iPad tills are gradually taking over the EPOS world. They’re pushing out the old, bulky tills as more and more business begin to understand the benefits that they can bring to them. iPad tills can be used across many industries due to their versatile nature and ability to have downloaded, tailored apps which are suitable for different types of companies.
In this article, we are going to focus on what the benefits are of restaurants using iPad till systems as opposed to any other type of till system:
Customer Service
iPad till systems use the latest technologies to replicate the POS system onto an iPad which then delivers information between the kitchen and all other mobile devices. You can display upsell items to staff at the point of order which allows them to spend more time on the floor.
Loyalty
iPad till systems allow companies to implement strategies through the cloud based nature of the system. This allows for online ordering, paying by mobile and other possibilities.
Data
There is a huge amount of room for customer data – much more than with traditional POS systems.
Seating
Rather than using manual seating charts, a lot of iPad till systems offer different software which can do this for you.
Ordering
The latest craze is being able to input tableside orders with an iPad. Rather than manually writing it down, servers can input orders into the tablet which goes straight to the kitchen. This improves efficiency, minimises downtime and reduces errors that commonly occur in the transaction from paper to computer.
Payment
Customers dining at a restaurant don’t want to have to hang around at the end of their meal to pay. iPad till systems can be used for immediate tableside transactions. This prevents the very common and annoying server pile up around the computer towards the end of the evening.
Real Time Reporting
iPad till systems mean that you can monitor your stock and KPIs from anywhere by using the iPad. This is very useful for owners when they are away.
Real Time Changes
Similarly to real time reporting, iPad tills allow you to manage your menus and make other changes to the restaurant wherever you are.
Portable
iPad tills are small and portable meaning that you can serve customers by tableside which reduces the chance of errors and also increasing customer satisfaction.
Easy to Use
You can save time on training with an iPad EPOS system as it highly intuitive and has a simple interface. It is very easy to use, unlike tradition EPOS tills.
Reservations
Not only can you manage seating arrangements, you can also manage bookings, table availability and even track your customers from reservation to payment.
Unlimited Users
You can create unlimited staff accounts and add very specific user privileges.
Cloud Sync
iPad EPOS systems allow for cloud syncing. This is great for a number of reasons, primarily that it can store huge amounts of data that can be accessed whether you are online or offline.
We hope that this has been useful for you restaurant owners out there investigating into the new EPOS systems and that we have been able to articulate the uses of and benefits of iPad tills for restaurants clearly enough.
Both my husband and I grew up in sunny South Florida, so you would think we knew all about going to the beach.
Nope.
Our son, Grayson, was 10 months old at the time, and while we “visited” the beach before, we were never there for more than 40 minutes on an overcast day. That morning, we spent a lot of time packing up the car, but we brought all the wrong things. We packed a picnic lunch, a waterproof blanket, sunscreen and some cold drinks. What we didn’t take into account was the sun, or conversely, the lack of shade.
Trekking out to the beach, carrying our provisions in the stroller and the baby in my arms, we soon became bogged down in the sand. We squinted at the vast beach full of people, devoid of even a spot of shade. Of course, people brought umbrellas, pop-up tents and sun shades, but we were completely lacking. We promptly turned around and ate our sad little lunch on a picnic table and then drove back home.
The next week, I spent a bit of time on Amazon shoring up our defenses against the sand and sun (Amazon Prime is my friend). There are no excuses for Miami natives to be so amateur at beach-going.
Note: I grew up spending zero time on the beach. That is where all the “tourists” are. Boats? I can do boats.
Our next outing was more of a success. We had a UV tent this time and an easier beach, on the sleepy west coast of Florida. Our trek from the car was only a few feet, and my husband was able to erect the tent after a minor struggle. Shaded from the sun, and sitting in some borrowed beach chairs, we watched as my son played in the sand, crawling back and forth like a little turtle.
There was still something missing, though (a few things). I forgot to bring swim diapers for the baby, and beach toys (a nice bucket and shovel). We didn’t own any beach towels, or comfortable beach chairs, and we needed something to carry all this stuff when the beach was a long walk from the car.
Round two on Amazon and we are properly equipped for many years of future beach trips. Our third trip to the beach with the baby really tested us. After a long hike from the car with a heavy (now 13-month-old) baby and gear, we arrived at the beach of our original failure, on the tip of Key Biscayne.
My husband set up the UV tent in eleven minutes. We had a cooler for the baby’s milk, snacks, chairs, sunscreen, a blanket, towels, some good music and shade! Then something we weren’t prepared for…a dark cloud loomed and it started to sprinkle. The beach slowly cleared as the rain came harder, and we decided to stick out the storm.
We scooted our chairs back and zipped the little tent closed. A little rain leaked in, but we stayed dry. Grayson napped in my arms to the sound of the rain splashing on the tent roof. After about twenty minutes, the rain cleared and for a moment, we had the beach to ourselves. It was a good moment.
