Future POS Review
Welcome to my Future POS review!
Future is one of the most well-known POS providers in the hospitality industry. You may have seen them get recognition on Bar Rescue a few years ago!
This particular system is an excellent choice and one that you can trust to improve the flow of your business.
Scroll down to see if Future POS system’s functions and features can help you.
What Is Future POS?
Future POS has been in the point of sale industry since 1998, giving them over two decades of experience in restaurant point of sale technology.
While there are many umbrella-style point of sale platforms that are meant for a variety of industries, the Future point of sale system is geared towards restaurants and hospitality.
In fact, over 20,000 establishments across the United States utilize Future POS, including some top dogs, such as Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Wendy’s, and more.
Future POS systems provide users with a touchscreen platform and a range of restaurant-specific features to increase the efficiency of their establishments. Future allows users to take orders, build custom menus, utilize multi-column modifiers, split bills, create tabs and gift cards, and so much more.
Best Future POS Features
Before we dig in and make any major assessments about the point of sale system from Future, let’s take a look at some of the main features that this system offers users:
POS Pricing
One of the biggest considerations for any major purchase is the cost.
Unfortunately, Future does not have any public information regarding their pricing. Instead, you must contact the company to get a quote.
This means a few things:
- They are very flexible when it comes to the amount of hardware you purchase and the price can vary greatly depending on that
- You will need to get in contact with a third-party Future POS dealer in your region to compare the price of this system with others you may be looking at.
Future POS Review
Cloud-Based POS System
This cloud-based point of sale system is a hybrid of sorts. It utilizes the advantages of locally installed software while working within the cloud. This means that you can access the data from your point of sale system from any computer on or offsite.
Having a cloud-based system is incredibly helpful, especially if you manage multiple locations, as you never need to worry about physically being at your location to acquire necessary data. The system has a wide variety of helpful tools that can allow you to take control from an external point.
Hardware
Future provides users with a variety of touchscreen hardware solutions. They also have a wide range of accessories that are compatible with the software as well. Whether you are looking for a tablet, mobile device, or traditional terminal touchscreen, Future has it. Compared to devices offered by other POS companies, Future sits right on par.
The unfortunate thing is that you cannot use your own hardware units with this POS system. If you have an iPad or tablet that you are used to using, you may have to swap that out when setting up your new Future software.
Intuitive POS Software
One of the best things about Future POS software is that it is incredibly easy to use. You will be able to customize orders, build menus, split bills, and perform a diverse range of POS-related actions. The hardware works beautifully with the touchscreen platform so that you can process transactions on-the-go.
On the downside, the layout does look a bit dated compared to other new systems on the market. Fortunately, it is very reliable and easy to navigate, so if you don’t care about aesthetics, it shouldn’t be a big issue.
Credit Card Providers
Future allows for pairing with a wide range of credit card processing companies. There are many POS providers that tie you down with their own credit card payment processing rates, so having the ability to shop around for the best rates is a huge advantage.
Of course, if you don’t have a payment platform, Future has one. If you choose to use their platform, you’ll benefit from an assortment of security features to reduce the likelihood of fraud, as well as EMV technology.
POS Integrations
Having a powerful POS system means having all of the right integrations and add-ons necessary to run your business at full speed. Integrations provide restaurants with features to stay on top, including online ordering, loyalty schemes, tableside payments, reporting sync, and much more.
Future has partnered with a variety of different platforms to increase the overall efficiency of their systems. As a business owner or manager, you have the ability to integrate with platforms like PeachWorks, QuickBooks, Posiq, Long Range Systems, and more. Having the right integrations can help to keep track of data, analyze business costs, and manage your restaurant(s).
Customer Service
The POS system shutting down during the lunch rush is a scary thought. What is even scarier is not having anyone to call when a problem with your POS arises. An inferior customer service team could end up costing your business a lot of money.
Luckily, Future POS support is solid. It provides users with access to a customer support team from 8 AM-12 AM, seven days a week. Of course, if you run an establishment that is open late, including a bar or nightclub, these limited service hours may not be helpful. In this case, you might want to check with your regional dealer to see if they offer 24/7 service.
Pros And Cons
Pro's
Con's
Final Verdict - Is Future The Right Choice For Your Business?
Future POS has all of the central features to increase the efficiency of your bar or restaurant. The system is easy to use and comes with a variety of helpful tools that can prove beneficial to any bars or restaurants looking to expand internal operations. Plus, Future just recently integrated EMV payments for tableside ordering, which is a HUGE bonus for restaurants that are looking to venture into the modern era of dining.
While the interface might feel a bit dated and the hardware is not as flexible as some other POS choices, Future still remains one of the top point of sale solutions for a number of national and regional companies around the country. If you are in the market for a solution that is both reliable and easy to use, look no further than Future POS systems for your business.
Tyler Connaghan
Contributing Author
