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15 Best POS Systems for Franchises to Maximize Multi-Location Success

December 21, 2024

Written by: The POS Exchange Team

Managing a franchise isn't easy. Each location has its own set of challenges, from day-to-day operations to customer preferences. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you need to manage each location individually without support. 

A POS system for franchises can help you take control of your franchise operations by streamlining processes and offering valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. This post will help you understand how this powerful tool can help you manage your franchise business.

The restaurant POS integration helps franchise owners find the perfect business system. With our comprehensive approach, we help you identify your business needs and find a system that meets them so you can simplify multi-location management, enhance operational efficiency, and support scalable growth for your franchise. 

What is a Franchise POS?

POS system - POS System for Franchises

A Franchise POS (Point of Sale) system is a specialized software and hardware solution designed to meet the unique needs of multi-location, multi-store, and franchise-based businesses, such as restaurants. It is the central hub for all your restaurant's transactions, from processing customer orders and payments to inventory management and reporting.

How Does a Franchise POS Differ from a Regular POS?

A Franchise POS (Point of Sale) system differs from a regular POS primarily in its ability to integrate and synchronize operations across multiple franchise locations. While a regular POS is designed for individual businesses, a Franchise POS offers centralized management features. This includes uniform pricing, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and marketing across all franchise branches. Additionally, it often provides franchisors with oversight capabilities to maintain brand consistency and operational efficiency across their franchise network.

Benefits of a Franchise POS System

Integrating a franchise POS system into your restaurant chain can transform how you manage operations, offering unparalleled advantages.

1. Standardization Across Locations

A franchise POS system ensures uniformity in operations across all your locations. It streamlines processes, maintains consistency in customer experience, and upholds your brand's standards, making it easier to manage multiple outlets effectively.

2. Centralized Data Management

Centralizing data is a breeze with the right franchise POS system. It allows you to access and manage information from all locations in one place. This integration leads to better decision-making and a more cohesive strategy across your franchise.

3. Real-time Inventory Management

Stay ahead of your inventory needs with a franchise POS system. This technology offers real-time tracking of stock levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or running out of key ingredients. It ensures efficient inventory control, vital for managing costs and meeting customer demands.

4. More straightforward Implementation of Promotions and Pricing

Customizing and implementing promotions and pricing strategies across various outlets becomes effortless. The best POS system for franchises allows for quick updates and ensures all locations align with your marketing initiatives.

5. Real-Time Data

Access to real-time data is invaluable. A franchise POS system provides up-to-the-minute sales figures, customer preferences, and performance metrics, enabling you to make swift, data-driven decisions that can significantly impact your business’s success.

6. Efficiency & Transparency

Efficiency in operations and transparency in transactions are critical. A franchise POS system enhances operational efficiency by automating tasks and providing transparent reporting, which is essential for maintaining trust among franchisees and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

7. Saves Managerial Time

Time is a precious commodity in the restaurant industry. A franchise POS system automates many administrative tasks, freeing your managerial staff to focus on customer service and other core business activities. This efficiency not only saves time but also increases overall productivity.

Features to Look for in a Franchise POS System

When considering a Franchise POS system, evaluating its features is crucial to ensure it aligns with your specific restaurant’s needs. Here are the key features you should look for:

1. Multi-Location Support/Centralized Management

A key feature of an effective franchise POS system is its ability to offer multi-location support with centralized management. This means you can oversee operations, sales, and performance across all locations from a single platform. It simplifies tasks like menu updates, pricing changes, and promotional activities, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

2. Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is a game-changer for any restaurant, especially in franchises. Look for a POS system that offers real-time inventory tracking and reporting. This feature helps you optimize stock levels, reduce wastage, and ensure each location has the right ingredients.

3. Reporting and Analytics

Accurate reporting and analytics are crucial for making informed decisions. Look for a franchise POS system that provides comprehensive reports on sales, inventory, employee performance, and more. These insights will help you identify trends and areas for improvement.

4. Mobile POS Capabilities

Taking orders and processing payments on the go is invaluable for franchise restaurants, especially those with outdoor seating, food trucks, or catering services. Mobile POS capabilities allow your staff to serve customers more efficiently and provide a smooth dining experience. Look for a POS system that offers mobile solutions to stay competitive.

5. Cloud-Based

A cloud-based franchise POS system ensures your data is accessible anytime, anywhere. Look for systems that offer real-time data synchronization and backup, providing you with insights and control over your operations remotely.

6. Offline Mode

Even in the most reliable environments, network outages can occur. Your franchise POS system should include an offline mode that allows your restaurant to continue operations even when the internet is down. This ensures minimal disruption to your business and keeps orders flowing smoothly.