The rest of the adventure was spent chasing my son as he explored everything around him. He loved the wet sand even more than the dry. We now feel confident on any beach adventure, thanks to our new beach gear. These are our favorite beach-going products for baby. Click to find out where to find them.
I know you make the effort to bring you reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping, but sometimes you forget. I do on occasion, and I hate that feeling. That’s when I remember I always have one, which is better than none. I love these super lightweight, strong–and cute–Flip and Tumble bags. They fold up into a little ball so you can always keep one (or a few) in the bottom of your purse. $11.20 each. 10 bright colors to choose from.
2.Flip and Tumble Reusable Produce Bags
So let’s just assume you remembered to bring your reusable shopping bags. Doesn’t it seem wrong to put your produce in the plastic bags they give you? It’s one of my pet peeves, and I usually end up sticking my naked produce right in the cart. With Flip and Tumble’s produce bags, this problem is solved! They look cute, too. $11.00 for 5 bags.
3. Bodum Bistro Double-Wall Insulated Glass Mugs
I’ve been enjoying these mugs for a few months now and I can’t recommend them enough. They are beautiful, made from mouth-blown glass. The 2-layers keep the outside of the mug cool to the touch, while insulating the liquid. Absolute genius. Winner of the European IF Design Award. $39.99 for a set of 2.
4. Siliconezone EZ Seal Clear Airtight Lids Set
A stocking stuffer every foodie will appreciate, the Silicone Zone airtight lid fits on any glass bowl (square or round), making an instant seal. They are reusable (we like that) and safe to use in the microwave, unlike most plastic wrap. They really work! $18.99, set of 3.
5. Fred M Cup Measuring Matroyshkas
Beautiful and functional, this set includes 6 measuring cups in the shape of traditional Russian dolls. They nest together for storage and ship in a colorful gift box. $7.68
6. Corkcicle Classic Wine Chiller
Corkcicle wine chiller keeps your wine bottle cold so it can hang out with you! What a genius idea. Freeze the BPA-free plastic gel and place it into your chilled white wine to keep it cold, or cool down your room temperature red. $24.25, available in traditional cork or 6 bright colors.
7. Grosche Madrid French Press Coffee and Tea maker
Made for both tea and coffee fans, check out this beautifully designed French press from Grosche. Available in 1 liter, 1.5 liter, or 1 cup sizes, it makes a great Secret Santa gift for the office. On sale for $37.67 ($60.00 retail).
8. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
I have to include the best-selling cook book from fellow blogger, Deb Perelman (go girl!). Her blog is an inspiration to me, and so is her cookbook. This home cook features simple recipes that are beautifully photographed in her little kitchen. On sale for $12.99 Kindle edition
9. Totally Bamboo 3-Tiered Salt Box
If you’re like me, you have at least 3 types of salt in your kitchen. If you’re not like me, you have one type of salt and a bunch of other spices you may want to keep handy. This beautifully crafted salt box from Totally Bamboo does the trick and looks good while doing it. $16.82 (sale price).
10. J.K. Adams Slate Cheese Tray
Stunning charcoal slate is the perfect backdrop for cheese and hors d’oeuvres when you are entertaining. Plus, you can write on it with soap stone to identify what your guests are eating. How chic are you? 16 x 12, $30.00 sale price.
A lot of people ask me how I’m able to cook like I do (and write a blog) with a baby to care for, which is why I’m sharing my list of the top 6 ways I keep baby entertained so I can get things done. Having a baby is wonderful, and amazing. Staying home with him is even more wonderful and amazing. I love every minute with my little guy, but the long days and nights are exhausting. I need to carve out some me-time or I’ll lose my mind. With daytime naps sometimes painfully short, it’s important to find things for baby to do on his own. These are my son’s favorite things to do, keeping him busy for 15 minutes or more. They work on a daily basis for my almost 11-month-old, and are in my “toolbox” when I need a short break. None of these things are a must-have for a baby, and some of them are a little pricey. They work for Grayson and I –and may work for your baby.
The key to getting some me-time when you have a very mobile baby (who gets into everything) is keeping them in one spot. This way you know they are safe. Getting them to stay in one place without screaming in protest is a difficult task. The trick is to keep them entertained. That way, they are happy and you are happy. What do I do with my free time? I like to spread these little moments throughout the day to do the things that need to get done. I use this time to do the dishes, make the beds and clean the floors. I also get the chance to do things just for me, like writing or catching up with friends on Facebook. It’s amazing how even the smallest thing, like doing your hair or painting your nails, can make such a difference when you’re a tired mommy.
Grayson has 2 interactive toys, and he plays with them nearly every day. My mother bought him a second-hand VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker. He has yet to use it for walking, so we still have a lot of time with this one. His other favorite is the VTech Learning Laptop. He liked this one more when he was younger, but I’m sure it will have new life when he can understand the words.
