6 Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs a Handheld POS System

The restaurant industry is more dynamic and demanding than ever — and customers are looking for convenience with every transaction. Whether they’re dining inside, enjoying the scenery on the patio, or swinging by for curbside pickup, customers want the process to be quick and easy.

Fortunately, advancements in restaurant technology like a handheld POS system are meeting these demands.

Gone are the days of scribbling orders on paper pads and running back and forth to a stationary terminal. Today’s mobile POS system puts the power of your entire point-of-sale system directly into your staff’s hands.

What Exactly is a Handheld POS System?

Think of a handheld POS system as a compact, portable version of your main restaurant POS terminal. This compact and durable piece of POS hardware allows your staff to perform crucial tasks wherever your customers are.

With a handheld POS device, staff can easily:

• Take customer orders accurately and send them directly to the kitchen or bar
• Process various payment types securely right at the table or curbside
• Access menu information, including ingredients, allergens, and modifications
• Manage tables and split checks effortlessly
• Apply discounts and loyalty rewards on the spot

Essentially, it untethers your staff from a fixed station, bringing the point of sale directly to the point of service.

Key Benefits of Implementing Handheld POS

Adopting a mobile POS system isn’t just about getting new gadgets. It’s about unlocking significant operational and financial advantages.

Research from The Wharton School found that tabletop technology — like handheld POS devices — can increase sales productivity by nearly 10.77%. That kind of boost in profits is due to various factors; let’s look at what you can expect.

1. Faster Service & Increased Table Turnover

According to FSR Magazine, a restaurant reported that their servers could turn 12% more tables when equipped with handheld POS systems.

This is often the most immediate and noticeable benefit. With tableside ordering, servers input orders directly into the handheld device, which sends them right to the kitchen.

This eliminates time spent walking back and forth from the customers to the stationary POS and delays during peak hours waiting for a free terminal.

Similarly, tableside payment drastically reduces the time it takes to close a check. No more running cards to the back, waiting for processing, and returning with slips. Faster service means happier guests and, crucially, faster table turnover. Turning just one or two extra tables per shift per server can significantly increase restaurant profits over time, and put more money in the server’s pocket.

2. Improved Order Accuracy & Reduced Errors

Handwritten orders are prone to errors – illegible writing, missed modifiers, and forgotten items. These mistakes lead to incorrect dishes being prepared, food waste, frustrated customers, and lost revenue through comps.

A handheld restaurant POS system minimizes these issues dramatically. Staff enters orders digitally, clearly displaying items, modifiers, and special requests. This ensures the kitchen receives accurate information instantly, reducing costly errors and improving consistency.

3. Enhanced Guest Experience & Satisfaction

Modern diners value efficiency and convenience. A mobile POS system delivers on both fronts. Arming your restaurant staff with this type of tech will help your business see improvements in the following areas:

• Speed: Guests appreciate not having to wait long for their orders to be taken or their checks to be processed.
• Accuracy: Orders taken at the table and directly sent to the kitchen are much less prone to errors, instantly improving customer satisfaction.
• Interaction: Servers equipped with handhelds can spend more time interacting with guests at the table, answering questions about the menu, and providing a more personalized experience.
• Flexibility: Customers can easily settle the check their way, whether they want to split the bill or use contactless payments like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
• Security: Tableside payment increases perceived security as the customer’s credit card never leaves their sight.

4. Streamlined Operations & Staff Efficiency

Implementing cloud-based restaurant technology, like handheld POS devices, can instantly change workflows for the better. Staff can now take orders and payments anywhere — tableside, curbside, or even out on delivery.

This freedom and efficiency can reduce the chaos of any lunch rush, allowing staff to close checks and handle more tables faster without feeling overwhelmed.

Plus, modern POS technology is typically intuitive, making staff training much quicker — effectively reducing the time it takes for new servers to get into the action. Existing staff will benefit too, now that they can do the same thing in half the steps.

When staff feel confident and empowered, they deliver better service, leading to higher tips, greater job satisfaction, and lower turnover.

5. Increased Revenue & Profitability

Beyond faster table turnover, handhelds can boost the bottom line in other ways:

• Upselling Prompts: Systems can be configured to prompt servers with suggested upsells (like appetizers, desserts, or drink pairings) based on the items ordered — increasing the average check size.
• Reduced Waste & Comps: As mentioned, improved accuracy means less food waste and fewer free meals given out due to errors.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time sales data can help to identify popular items, peak hours, and server performance to make informed business decisions.

6. Seamless Integration & Data Capture (Loyalty Programs)

Modern handheld POS solutions are rarely standalone. They integrate seamlessly with your broader restaurant POS ecosystem, including:

• Kitchen display systems (KDS)
• Reporting and analytics
• Reservation and waitlist management
• Rewards and loyalty programs

This integration allows for powerful data capture. You can easily track customer purchase history, enabling targeted marketing and personalized loyalty rewards, further enhancing the guest experience and encouraging repeat business.

Choosing the Right Handheld POS for Your Needs

Not all mobile POS systems are created equal. When selecting a solution for your restaurant, consider these factors:

• Integration: Does it integrate smoothly with your existing restaurant POS and third-party software (inventory, scheduling, accounting)?
• Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive for your staff? Ease of use is critical for maintaining minimal training time.
• Durability: Restaurant environments are tough. Look for devices resistant to drops, spills, and grease.
• Battery Life: Ensure the devices can last through a long shift without needing constant recharging.
• Connectivity: A reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is crucial. Consider offline capabilities for potential network disruptions.
• Features: Does it offer the specific functionalities you need (split checks, modifier options, tableside payment types, reporting)?
• Support: What level of customer support and technical assistance does the POS provider offer?
• Cost: Understand the pricing structure – hardware costs, monthly software fees, and credit card processing rates.

Take the time to research, request demos, and choose a system that aligns with your restaurant’s specific concept, size, and operational flow. If your restaurant already uses SkyTab, then SkyTab Air may be the perfect handheld POS solution for your existing ecosystem.

Future-Proof Your Restaurant with Handheld Technology

In today’s competitive dining scene, leveraging the right restaurant technology is essential for survival and growth. A handheld POS system for restaurants is no longer a luxury; it’s a must-have tool to streamline operations Embracing this technology is key to future-proofing your business and staying ahead of the curve.