7. Third-Party Integrations 

The best POS system for a franchise smoothly integrates with other software. From accounting systems to inventory management tools, these integrations allow for a smoother flow of information and reduce the need for manual data entry, minimizing errors and saving time.

8. Restaurant Loyalty Program 

A POS system that supports loyalty program integration can significantly enhance customer retention. Look for systems that allow you to implement and manage a loyalty program directly through the POS, offering rewards and incentives that keep customers returning.

9. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

When looking for the best POS system for your franchise, prioritize a system with an integrated restaurant CRM. This feature helps you track customer preferences, order history, and feedback, allowing personalized marketing and enhanced customer service. A robust CRM component in your POS system can transform how you connect with your customers, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.

10. Online Ordering

In today’s digital age, online ordering is a must-have feature for franchise POS systems. Your customers should be able to place orders online, whether for delivery, takeout, or dine-in. Ensure the POS system smoothly integrates with your online ordering platform to provide a smooth experience for your customers.

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15 Must-Have POS Systems for Franchises Ready to Expand

POS System - POS System for Franchises

1. Square: The Best General POS System for New Franchisees 

Ideal for quick-service restaurants and cafes, Square is a perfect POS system for franchisees whose transactions are relatively simple. There are no monthly service fees, and the powerful yet easy-to-navigate platform can handle payments, digital receipts, open tickets, inventory, reports, and more. Square is particularly well-suited for small businesses that can use it as a mobile POS on a smartphone or loaded onto a tablet at the counter. 

It’s also compatible with both Apple and Android devices. With no charges for downloads or updates, Square is an extraordinarily cost-effective POS solution for franchisees who only need to buy a $49 EMV card reader to get started. Once you’re up and running, Square charges 2.75 percent per swipe, dip, or tap and 3.5 percent plus 15 cents per keyed-in transaction. Other features allow franchises to manage applications like payroll, employee management, invoicing, and customer engagement.  

2. ERPLY: Another Robust Web-Based POS Choice 

New York City-based ERPLY is a web-based franchise POS system catering to retail and quick-service businesses. The company has a well-tested POS platform because it supports more than 100,000 customers ranging from franchises to small businesses. ERPLY is interesting because the company offers an offline option, meaning franchisees can conduct sales transactions without a live Internet feed and sync their data once reconnected. 

ERPLY is also a good choice for rapidly growing businesses, as its scalable retail platform can accommodate small chains with less than 10 stores and enterprise clients with more than 500 stores. The company also customizes the user interface and customer-facing applications to meet clients' needs. ERPLY costs $200 per month but includes a 14-day free trial.  

3. Breadcrumb: The Best Choice for Restaurants 

Well-established Breadcrumb has advantages for restaurant franchisees in that it was designed and built by professionals in the restaurant industry but also has the significant backing of its owner, Groupon, which acquired the company in 2012. The company offers features that are particularly attractive to restaurant staff, including an offline mode, menu customization, and the ability to split, transfer, and merge checks. 

Other features include Breadcrumb Live, which allows franchisees to track sales, guest counts, and sale items in real-time from any smartphone, and a kitchen display system to improve communications between the front of the house and the kitchen/bar. Breadcrumb is a little pricier than other options, starting at $99 per month for a single terminal license plus 10 cents per transaction and up-front costs of about $2,000.  

4. ShopKeep: The Popular, Affordable Choice 

ShopKeep captures many reviewers’ #1 rating and is an excellent POS solution for retail, restaurants, quick service locations, and small to medium-sized businesses. ShopKeep is unique because it was designed by a merchant frustrated by archaic POS systems, leading him to create a sleek, innovative iPad-based platform. The company serves a remarkable diversity of customers, including coffee shops, boutiques, bakeries, specialty retail, and liquor stores, among many others. The platform starts at $69 per month, with variable payment fees.  

5. Revel Systems: A Best Solution for Bigger Franchises 

Revel Systems is a robust and well-established iPad POS that remains popular among various franchises. The company’s sweet spot is more prominent: multiple-location franchises operating in the restaurant and retail sectors, although the platform’s scalability makes it useful for various business models. For franchisees that value customization to differentiate themselves from the competition, Revel offers a higher degree of customization, allowing franchisees to innovate by adding new POS functions ranging from touchscreen kiosks to delivery and inventory management. 

It’s also an ideal platform for franchises with security issues, as it’s the only iPad POS solution currently that offers secure Ethernet connections versus Wi-Fi or cloud-only solutions. Pricing varies as Revel Systems offers industry-specific software packages for a monthly subscription fee, broken down per terminal. It is an excellent value for large businesses, as it can handle multiple locations and up to half a million stock-keeping units (SKUs). It is not ideal for mom-and-pop operations, as the platform’s customization options and complexity require much time and effort to install.  

