Point of Sale Training

Mar 31, 2016

Hi Everyone!

Does anyone have any elearning modules put together on training hourly staff members in a restaurant on Point of Sale?  (Navigating, ringing in orders, cash payments, etc.) My company uses about 13 different companies for their Point of Sale but the request for training on those systems is endless.  I just wanted to reach out to see what other people have done or used.  Thanks for the help!

 

Carlie

6 Replies
Bob S

Hi Carlie,

Did you say 13 different POS systems???  

So beyond the obvious challenges and best answer of consolidating onto fewer systems, I have one suggestion for training...  Don't provide traditional training.

Seriously. Instead maybe create a templatized approach for Quick Reference job aids covering the essential tasks.  Look beyond each individual system, and try to develop an standard format for the job aids that that will feel "familiar" for anyone working in any location. For example...they can always find X info on the top right corner of the quick reference guide, and the bottom back page always has the "who to call" section for trouble shooting, etc.

Remember to focus on the most common tasks a server/bartender must do in the system and create a job aid for just those. Remember the 80/20 rule here. By giving them handy tools for the basics, they come up to speed more quickly and will "learn" the more complex tasks through familiarity as they master the simple stuff.

With that many systems, the constant updates, and the turnover in your industry, you are going to be chasing a traditional training approach forever and it will always be out of date/step.  Hopefully an alternative like this will allow you to speed their time-to-competence and be something you can actually keep current for them.

Carlie McLean

Hi Bob, 

Thanks for the response!

Unfortunately yes.  It might even be more. Quest, Aloha, Tangent, Squirrel, Micros, Digital Dining, Bypass, InfoGenesis just to name a few.   I would love to get everyone on the same system but that is not an option as much as I want it to be.  

I totally agree with focusing on the common tasks.  The tricky thing about these systems is that they are all completely different so I don't know if a standard format would work.  I have even reached out to the majority of these companies with any training videos or learning guides they may have, but most of them just have it in dense word document form which covers mainly the back end of it.  This would be helpful for new managers who wouldn't be doing the day to day functions on it, but not in that form and then again not helpful for the people operating it each day.   

I just do not know the right answer on this one!  

Bob S

It's a tough one for sure, no doubt.

I do believe a common template is possible for the QRGs.  Clearly the info in the various sections will vary by system, but you can have the same general layout, section names, colors, etc.  Not unlike an elearning course with a standard slide layout and navigation, with different content on each slide as needed.

Or think of it like publishing two brochures for two different hotels.... use the same layout, spacing, fonts, etc..... but replace picture A with picture B, change the contact info in the "how to reach us" section, and customize the details in the "our amenities" section.  Make sense?

Once you develop this Quick Reference Guide template, you might even be able to give it to your vendors to have them populate  the steps of using their system!!!

Bob S

Yes, but I would consider breaking them up... one Quick Reference Guide for each task. Ringing In and Order would get it's own job aid card/laminated sheet.  Cashing Out an Orderr gets it's own. Etc etc

So a server might wind up with 3, 4, 5 or more of these job aides at some point.  All on a slip ring, or in a thin binder. The form factor has to work for your business of course.

In this way you can start simple, just create them for truly core tasks and add later as you have time. And you can update easily if one of the processes change.

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