the Apple iPad and restaurants...

You will no doubt be aware of the buzz that has surrounded the release of the Apple iPad. But how can you leverage the benefits of this new device in your restaurant?

Positive Outcomes is pleased to announce that that the Swiftpos Touch software has been fully validated on the iPad, providing restaurants a new opportunity to improve productivity and increase sales.

There is no denying the advantages of handheld waiter pads in a restaurant environment. They allow the orders to be sent directly to the kitchen and they also mitigate against the risk of items being ordered, but not being added to the customer’s bill.

Nevertheless, waiters handheld devices have had their limitations chiefly their small screen size. This has meant that waiters have had to search through a series of menus to build orders resulting in their focus being on their handheld – and not on their customers. This process slows down the speed of service, lengthens training times for new staff and can appear cumbersome to the customer. More importantly, due to the time taken to take the order, critical up-selling opportunities are also often missed.

The arrival of the iPad promises to change all this. With its 9.7” screen, you can now have full screen capability, including the floor plan and reservations screen. The keypad and functionality used on the handheld is now identical to that of the Maitre D’ station. Moreover, with the iPad's powerful and easy to use touch technology, you no longer have to worry about using a stylus. A great range of iPad accessories, including protective covers, stands and belt clips complete the solution.