6. Chowbus POS: A Restaurant Technology that Specifically Supports Franchises 

Chowbus POS is a restaurant technology company providing an all-in-one solution to enhance restaurant operational efficiency and increase revenue. Here’s why it’s the best choice for your franchise: 

Scalability

Chowbus POS grows with your franchise, ensuring you have the tools and support you need as you expand your restaurant chain. 

Cloud-Based

Access your restaurant data anywhere, anytime, with a secure and reliable cloud-based system. 

Integration

Smoothly integrate with popular third-party platforms, ensuring a smooth flow of information between your POS system and other essential tools. 

User-Friendly

The intuitive interface makes it easy for your staff to learn and use the system effectively, reducing errors and improving service speed. 

Advanced Reporting

Gain valuable insights into your franchise’s performance with robust reporting and analytics features. 

Security

Chowbus POS prioritizes the security of your data and customer information, giving you peace of mind. 

Multi-location Management Features

Managing multiple locations becomes a breeze with features tailored for franchises. These include a multi-location transaction system and a loyalty program across all your locations, ensuring customer experience and rewards consistency.  

7. XStak POS: A Comprehensive Omnichannel Solution for Franchisees 

XStak POS is part of an omnichannel retail operating system. Retailers serving both offline and online are allowed by its design. Suitable for all enterprise retailers, this point-of-sale software covers significant industry verticals. Franchise owners can get faster deliveries thanks to the multi-store feature. It lets them quickly fill orders and cut delivery time. You can use XStak Point of Sale online and offline, eliminating the need to wait. It allows automated sync once the network is connected. 

XStak POS's primary features include cloud-based POS system Integrations with eCommerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento, accounting software, and ERP/financials such as D365 Transaction-based pricing model Manage centralized and real-time inventory, Multi-store location on the dashboard Inventory transfer in/transfer out functionality Manages team hierarchy Manages ordered stock from suppliers Mobile optimized for online and in-store purchases Inbuilt audit modules etc.  

8. Lightspeed Retail: A Feature-Rich POS for Franchises 

Founded in 2013, Lightspeed Retails is a cloud-based POS software. It is easily usable on iPad and desktop setups. The cloud-based POS software is suitable for everyday tasks. Owners can focus on business growth. It is a modern-day system that manages multi-store franchises across the globe. 

You can keep tabs on the sales, manage employees, and customize the shopping experience. It is widely acclaimed for features such as inventory overview across multi-store stores, specific pricing, software customization, analytics reporting integration with eCommerce sales, and service support.  

9. Vend: A Budget-Friendly POS for Retail Franchises 

Vend POS software is a budget-friendly option for retail. It is compatible with multiple hardware and has a simple interface. Multi-store retail businesses commonly use it. Vend POS system features include Store expansion eCommerce integrates with Shopify, Multi-location inventory and customer management, Multi-price book capabilities, and Real-time sales data visibility across all stores  

10. TouchBistro POS: The Best POS for Franchised Restaurants 

TouchBistro’s focus on the industry has secured the top spot as the number one restaurant POS system. More than 12,000 locations worldwide operate using the TouchBistro app, with payments collected to date amounting to over $6 billion. A flexible interface and robust inventory/staff management solutions make TouchBistro a feature-rich restaurant POS. 

The company claims more than 200 features are available in this system, which includes practically all that most restaurants would ever need. Key Features include floor layout, splitting the bill, tableside ordering, loyalty schemes, menu management, and a free trial. It is suitable for all restaurant sizes.  

11. Toast POS: A Powerful Restaurant POS System for Android Lovers 

Toast POS supports Android tablets and phones. It encloses all the necessary features into an easy-to-understand interface: sales, billing, inventory, layout management, analytics reports, and loyalty programs. Toast is a popular company with thousands of happy clients, matching with the industry-leading TouchBistro with its high-quality customer support team and intuitive design. They support a wide variety of venues: bars, bakeries, casual, fast-casual, satisfactory dining – even delivery services and online shopping, which makes this POS a perfect choice for expanding operations.  

12. iTab POS: A Multi-Language POS System for Franchises 

iTab franchise / multi-location POS system includes all the essential features like POS, inventory, payment security, consolidated reporting, analytics, and centralized management to thrive. iTab POS is a one-of-a-kind system that supports over 30 languages. Supported languages include English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, German, Russian, Javanese, and much more! 

You can even print customer receipts in one language and order tickets to the kitchen in another. Control your entire business with one system. Benefit from centralized management, inventory, kitchen, call center, reports, gift cards, loyalty marketing, and more.  

