04.02.26
|Reading time:
5 min
Why classic POS system drawbacks no longer apply today
Anyone researching POS systems today will still encounter the same claims online: high costs, complex operation, dependence on the internet, or rigid hardware. These criticisms persist, but they often say more about outdated systems than about modern POS solutions.
In the Swiss hospitality industry, expectations have clearly evolved. Businesses rightly expect transparency, reliability, flexibility, and simple processes that work in everyday operations.
This article explains why many of the traditional POS system drawbacks no longer apply today and what hospitality businesses should actually focus on when choosing a POS system.
Myth 1: POS systems are expensive and lack transparency
High upfront costs and unclear pricing models are still seen as major risks when choosing a POS system. This perception often stems from older, proprietary systems where changes and maintenance were heavily dependent on the provider.
The reality today:
Modern POS systems are designed to make costs and services transparent from the very beginning:
- ongoing costs are clearly defined and transparently structured
- support and emergency on-call availability are included in the monthly fees
- payment conditions are clearly communicated, with no hidden costs
- payouts are processed the next day, supporting healthy cash flow
For hospitality businesses in Switzerland, liquidity is critical. Long waiting times for payouts are no longer in line with modern operational needs.
How much does a good POS system cost for restaurants and hospitality in Switzerland?
Myth 2: Without an internet connection, operations come to a standstill
For a long time, an internet outage was considered a major risk for digital POS systems. In a demanding hospitality environment, downtime is simply not an option.
The reality today:
Modern POS systems are offline-capable:
- orders continue to be processed as usual
- data is stored locally
automatic synchronization takes place once the connection is restored
A POS system should reliably support daily operations and remain stable even in exceptional situations.
Myth 3: Hardware is rigid and difficult to replace
In the past, POS systems were often tied to specialized hardware. Defects resulted in high costs and long downtimes.
The reality today:
Modern solutions deliberately rely on flexible hardware concepts:
- mobile POS on tablets or smartphones
- quick replacement in case of hardware failure
- combination of mobile and stationary workstations
This flexibility increases reliability and reduces dependency on specific hardware.
Are mobile POS systems better than stationary POS systems?
Myth 4: POS systems are complicated and hard to use
High training effort is often cited as a disadvantage, especially in businesses with frequent staff turnover.
The reality today:
Ease of use is a clear priority:
- intuitive user interfaces
- short onboarding times
- clear workflows without technical barriers
A POS system should simplify daily work, not add complexity.
Myth 5: POS systems offer little flexibility
Many businesses fear being restricted by their POS system.
The reality today:
Modern POS systems are modular and highly flexible:
- prices and menus can be adjusted independently at any time
- table layouts can be changed without external support
- adjustments can be made exactly when there is time in daily operations
This saves time, reduces ongoing costs, and increases operational independence.
Which functions should a modern POS system offer?
What hospitality businesses should really focus on today
The key factors are no longer outdated assumptions, but practical criteria:
- transparent and predictable costs
- offline capability
- flexible hardware
- ease of use for teams
- scalability as the business grows
- independence in daily operations
- a reliable POS partner for onboarding, training, and ongoing support
A modern POS system should grow with the business and make daily operations easier, not slow them down.
Personal support and independence in everyday operations
Beyond technology, proper guidance plays a crucial role. A POS system delivers real value only when consultation, implementation, and ongoing support are done right.
Key elements include:
- honest and structured sales consultation
- individual onboarding instead of standard manual
- practical training for teams
- reliable support even after installation
At the same time, businesses expect maximum independence. Adjusting prices, updating menus, or modifying the table layout should always be possible without having to wait for external changes.
Vendomat focuses precisely on this combination: personal support and operational independence. From the initial consultation to structured onboarding and ongoing support after go-live, Vendomat remains a reliable partner for hospitality businesses in Switzerland.