Technology
POS
Also written: point of sale
A POS (Point of Sale) is the hardware and software system that processes guest transactions at non-rooms revenue outlets, including restaurants, bars, spas, and retail shops. In hospitality, it integrates directly with the Property Management System to post charges to guest folios.
How it is used
Operators use POS data to track inventory, evaluate server sales performance, monitor outlet profitability, and analyze guest spending patterns across the property. Integration with the PMS eliminates manual entry errors, enables credit limits on room charges, and streamlines night audit reconciliation. Revenue managers combine POS food and beverage data with guest profiles to calculate Total Revenue Per Available Room (TrevPAR) and assess total guest value beyond room rates.
Worked example
A guest orders $120 of food and drinks at the hotel pool bar. The bartender taps the guest's room number into the touchscreen POS terminal. The POS verifies room status and credit limit via the PMS interface, posts the $120 charge to the room folio instantly, and deducts the inventory items from the kitchen stock system.
Common mistake
Failing to maintain tight integration between the POS and PMS creates revenue leakage through unposted charges, wrong room billings, and lengthy manual audit reconciliations.