NCR vs Toast: Which Point of Sale System is Right for Your Business?

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for efficient and reliable POS (point-of-sale) systems. Two of the leading players in this space are Toast and NCR. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key features, benefits, and differences between Toast and NCR to help you make an informed decision for your restaurant.

Key Features: Toast vs. NCR

Toast

• Cloud-Based Platform: Toast runs on a secure cloud-based platform, providing anytime, anywhere access and automatic updates.
• Mobile Ordering and Payment: Toast offers mobile ordering and payment options for customers, streamlining the ordering process and reducing wait times.
• Inventory Management: Toast’s inventory management capabilities help restaurants track stock levels, manage orders, and prevent waste.
• Employee Management: Toast provides tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, and performance management.
• Reporting and Analytics: Toast offers comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboards, giving restaurant owners valuable insights into their operations.

NCR

• Hardware and Software Integration: NCR provides both hardware and software solutions, ensuring seamless integration and reliability.
• Self-Ordering Kiosks: NCR’s self-ordering kiosks allow customers to place orders independently, freeing up staff for other tasks.
• Loyalty Programs: NCR offers loyalty program management tools to help restaurants reward repeat customers and build customer relationships.
• Kitchen Display Systems: NCR’s kitchen display systems provide real-time order information to kitchen staff, improving order accuracy and speed.
• Payment Processing: NCR provides secure and efficient payment processing options, including EMV and contactless payments.

Benefits: Toast vs. NCR

Toast

• Flexibility and Scalability: Toast’s cloud-based platform allows for easy scalability to meet the changing needs of restaurants.
• User-Friendly Interface: Toast’s intuitive interface makes it easy for staff to learn and use, reducing training time.
• Mobile Accessibility: Toast’s mobile app provides restaurant owners and managers with real-time access to their operations.
• Customer Support: Toast offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring quick resolution to any issues.
• Integrations: Toast integrates with various third-party software and services, extending its functionality.

NCR

• Reliability and Security: NCR’s hardware-based systems provide a high level of reliability and security for mission-critical operations.
• Industry Expertise: NCR has a long history in the restaurant industry, providing deep expertise and industry-specific solutions.
• Hardware Options: NCR offers a range of hardware options, including POS terminals, self-ordering kiosks, and kitchen display systems.
• Customization: NCR’s systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of individual restaurants.
• Global Reach: NCR has a global presence, providing support and services to restaurants worldwide.

Differences: Toast vs. NCR

• Cloud-Based vs. Hardware-Based: Toast is cloud-based, while NCR offers both cloud-based and hardware-based solutions.
• Pricing: Toast typically has a lower upfront cost than NCR, but NCR may offer more comprehensive hardware and software packages.
• Scalability: Toast is more scalable than NCR, as it can be easily upgraded or downgraded as needed.
• Customization: NCR offers more customization options than Toast, allowing restaurants to tailor their systems to their unique requirements.
• Support: Toast provides 24/7 customer support, while NCR’s support is typically available during business hours.

Choosing the Right System: Toast vs. NCR

The best POS system for your restaurant depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the following factors:

• Restaurant Size and Volume: Toast is suitable for restaurants of all sizes, while NCR is ideal for larger restaurants with high-volume operations.
• Hardware Requirements: If you need specialized hardware, such as self-ordering kiosks or kitchen display systems, NCR may be a better choice.
• Customization Needs: If you require a highly customized system, NCR offers more flexibility than Toast.
• Support Requirements: If you need round-the-clock support, Toast is a better option than NCR.
• Budget: Toast typically has a lower upfront cost than NCR, but consider the total cost of ownership over time.

Summary: Toast vs. NCR

Both Toast and NCR offer robust POS systems with unique strengths and weaknesses. Toast is a cloud-based, flexible, and user-friendly solution ideal for restaurants of all sizes. NCR offers hardware-based, reliable, and customizable systems suitable for larger restaurants with complex operations. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which system is more affordable, Toast or NCR?
A: Toast typically has a lower upfront cost than NCR, but the total cost of ownership over time may vary depending on your specific needs.
Q: Which system is more reliable, Toast or NCR?
A: NCR’s hardware-based systems offer a higher level of reliability than Toast’s cloud-based platform.
Q: Which system offers more customization options, Toast or NCR?
A: NCR offers more customization options than Toast, allowing restaurants to tailor their systems to their unique requirements.
Q: Which system provides better customer support, Toast or NCR?
A: Toast provides 24/7 customer support, while NCR’s support is typically available during business hours.
Q: Which system is better suited for high-volume restaurants, Toast or NCR?
A: NCR is more suitable for high-volume restaurants with complex operations, as it offers hardware-based systems and customizable options.