Guide
QR code ordering vs POS vs self-order kiosk
A POS system is for staff to ring up orders and take payment; a self-order kiosk is a shared touchscreen customers queue at; QR code ordering lets each customer order and pay from their own phone at the table. For most Singapore F&B outlets, QR ordering is the cheapest way to reduce order-taking work because it needs no extra hardware or floor space. Most outlets run QR ordering alongside a POS rather than replacing it.
Updated
Compare
Side-by-side comparison
| QR code ordering | POS (staff-operated) | Self-order kiosk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who orders | Customer, own phone | Staff | Customer, shared screen |
| Hardware | QR stands; printer optional | Terminal, cash drawer, printer | Kiosk unit per lane |
| Upfront cost | Low | Medium | High (per unit) |
| Floor space | None | Counter | 1–2 m² per kiosk |
| Queues | None — orders in parallel | At counter | At kiosk |
| Reorders | Easy, from the table | Call a server | Walk back to kiosk |
| Staff for ordering | Lowest | Highest | Low |
| Best for | Restaurants, cafés, hawkers, bars | Counter service | Fast food, high-volume QSR |
When to choose each
Choose QR code ordering if…
- You have table seating and want customers to order without waiting.
- You want to cut order-taking work without buying hardware.
- Diners often order more than once per visit.
Choose a POS if…
- Most sales are at the counter and staff ring them up.
- You need cash drawer management and staff shift controls. (You can still add QR ordering on top.)
Choose kiosks if…
- You run fast food with very high volume and customers order before sitting.
- You have floor space and budget for hardware and maintenance.
Most Singapore outlets combine QR ordering for dine-in with a POS at the counter. FnB Matters does both in one system.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a POS if I use QR ordering?
You need somewhere to handle counter sales, cash and end-of-day reports. With FnB Matters, the POS is built in, so QR, counter and delivery orders all land in one report.
Is a kiosk better than QR ordering?
Kiosks suit high-volume quick-service outlets where customers order before finding a seat and there is floor space for them. For table-service restaurants, cafés and hawker stalls, QR ordering avoids the hardware cost and the queue at the kiosk.
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