| Are you in the process of looking at a new | | | | some extra space to comfortably fit your needed |
| computer system? Regardless of whether you | | | | equipments. Tabletop space for server stations |
| are looking at a system for your office or | | | | should be large enough to hold your computer |
| restaurant, there are a couple of things you | | | | monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit |
| should keep in mind when installing systems that | | | | card terminal if you plan to use separate credit |
| will help run your operations and store all of your | | | | card equipment. There should be enough space |
| critical data. | | | | directly underneath the tabletop to hold the |
| 1. Network cabling. The majority of systems are | | | | computer, surge protector, power strip and a |
| computer-based, designed to run on MS Windows | | | | battery backup (UPS). |
| technology. This means that the workstations and | | | | If you plan to place your workstations on millwork |
| peripherals most likely will communicate over | | | | surfaces such as granite or woodwork, have your |
| standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless | | | | contractor pre-drill holes if needed to run cables or |
| communications have been the talk of the town | | | | power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole |
| these days, the preferred method is to "hardwire" | | | | should give sufficient space for cords and cables |
| your computer stations. Some vendors include | | | | on most POS systems. |
| this service in their bid; others specify that cabling | | | | For cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop |
| must be contracted through a third-party vendor. | | | | space should also be ample enough to fit a cash |
| Regardless of who will work on the cabling, it will | | | | drawer and an order confirmation customer |
| need to be completed and tested before | | | | display. Most cash drawers have a footprint |
| installation of the equipment. Each piece of | | | | (space requirement)of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to |
| equipment will require a cable drop. A drop is | | | | 20-inch width; and 3.5- to 4-inch height. Be sure to |
| considered a cable that runs from a remote | | | | get the drawer specifications from your supplier in |
| printer or PC back to the networking source such | | | | advance if you are building a custom countertop |
| as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office. | | | | so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath |
| For POS systems, the restaurant should be wired | | | | the counter. |
| with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from | | | | 4. Service Plans. Most venders may offer some |
| every conceivable POS workstation, remote | | | | type of service plan as part of your original |
| printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, | | | | purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are |
| delivery order desks, cashier stations and | | | | composed of materials that will not last forever |
| network server to a "home run" area such as a | | | | especially in restaurants. POS printers will |
| central patch panel, preferably located in your | | | | eventually break, fans will fail, and hard drives will |
| telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling | | | | crash. How often is dependent upon the conditions |
| routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 | | | | under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and |
| inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon | | | | moisture are the most common threat to office |
| transformers and electrical motors, because these | | | | and restaruant POS equipment. |
| devices can sometimes cause communications | | | | I've seen some systems that rarely experience |
| interference. | | | | problems while others deal with them constantly. |
| 2. Electrical. Installing a dedicated and isolated | | | | The best thing a restaurant owner can do is to |
| circuits for your POS equipments such as your | | | | invest in good equipment and maintain it to reduce |
| POS computers, network devices such as hubs | | | | future damages. Many restaurant POS solutions |
| and routers, and phone systems that can share. | | | | provider will offer ongoing service plans that are |
| No other electrical equipment should be on this | | | | basically extended warranties. The annual cost for |
| circuitry. I would prefer getting your network, | | | | these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 |
| phone, and electrical service to be near to each | | | | percent to 20 percent of the original purchase |
| other. An isolated circuit means that the circuit | | | | price. |
| has a ground separate from that of the main | | | | Computer systems represent a sizable |
| electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and | | | | investment. But if you set a time to make sure |
| surges that may destroy motherboards and hard | | | | that the above steps are included in your |
| drives. Note, however, you may still want to use | | | | checklist, then you are more apt to be rewarded |
| surge protectors at each workstation. | | | | a return on your investment by getting the most |
| 3. Properly designed workspace. When it comes | | | | from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, |
| to designing workstation areas, be sure to leave | | | | and ensuring that you can account for all cash. |