These toys keep his attention from 10-30 minutes at a time while I stay in the room with him. I’m able to relax, and usually spend time reading on my smartphone. When he gets bored, I get on the floor and play with him. We toss the ball (he’s learning to pass it back), and sing or read stories.
Drawbacks: The songs. You will end up with them stuck in your head all day.
The top 6 ways I keep baby entertained {so I can get things done}
The top 6 ways I keep baby entertained {so I can get things done}
You could use any toy for this sanity saver, but you need a tub. Grayson really, really loves his bath time, but only gets to play with his bath toys when he’s taking a bath. I’ve discovered that he’s equally enthralled with the bath toys without the water. There’s something about the tub shape and floor that he just loves. I place him in the empty bath tub and he plays inside. He can’t climb out yet, so I’m free to do what I need to do. I use this trick when I’m trying to do something IN the bathroom, like fix my hair, do my makeup or clean. It’s even great if you just need to use the toilet without grabby hands tugging at your legs or pulling on the toilet paper!
Note: For safety, make sure you don’t leave baby alone. Buy a textured bath mat if your tub is slippery and a faucet protector so you won’t have any bumped heads.
Drawbacks: Sometimes water will leak out of the toys = wet bum
The top 6 ways I keep baby entertained {so I can get things done}
My husband bought me an iPad for Mother’s Day when my little one was only a few months old. I spent a lot of time in bed back then, dealing with a hungry baby who didn’t sleep much at night. Now, my baby is the one with the iPad. He started “playing” a few baby apps at about 5 months old, mostly batting at the screen. Now that he’s 10 months old, he is getting a little better coordination, but still needs frequent help. Lately, he tries to almost sit on the screen, forcing the app to close, so I stay close by. I also purchased a Kidbox Cover for iPad with thick foam to protect the device, plus a handle and stand. It’s really holding up to some abuse! I usually will put the iPad down on a carpeted floor at my feet so he can play while I’m on the computer. Grayson is learning fine motor skills, shapes, colors and the names of objects while I get the songs stuck in my head on a perpetual loop. It seems like a fair trade.
I have the same apps on my phone and they have saved me a few times when we were at the doctors, a restaurant or stuck in traffic. Do you have a favorite baby app? Please share!
The top 6 ways I keep baby entertained {so I can get things done}
My top picks for free baby apps:
This is one of the few baby bouncers that will support a 2-month-old. Designed by an occupational therapist for proper support, the baby is suspended from a doorway and cradled in a comfy fabric harness. Grayson has been using this bouncer weekly and loves it now even more! He’s so good at using this bouncer; he now performs tricks in it- bouncing front to back, spinning, and clapping his feet together mid-air. He laughs the entire time, and we both have fun. I have this set up in my kitchen, and while he’s bouncing, I do the dishes, make lunch or mop the floors. It’s truly one of the best things I ever purchased for my baby and I.
Drawbacks: Getting baby in and out. Easy, but I’m always worried he will wiggle away from me.
I didn’t realize how much I would love this walker when I purchased it. It’s a little expensive, but worth every penny. What I love about it is the clean design with a wide removable tray. I feed him a meal at least once a day in the Joovy. Babies like to move, and sticking them in a high chair can be a battle. Now that Grayson is eating finger foods, I can put him in the Joovy, lay out a selection of healthy treats and let him be. He loves to happily move around the room and follow me through the house as I prepare meals or clean (always cleaning!). Even though Grayson is crawling (and standing) he never objects to going in this walker. The messes usually stay on the tray, and while food sometimes gets stuck in the seat, it is also removable and easy to clean.
Drawbacks: Cleanup. A mobile baby with food is always messy. He likes to drop food overboard to create sticky trail for me to clean up later.
When we first had our son, I said I would never just let the TV babysit my child. Then I found out how exhausting it was with a baby demanding your attention 100% of the time. Grayson doesn’t watch a lot of TV except for a bedtime snuggle with Disney Jr., every now and then. Mostly, I use my tablet or laptop and select short videos for him to watch in the same room as me. There is just one video that Grayson will watch every time. Harold and the Purple Crayon from HBO family buys me about 22 minutes of worry-free me-time. He also likes any of the Baby Einstein videos like Baby McDonald. The best part is this works in any room if you have a tablet or smartphone. I usually set my iPad just out of reach and do my thing. Lately, I place it on a low futon and Grayson stands on the floor next to it, teething toy in hand.
I hope some of these products help you get some sanity as they do me. Do you have a favorite product? I’d love to hear about it. Please share in the comments below.
The top 6 ways I keep baby entertained {so I can get things done}
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links to products I purchased and used myself. I recommend these products. If you decide to buy any of these items, I may receive a small commission that goes toward Love and Duck Fat hosting fees.
