
Restaurant technology has significantly advanced in recent years. A legacy point-of-service solution, which was considered robust in the past, is struggling to measure up to the speed, adaptability, and information requirements needed for today’s restaurant. With today’s growing consumer needs and technologies such as online ordering, online delivery, online ordering kiosks, and mobile payment on the rise, many restaurants have started questioning their point-of-service solution infrastructure.
In this blog, we will be comparing legacy POS solutions to cloud POS solutions in terms of features, cost, scalability, as well as return on investment. In this way, restaurant managers would be able to understand which system facilitates faster processing, accuracy, as well as increased profits.
Traditional POS solutions were designed for a different era, where restaurants functioned with stationary counters, manual reconciliations, and constrained payment options. These days, however, the needs of the diner have shifted. Speed, accuracy, and convenience are no longer a nicety but a necessity.
It is for this reason that restaurants across New Zealand are slowly transitioning away from traditional solutions and implementing the use of the cloud POS system along with mobile EFTPOS. This not only brings about innovation in payment methods but also has several other advantages.
A legacy POS system is a locally installed, on-premise point-of-sale system that runs on in-store servers or dedicated hardware. These systems were designed before cloud computing became mainstream and typically operate independently within a single location.
While legacy systems can be stable, they are often rigid, expensive to maintain, and difficult to scale, especially for restaurants managing multiple sales channels.
A cloud-based POS system operates using internet-based software, allowing restaurants to access data in real time from any device, anywhere. Instead of storing information locally, all sales, inventory, and customer data are securely stored in the cloud.
This flexibility makes cloud POS systems especially attractive for modern restaurants focused on speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Traditional POS systems operate on fixed hardware, closed software, and limited integrations. While they may still “work,” they introduce friction at every stage of service:
In high-volume environments, this slows down service and increases the risk of human error.
According to Hospitality Net, outdated POS systems are one of the leading causes of order inaccuracies and checkout delays in restaurants.
From an ROI perspective, cloud POS systems consistently outperform legacy systems.
Over time, these efficiencies translate into higher average order values, lower operational costs, and improved profitability.
If your restaurant operates a single location with minimal digital requirements, a legacy POS may still function adequately. However, for restaurants that:
A cloud-based POS system is the more future-ready choice.
Modern cloud POS platforms, when paired with EFTPOS solutions for restaurants, create a unified ecosystem that improves speed, accuracy, and revenue—without the operational limitations of legacy systems.
Cloud POS platforms unlock new revenue opportunities that legacy systems simply can’t support.
Research from Paycompass shows that digital POS and payment optimisation can increase revenue by 5–10% through improved throughput and smarter promotions.
Switching from a legacy POS to a cloud POS with mobile EFTPOS isn’t just a technology upgrade; it’s a business decision.
You gain:
For restaurants looking to scale, adapt, and compete in a digital-first market, modern eftpos solutions for restaurants are no longer optional; they’re essential.
Yes. Most modern cloud POS systems seamlessly integrate with online ordering platforms, food delivery apps, and restaurant websites. This allows orders placed online to flow directly into the POS, reducing manual entry, minimising errors, and speeding up order fulfilment.
Migrating from a legacy POS to a cloud POS is generally straightforward when handled by the right provider. Many cloud POS vendors offer guided onboarding, data migration support, and staff training, ensuring minimal downtime and a smooth transition for day-to-day operations.
While restaurants benefit the most, cloud POS systems are also highly effective for cafés, food trucks, retail stores, hospitality venues, and multi-location businesses. Any industry that values real-time data, mobility, and flexible payment options can gain significant advantages from cloud POS technology.
Yes. Most cloud POS systems include an offline mode that allows businesses to continue processing orders and payments during temporary internet outages. Once the connection is restored, data automatically syncs to the cloud without any loss.
Many businesses notice improvements in order speed, accuracy, and reporting within the first few weeks. Faster checkouts, better inventory visibility, and streamlined workflows often lead to measurable gains in efficiency and revenue in a short period of time.