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What is the integration of Ordering Stack with the POS system?

Process automation in the HoReCa industry is gaining momentum, and more and more entities realize there's no turning back from this path. However, in practice, implementing digital processes raises several questions, especially since most businesses have relied on specific POS/ERP systems for many years. What benefits do QSR chain operators gain by choosing Ordering Stack software?

The philosophy of Ordering Stack, a cloud-based software, is founded on the premise that it functions as an overlay for a given POS system. As a software provider, we don't expect restaurant chains to use a POS system designated by us. Moreover, we assume that these systems are less prone to dynamic modifications, so it is easier to adapt other components, such as the customer mobile app, food delivery panel, or loyalty mechanisms, to an existing POS system rather than forcing HoReCa business owners to incur additional costs for a new system.

A key principle of Ordering Stack is to simplify the IT environment in the restaurant chain to the greatest extent possible, which consequently reduces operational costs while increasing revenue through the features in individual modules (such as the upselling mechanism in self-service kiosks).

POS System – challenges in implementation

Integrating various modules of the Ordering Stack software, such as self-service kiosks, integration with aggregators like Wolt, Uber Eats, and Bolt, as well as handling orders from the online food delivery channel, mobile app, and loyalty mechanism, with an existing POS/ERP system is the biggest challenge in the implementation process.

POS/ERP systems, which serve as the foundation for businesses by storing product definitions and managing inventory and accounting, generally do not undergo rapid changes in a short period. Restaurant owners typically commit to these systems and their providers for years. If a particular solution is effective in practice and employees are accustomed to it, there is little reason to change it. So, where do potential difficulties and obstacles arise during integration?

 

  • POS systems have limited features or lack appropriate interfaces (e.g., APIs), which prevents integration.
  • A lack of willingness to provide APIs on the part of POS system manufacturers is a common issue in the Polish market (unlike foreign companies, such as Oracle Simphony, which provide such information). In such cases, it's necessary to sign complicated non-disclosure agreements to access the documentation, which leads to unnecessary delays and complications in the implementation process itself.
  • A lack of staff responsible for digitalization and managing digital processes within the restaurant chain is an issue. Unfortunately, many restaurant chain owners still do not see the necessity of appointing a specific person within the company's structure to comprehensively oversee these processes internally.
  • The presentation of the menu and selected products relies on the cashier's knowledge and is not tailored for self-service. This approach assumes that the person taking the orders enters them manually into the system and knows under which categories to search for specific items. In practice, it often happens that selected dishes, such as soup, pasta, and rice, appear in the system as separate products, and the cashier knows how to combine them when entering transaction data. In the case of employee turnover, this solution incurs costs and requires time for training staff in cash register operation.
  • Difficulties in implementation also arise when a given POS system is already outdated and does not sufficiently support digital solutions used in restaurants, nor does it allow easy expansion with additional digital components. 

In the event of this last difficulty, an alternative may be to replace the POS system with a comprehensive solution, which is sometimes simply necessary. Many restaurateurs delay making such a decision and switching to a new provider because it involves high costs and concerns over the lack of guaranteed flexibility regarding future development and scalability of the new system.

 

Integration – pitfalls to watch out for

Restaurant chains that decide to implement automation must choose their suppliers with great caution. It often happens that although companies offer integration with the POS system, they use intermediary services for integration with POS in the background, and the client – the restaurant owner – only receives a POS overlay and API. In practice, such integration is limited to the application of simple mechanisms of the chosen POS system and does not fully utilize its potential. The HoReCa industry entrepreneur also cannot count on full technical support, which becomes painfully apparent in situations such as failures or the need to upgrade already automated processes.


The method of implementing integration is crucial. It is unacceptable for a customer to be unable to place an order because of discrepancies in product descriptions or menu items. All key elements of the integration should occur in a way that the restaurant customer does not notice any disruption. Therefore, it is essential that the POS integration process runs smoothly without disturbing the daily operation of the restaurant.


In the restaurant business, time is also critical. This process should have a detailed schedule because prolonged integration with the POS generates unnecessary costs for the restaurant owner. Therefore, integrations should be entrusted to a single, reliable supplier who has the necessary resources (including an experienced team) and precisely plans the integration timeline.


Advantages and Benefits of Ordering Stack

Ordering Stack software integrates directly with existing POS systems to seamlessly implement additional processes related to digital channels and loyalty programs. As a result, restaurant staff can continue to use the software they are already familiar with while receiving orders from new channels (web, mobile, aggregators, kiosks).

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Experience of the Ordering Stack team in POS Integrations – Summary

The main idea behind Ordering Stack is to simplify the IT environment as much as possible and build a modern, digital restaurant ecosystem that optimizes all operational processes. Additionally, the so-called POS Integrator is developed by experienced specialists with the goal of activating as many functions and capabilities as possible provided by the chosen POS system.

As a certified Oracle partner, the Ordering Stack team has successfully integrated, among others, the online sales system with Oracle Symphony, which the American restaurant chain Popeyes uses in the Polish market. They have also undertaken POS system integrations in Burger King locations in Poland and Romania, as well as in KFC locations in Bulgaria.

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