Pre-Opening POS System Training Tips

Most modern point-of-sale (POS) systems are made user-friendly. But they also offer myriad bells and whistles (a.k.a. "features") that boost their functionality, but pose a learning curve. While these systems are designed so that a person of average intelligence can master them, they require orientation and training if your staff hopes to hit the ground running when your doors open to the public. Among the most important tasks on your opening checklist is training your staff to be proficient in the use of your POS system.

In this article, we'll look at the steps involved in POS training, and present tips and educational approaches that can smooth out the process. While your POS vendor most likely will offer staff training as part of the deal, you should understand and monitor the process to make sure it is going as planned. This is one aspect of preparation that you should not leave to chance. Nothing can bring down the house faster during those crucial first few weeks after opening than the confusion and delays caused by lack of orientation to your POS system.

. . . you will be largely responsible for your own training as new employees come on board. -- Chad Warren

When purchasing a new POS system, your dealer will likely include installation and training as part of the price. Very likely, you will rely on them to conduct training at first; however, once they have left your restaurant, you will be largely responsible for your own training as new employees come on board, either because of growth or turnover. You need to be familiar with the system and the training process from Day One.

In this spirit, you might request that your dealer split the training hours into a period of instruction for you and your trainers before employee training, and then provide someone to support your efforts during your first few classes. The goal is self-sufficiency, or as close to it as possible.