Choosing the Right POS System for Your Venue
POS systems used to be just cash registers. Now, they’re the beating heart of your venue — taking payments, managing orders, tracking stock, and connecting to everything from your kitchen printer to your loyalty program.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose one that works for your specific venue?
Here’s how to make a smart, future-proof choice — without needing a tech background.
1. Match Your POS to Your Venue Type
Not all venues need the same features.
For bars and nightclubs:
Fast-paced UI with minimal steps
Tab management and open orders
Mobile ordering for rovers or VIP booths
Integration with door counters or ID scanners
Offline mode in case of network drops
For restaurants and cafes:
Table layout and table tracking
Kitchen printing or digital kitchen displays
Modifier support for custom orders
Easy split bills
Loyalty and booking integrations
For hybrid venues or multi-site operations:
Cloud-based backend with real-time reporting
Centralised management for menus and pricing
User permissions and shift-based access
2. Prioritise Speed and Simplicity
Your busiest hour will test your POS more than any demo ever will.
Look for:
Quick order input (ideally under 5 taps)
Smart search and product categorisation
Simple training interface for new staff
Easy-to-navigate refund or void process
Clear buttons and no clutter on screen
If it slows your staff down — it’s not the right system.
3. Make Sure It Integrates
The best POS system doesn’t work alone — it connects.
Essential integrations:
Payment terminals (tap & go, QR, EFTPOS)
Accounting software (like Xero)
Rostering platforms (Deputy, Tanda, etc.)
Inventory management
Loyalty and marketing tools
Kitchen displays or printers
Online ordering and delivery partners
Choosing a POS that plugs into your existing stack saves time and prevents double-handling.
4. Consider Support and Updates
Even great systems run into issues.
Ask:
What support hours are offered?
Is there weekend/night coverage?
Is live chat or phone available for urgent problems?
How often is the software updated?
A good support team can save your weekend trade — a bad one will leave you hanging.
5. Don’t Forget the Hardware
POS hardware matters as much as the software.
Choose:
Durable tablets or terminals with good mounts
Sturdy printers that can keep up
Cash drawers with smooth opening
Chargers and cables that are easy to replace
Stands or holders that suit your layout
Unified Venue Solutions supplies, installs, and services hardware bundles that match your POS system — no mismatches or guesswork.
6. Think Long-Term
Your venue might grow, change concept, or add locations. Don’t pick a system that will box you in.
Plan ahead:
Does it scale with multiple terminals or sites?
Can it support loyalty programs or memberships later?
Is there room to customise reports or workflows?
Choose a system that grows with you — not one you’ll outgrow in 12 months.
Our Recommendations
At Unified Venue Solutions, we work with a handful of trusted POS partners based on your venue’s specific needs:
Bepoz: Feature-rich and powerful for multi-venue groups
H&L: Great for large hospitality venues
Lightspeed: Sleek, cloud-based, perfect for fast service
Square: Simple, scalable, ideal for smaller bars or cafes
We handle the install, setup, integration, and ongoing support — all under one roof.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right POS system is one of the most important decisions for any venue. Get it right, and your nights run smoother, your team works faster, and your business runs smarter.
Need help picking the right system or want to trial a few options? We’ll guide you through it and set you up for success.