What is the difference between iPad POS and Traditional POS Terminals

Setting up your business but having trouble choosing between an iPad POS or a Traditional POS terminal? Here is a breakdown of their differences, so you can best decide which is most suitable for you.

iPad POS

• Space Saving: iPads POS systems are generally smaller in size than a traditional POS system. This is perfect for your business if you are looking to fit a POS system into a small countertop space.

• Cloud Based POS system: iPad POS systems usually have an easy to use front end for quick ordering. Most of an iPad POS system's backend functions are cloud based, allowing you to manage inventory, update your menu and perform other backend operations remotely. 

       However, this would require that you have a stable internet connection.

• Perfect for simple operations: If you have a straight forward ordering and billing process, an iPad POS system will be up to task, offering you speedy billing, which is perfect for simple retail shops, and F&B kiosks, like bubble tea shops, coffee kiosks, salad & sushi bars etc.

• Portable: With a POS system app installed into an iPad, you have the option to move it around your shop, or bring it home with you, should you not have a means to keep your POS system safely locked up when your shop is closed.

Traditional POS Terminal

• Feature rich: POS terminals have higher performing processors, hence, most POS softwares installed in POS terminals come with endless backend and front end features.

• Offline usage: With all its reports and functions available locally, POS terminals can be used even if you do not have an internet connection in your shop. A POS terminal gives you a peace of mind that your operations will run smoothly even if internet connection drops.



• Cloud based reporting & backend: With an internet connection, the functionality of a traditional POS terminal is further expanded. You will be able to perform backend operations remotely, just like an iPad POS, and get business insights from an online reporting portal at your fingertips.

• Able to handle complex operations: Running a full service restaurant with multiple billing and kitchen settings? A POS terminal is perfect for you. Its functionality for both front and backend will help your business achieve maximum productivity during your peak hours.

• Easy integration with other solutions: Most POS terminals, like many other solutions are running on windows based operating system, making it easier to integrate other productivity boosting solutions like mobile ordering, QR ordering, self ordering kiosks, accounting softwares, etc.

What type POS system should you get for your F&B business?

iPad POS

• Coffee Cafes
• Casual Dining
• Coffee Kiosk
• Bubble Tea Shops
• Salad Bar
• Sushi Bar
• Ice Cream kiosks
• Quick Service Restaurants
• Takeaway Kiosks

Traditional POS Terminals

• Fine Dining Restaurant
• Dim Sum Restaurant
• Chinese Restaurant
• Japanese/Korean Restaurant
• Buffet
• BBQ Restaurant
• Thai/Vietnamese Food Restaurant
• Seafood Restaurant
• Bar and Bistro
• Any dine in full service restaurant

To understand more about the differenct types of POS systems MEGAPOS has to offer to suit your business type, call us at (+65) 6224 5788, or drop us your contact below to schedule an non obligatory demo session today!