equipment:

– 10-inch tablet + wireless barcode reader,
– 7-inch tablet + wireless barcode reader,
– Internet connection via WiFi or GSM network (3G, LTE).

POS for food trucks or door-to-door sales

10- and 7-inch tablets with SIM cards are ideal for this purpose . They allow you to monitor sales, easily change prices, and track the vehicle's location. There's no need to constantly connect the devices to a power source, so you can also issue invoices on-site.

Suggested equipment:

– 10-inch tablet + mobile printer,
– 7-inch tablet + mobile printer,
– Internet connection via WiFi or GSM network (3G, LTE).

High risk place

High-risk areas include warehouses, construction sites, swimming pools, and saunas. These are places where equipment must meet stringent environmental requirements. Specially designed tablets, which are drop-proof, dust-proof, and waterproof, are ideal for this purpose.

Suggested equipment:

– 7-inch tablet – e.g. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active,
– Internet connection via WiFi or GSM network (3G, LTE).

As we can see, Android equipment can be used in many different ways. Remember that global thinking is very important. If you need to develop infrastructure in your premises, the equipment and possibilities must be flexible and accessible enough so that it does not cause the slightest problem. It is worth thinking about this from the very beginning, when deciding to buy equipment. This is an investment for years!

Marcin Czesak/POSbistro.com