13. Magestore: An Inventory Solution for Franchise Management 

Founded in 2009, it is designed for Magento retailers. It is a compelling solution for franchise inventory and stock management. The POS system familiarizes with customer engagement. It forms better interactions for personalized experiences. The user-friendly interface is suitable for modern-day employees and customers. Magestore is a centralized hub that synchronizes all customer profiles with real-time data. 

Some of the essential features of POS include automated inventory management, customizable franchise management, POS Omnichannel processes for customer experience, customer loyalty programs, etc.  

14. Odoo: A Customizable POS for Franchise Management 

Odoo provides several specialized business administration apps. It offers a scheduling app. It also has a car maintenance app, rental app, calendar app, and planning tools. These features are valued by service and rental organizations. 

Location managers accept rental requests, approve rentals, and assign resources for cleaning rooms. They order necessary inventory or repairs. And send invoices that may include late fees or cleaning charges using the Odoo rental app. Odoo uses Stipe for online transaction processes. 

However, it is also integrated with Chase, Authorize.net, and PayPal. Odoo POS doesn’t have franchise-specific features, but it offers Invoice clients for services, a Scheduling app for franchises or customer representatives, a fleet app to register vehicles, a Timesheet app for employees, etc.  

15. Kwick POS: A Comprehensive POS for Restaurant Franchises 

Kwick franchise POS lets you easily manage all locations on one platform so you can focus on opening more restaurants. Whether you own a fast food chain or steak house franchise, we simplify your operation and grow your business with an all-in-one solution from management to marketing and analysis. 

Multi-location Management Central and local server guarantee 24/7 operation for all locations Easy self-control and customization Tailor menu to each area or synchronize menu updates to all locations Spend little to no time onboarding a new store Real-Time Business Report Access all reports at any time, anywhere, on any device Compare each location’s performance against each other on one dashboard Create marketing strategies based on business analysis.s

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Criteria For Selecting The Best Franchise POS Software

Person Working - POS System for Franchises

Centralized Management Capabilities: The Key to Data Integrity

Franchises require a point-of-sale system that can streamline operations across all locations. The key to data integrity is managing and sharing POS changes from a central place. The franchise-level point-of-sale system must interface quickly with central Web apps. It is critical for fast updates on products, tax tables, discounts, promotions, and prices.

Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Minimize Stock Outs and Overstock Situations

To avoid stockouts and overstock situations, real-time inventory tracking is essential. A POS system gives instant updates on all inventory levels parallel to sales and on the arrival of new stock. It minimizes the optimal stock levels so that the product is not wasted. You can set automated inventory alerts for low stock levels. 

Scalability And Customization Options: Support Growth for the Entire Franchise Network

The franchise POS for multi-store must be scalable for the growth of the entire network. It should support the multi-stores without compromising the functionality. So, once the franchise expands, it can be easily integrated with new store locations, users, and products. A modern POS system can also customize the user interface, reports, and other features according to the needs of each area. 

Multi-Location Reporting And Analytics: Get a Holistic View of Franchise Performance

Multi-store reporting is an essential feature of a POS system. It gives a holistic view of the franchise network and compiles individual reports for each location. The system has an advanced analytics tool. It uses it to identify trends, forecast demand, and optimize inventory. 

Ease Of Use And User-Friendly Interface: Simplify Employee Training

A franchise POS should be user-friendly to reduce employee training time. The intuitive design should comply with everyday tasks like processing transactions. For more flexibility, it should be easy to use across various devices, such as tablets and smartphones. 

Customer Support And Reliability: Minimize Downtime With 24/7 Support

A 24/7 support system should be available to resolve any quick issues. The point-of-sale system should include phone, email, and live chat support to help users. Also, the best POS franchise has cloud backup and data recovery options. 

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Book a Free Demo with POS Exchange to Learn about Our Customized POS System Solutions Today!

A franchise POS system helps franchisors and franchisees by providing tools to manage the business effectively. A franchise POS system will help you manage multiple locations, streamline operations, and improve communication between you and your franchisees. As a result, you can boost overall performance and profitability across the board. 

The POS Exchange brings over 20 years of restaurant expertise, serving 200,000+ merchants and processing billions annually. Our tailored POS system solutions help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, implement dynamic pricing, and manage customer reviews while reducing overhead. Perfect for full-service restaurants, pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises. 

We offer end-to-end service, from competent consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support. Our mobile iPad POS systems streamline operations with features like order management, bill splitting, and inventory control. With integrations for business management tools and advanced security measures, we ensure your POS system grows with your business. Trust our expertise to help you avoid the common pitfall that affects 38% of new business owners who choose the wrong POS system. 

Whether managing a busy restaurant, a local café, or operating a multi-location business, The POS Exchange delivers customized POS system solutions that tell your unique business story. Book a free demo with POS exchange to learn about our customized POS system solutions today.

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