Running a restaurant is exhilarating but challenging. Between juggling orders, pleasing customers, and managing staff, chaos can creep in without the right tools. A clunky or outdated order management system (OMS) can lead to missed orders, frustrated diners, and lost revenue.
Many restaurant owners jump into purchasing systems without knowing what to look for. The result? Glitches, clunky interfaces, poor customer service, and wasted money.
Asking the right questions before committing to any restaurant order management system. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the top questions you should ask, helping you make a smart, informed decision that benefits your restaurant in the long run.
Why is choosing the Right Order Management System critical?
A restaurant order management system is the heartbeat of your operations, handling online orders, in-person dining, delivery, and more. A great Order Management System saves time, reduces errors, and keeps customers coming back. A bad one? It’s a recipe for disaster—think order mix-ups, long wait times, and negative reviews.
With countless systems competing for your attention, asking the right questions helps you cut through the noise. Below, I’ve outlined the must-ask questions to evaluate any OMS, ensuring you find one that aligns with your restaurant’s unique needs.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Restaurant Order Management System
1. Does the System Integrate Seamlessly with My Existing POS System?
A seamless integration with your Point of Sale (POS) system is non-negotiable. Without it, you risk manual data entry, errors, and wasted time. Ask whether the OMS connects with your current POS and other tools like accounting software or inventory management systems. For example, platforms like Deonde offer robust integrations to ensure smooth workflows.
2. Can It Handle Both In-Person and Online Orders Efficiently?
Your OMS should unify in-person dining, takeout, and online delivery orders in one platform. Confirm that the system can process orders from multiple channels—website, mobile app, or third-party platforms—without hiccups. Deonde’s all-in-one solution, for instance, supports ordering websites, branded apps, and even QR code ordering.
3. Can It Handle High-Order Volumes and Scale with My Business Growth?
Whether you’re a small pizzeria or a growing chain, your OMS must handle peak-hour rushes and scale as your business expands. Ask about the system’s capacity and whether businesses of your size trust it. Deonde, used by over 300+ companies globally, is built to scale with startups, franchises, and enterprises.
4. Is the Interface Intuitive and Easy for Staff to Use?
A complicated interface can slow down your team and lead to errors. Ensure the OMS is user-friendly, with minimal training required. Request a demo to test the interface yourself. Deonde prioritizes the best user experience with an intuitive design that staff can master quickly.
5. Does It Support Mobile Ordering for Customers?
Mobile ordering is a must in today’s digital age. Verify that the OMS offers branded mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing customers to order on the go. Deonde guarantees Apple and Google app store approvals for its white-label apps, ensuring a seamless mobile experience.
6. Are There Features for Menu Management and Real-Time Updates?
Your OMS should make updating menus, prices, and promotions easy in real time. Ask if the system supports dynamic menu management and whether changes reflect instantly across all channels. Deonde’s platform includes robust menu management tools to keep your offerings fresh.
7. Does It Offer Reporting Tools for Sales, Inventory, and Customer Data?
Data-driven insights are critical for growth. Ask about analytics and reporting features, such as sales trends, inventory tracking, and customer behavior. Deonde’s analytics and reports provide actionable insights to optimize your operations.
8. What Are the Total Costs, Including Setup, Subscription, and Hidden Fees?
Cost is a major factor, so be sure to ask for a clear breakdown of setup fees, monthly subscriptions, and any hidden charges such as maintenance or server costs. Deonde’s pricing starts at just $49/month for the web version. If you require branded customer, driver, and merchant apps, a one-time setup fee applies for these add-ons. This makes Deonde a cost-effective alternative to fully custom apps, which can start at $20,000 or more.
9. Can It Scale with My Business as It Grows?
Your OMS should grow with you, whether you’re adding locations or expanding delivery services. Ask about scalability and multi-location support. Deonde’s platform is designed for single restaurants, chain restaurants, cloud kitchens, and delivery companies, with features like vendor management and system configurations.
10. Does It Support Loyalty Programs or Integrations with Other Platforms?
Loyalty programs boost customer retention. Ask if the OMS supports loyalty points, discounts, or integrations with marketing tools like email or social media platforms. Deonde’s AI-based marketing tools include push notifications, SMS/email promotions, and loyalty points to keep customers engaged.
11. What Payment Modes Are Supported for Customer Convenience?
Customers expect flexible payment options. Confirm that the OMS supports digital wallets, net banking, and global payment gateways like PayPal or Paytm. Deonde’s platform accepts all payment modes, ensuring convenience for customers in globally.
12. Does It Ensure Compliance with Local Regulations and Data Security Standards?
Compliance with local laws and data security is critical. Ask how the OMS handles data privacy, GDPR, or PCI compliance. Deonde emphasizes more security to protect your customers’ data and ensure regulatory compliance.
13. Are There Features for Managing Multiple Restaurant Locations or Cloud Kitchens?
Your OMS needs advanced management tools if you operate multiple locations or a cloud kitchen. Ask about features like centralized vendor management or automated payouts. Deonde’s suite of solutions simplifies operations for chain restaurants and cloud kitchens.
14. How Quickly Can the System Be Set Up and Deployed?
Time is money. Ask how long it takes to get the OMS up and running. Deonde’s platform can be deployed within 1 week, compared to 3-4 weeks for readymade scripts or 10-12 weeks for custom solutions.
15. Does It Guarantee App Store Approvals for Branded Mobile Apps?
App store rejections can delay your launch. Ask if the OMS guarantees approval for branded apps. Deonde’s white-label apps have guaranteed Apple and Google approvals, ensuring a smooth rollout.
Conclusion: Make Your Restaurant More Efficient and Customer-Friendly
Choosing the right order management system is one of the most important decisions for your restaurant. By asking the right questions before choosing a restaurant order management system, you can avoid costly mistakes, improve your operations, and deliver a better customer and staff experience.
Deonde offer an all-in-one, cost-effective solution that’s ready to scale with your business—whether you’re a single restaurant, a cafe, Food Truck or a cloud kitchen.
