The products and services mentioned in this article may not be available in your region. Please reach out to customer support or your account manager if you have questions.
Restaurant POS integration: driving efficiency from online ordering to delivery
Today’s customers are omnichannel. The PYMNTS 2022 Restaurant Friction Index reports that the average restaurant receives orders through 2–3 different channels. You want to set up your restaurant to effectively capture sales from all the channels customers like to use, while maintaining operational efficiency. Point-of-sale (POS) integration plays an important role in achieving that.
In this article, explore the basics of POS integration for your restaurant: how it works, why it’s valuable, and ways it can streamline the ordering and delivery experience you offer.
The role of a POS
POS systems are the control center for your restaurant. Their main function is to register orders, send them to the kitchen, and process payments.
For in-person customers, the process is fairly straightforward: a staff member enters the order and payment information into the POS, which then sends the order to the kitchen to be prepared. Once it’s ready, a staff member hands the finished order to the customer.
This process can get more complicated when you need to coordinate delivery and order processing across different channels, including first-party channels like your website and third-party apps like Uber Eats. That’s where POS integration comes in.
What is POS integration?
POS integration involves connecting a POS system with various software platforms to help your restaurant manage accounting, marketing, inventory, ordering, and delivery needs from a single location. Although POS integrations are available for many restaurant technology solutions, this article will specifically focus on integrating point-of-sale systems with platforms designed for online ordering and delivery.
How POS integrations enable online orders
Online orders now make up a significant portion of restaurant sales. According to the PYMNTS report, 41% of restaurant orders originate from digital channels like apps and aggregators—surpassing any other channel. Restaurants have 2 main options to make sure these orders are effectively processed through their POS systems:
Use an order aggregator
Order aggregators connect your POS to your online ordering system and any other third-party delivery apps you use. They consolidate your orders into one place and automatically route them through your POS. Some popular options include Checkmate, Deliverect, and Olo.
Set up a direct integration
This method connects the third-party platform or online ordering software you use directly to your POS, eliminating the need for an intermediary. If direct integration is available, you might be able to avoid the software costs associated with using an aggregator.
How delivery integrations fit into a restaurant tech stack
Customers may order across different channels, but their desire for on-demand delivery is consistent. A 2023 report from Uber shows that 75% of consumers expect express delivery as an option at checkout. When thinking through your POS integrations, you’ll want to consider technology for delivery management. Generally, this technology falls into 2 main categories:
Delivery platforms
These are companies, like Uber, that connect you with couriers to fulfill your orders. Uber’s courier network can fulfill orders from the Uber Eats marketplace and your own sales channels.
Delivery management software
4 benefits of POS integration
POS integrations are becoming increasingly important for restaurants. When asked which features are most valuable to their innovation agenda, more than 41% of managers in the PYMNTS survey said that integrating the physical and online customer experience is very or extremely important—the top answer. This makes sense, as POS integrations offer several advantages:
Increase sales opportunities
Today’s customers have different online ordering preferences: some want to place orders with restaurants directly, while others would rather browse third-party apps. Using POS integrations to accept orders from and offer delivery across all channels can expand your customer base while increasing your sales potential.
Streamline operations
POS integration can increase efficiency at your restaurant for orders and delivery. Integrations let orders flow in across channels automatically, reducing the need for manual entry and tracking. And integrating with a delivery platform like Uber or delivery management software connects your business with a vast network of couriers, which can alleviate any pressures that your in-house fleet faces to keep up with customer demand.
Enhance customer experience
Allowing customers to order on their channel of choice meets them where they are, which improves their experience. Plus, prioritizing a high-quality delivery experience can go a very long way: 90% of consumers in Uber’s research report that a positive delivery experience makes them feel more valued as a customer.
Improve insights
Having all your important technology connected is also valuable for data integration. A comprehensive view of your data can help you make more informed decisions, spot trends in customer behavior, and optimize strategies to improve your overall performance.
Which POS integrations are right for your business?
These steps can help you focus on the best integrations for you:
Assess your business goals
Consider your main business needs and priorities. Do you want to reach new customers? Drive first-party sales? Increase loyalty by improving the customer experience? Once you’ve clarified your key goals, go to the next step to determine which integrations will best help you achieve them.
Research supported integrations
Check what software your POS already supports—maybe integration is as simple as turning on a toggle in your system’s dashboard. Ease of integration is an important factor to consider, especially if you don’t have a dedicated tech team who can help build more custom API integrations for you.
Understand the cost implications
Your POS system may already charge fees for some features (such as your POS hardware, software, and payment processing). Adding software fees from additional integrators can add up—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Gain a clear picture of how much specific integrations will cost (upfront and ongoing) and whether they’ll pay off in the long run.
How Uber integrates with POS systems
Using POS integrations for online ordering and delivery can be a valuable way to reach more customers and increase sales across channels. Uber is committed to helping restaurants grow by connecting you with powerful technology solutions that align with your goals. Those solutions include:
Uber Eats marketplace
Reach new customers across Uber’s ride and delivery ecosystem.
- Drive sales during a customer’s highest moment of ordering intent
- Access powerful in-app marketing tools to boost visibility and order volume
- Pricing is commission-based
Uber Direct
Offer on-demand, local delivery for orders placed through your own sales channels.
- Improve your first-party delivery offering
- Give real-time tracking and proof of delivery for added assurance
- Pricing is a fee per delivery—no commissions or recurring software fees
Across both solutions, Uber integrates seamlessly with most major POS systems and other technology platforms, including online ordering software, order aggregators, and delivery management solutions. Learn how we can fit into your existing workflows and help you grow your restaurant business holistically.
Services
Services
Technology
Manage orders
Simplify operations
Grow your sales
Reach customers
Who we serve
Who we serve
Pricing
Resources
Customer Hub
Learn
Contact us