Point of Sale System Used by the Start-Up Cafés in Tabaco City, Albay
Karen B. Tronqued
Discipline: information systems
Abstract:
The Point-of-Sale (POS) system is a vital tool that enables business
owners to manage daily operations effectively and efficiently. This study
examined the use of features and benefits, as well as the challenges and
recommended measures, of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems among selected startup cafes in Tabaco City, Albay. Using a qualitative descriptive research design,
data were collected from 7 cafe owners and managers using a structured
questionnaire and follow-up interviews. Findings revealed that most cafés are
relatively young enterprises, with 1–3 years in operation and small workforces
of fewer than 10 employees. Capitalization levels were generally between
P501,000 and P1,000,000, while average daily patronage remained modest, with
most serving fewer than 100 customers. Results indicated that POS systems
were frequently used for basic transaction functions, such as order-taking,
billing, and receipt generation, but were used only partially or not at all for
advanced features, such as inventory management, sales analytics, and
customer relationship management. Operational benefits included reduced
waiting time, improved accuracy, automated reporting, and real-time
inventory tracking, while benefits for patrons emphasized transparency, order
accuracy, and enhanced service quality. However, significant challenges were
identified, including technical issues (poor internet connectivity, downtime,
and compatibility concerns), operational inefficiencies (limited integration with
online platforms), financial constraints (subscription and maintenance costs),
and human resource challenges (staff errors due to insufficient training). The
findings conclude that while start-up cafés recognize the value of POS systems
in improving daily operations, their full potential remains underutilized. The
study recommends that maximizing POS use requires greater training,
infrastructure support, and strategic adoption of advanced features to improve
competitiveness and sustainability in Tabaco City’s growing cafe industry.
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