Start out the year right for your restaurant POS systems. Let’s tackle some of the most common and critical mistakes that are made in regard to some very basic configuration aspects of the computer system. Mistakes can severely damage a restaurant or any other retail establishment, not to mention the amount of time and money on repairs. And even worse… it can frustrate your customers and employees.
Whether you already have a computer system or you’re going to configure a new one yourself — you better make sure that everything is done accordingly for your own sake.
Please don’t let me be guilty of giving you the wrong idea. I don’t always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a computer professional do the work. But I know some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those that insist on doing your own computer installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.
So here are some simple retail POS system configuration checklist for a Windows network you could use as a guide:
1) Using a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
One of the main causes of your electronic component failure is due to fluctuations in electricity (up and down). A good UPS can solve this problem by providing clean power. I would recommedn getting a good UPS for your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on each of your worstations too.
2) Plugging All Cables Into the UPS
All cables that powers your computer and network must be properly plugged into your UPS. It’s also important to make sure cables that can carry electrical charges are plugged into a surge protector or UPS. For example, the phone line for your modem can fry your computer if it’s not plugged into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause severe damage if not plugged properly.
3) Tightening Up Security
It is advisable that you lock your server with a hard-to-guess password on all Windows accounts so that no one will be able to access it especially hackers who ruthlessly damage your server].
4) Intalling and Configuring Security Tools Like An Antivirus Software and AntiSpyware Software
It’s also very important to configure that software to update automatically every day, so you don’t forget.
5) Limit Your Employees’ Internet Access
Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. You mave the lastest antivirus and antispyware software installed but if an employee unintentionally downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can damage your system down. You may limit them by disabling internet browsing on their computer stations. Or you could password protect internet access.
For restaurant owners, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from the hands of the dirty minds, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to strickly implement rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.
6) Configure Your Back Up To Run Every Night
In many situations, it’s best to configure your back up to run automatically after work hours. But you still need to remember to change your back up device (like tapes) daily.
7) Test Your Backup By Restoring Files Once A Month
Can’t remember how many times I’ve chatted with several business owners that have hard drive failure and think they have a good back up to restore. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working. That’s why you need to do a “real” test restore once a month to make sure it’s working. By the way, you should restore to an alternate file location so you don’t mess up your existing software.
Avoid having regrest by forgetting to do these simple checklist. It’s not a waste of time and it’s not just for your business, employees and customers but for your own sake as well.
With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.
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