SoftPOS turns a smartphone or tablet into a fully functional payment terminal, without the need for dedicated hardware. For restaurant owners looking to streamline the checkout process and reduce hardware requirements, here’s what this technology actually offers—and what it doesn’t yet replace.
SoftPOS (Software Point Of Sale) is an application that transforms your smartphone or tablet into a secure payment terminal. What does this mean in practice? SoftPOS can accept contactless payments using technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or QR code. Unlike conventional electronic payment terminals, SoftPOS requires no additional dedicated equipment: simply install the application on a compatible device connected to the Internet to start processing transactions.
SoftPOS is sometimes referred to as "Tap to Pay". Want to find out what's behind the term? We've devoted an article to it: Tap to Pay: the payment revolution ?
Traditional POS systems are dedicated hardware devices that are often expensive, lack scalability, and are tied to lease or maintenance contracts. SoftPOS leverages the devices you already own: it integrates with your digital ecosystem, connects to your management tools, and updates automatically to meet market demands.
Compatibility depends on two factors: the operating system and the presence of an active NFC chip.
On Android, devices running Android 8 (Oreo) or later that are equipped with an NFC module are generally compatible. Most recent smartphones (Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi) meet these requirements. You must verify that the app has been certified by your payment provider before any deployment.
On the iPhone, Apple has made the "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature available starting with the iPhone XS running iOS 16 or later. Contactless payments via a certified third-party app are available without the need for a physical card reader.
In both cases, a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G) is essential: SoftPOS does not process transactions offline.
With the rise of digital technology and contactless payments, consumers are looking for speed and simplicity. In this sense, SoftPOS is particularly well suited to today's consumer habits.
This technology also lends itself well to situations where mobility is an asset: room service, table orders or even in outdoor catering areas and pop-up establishments. It enables your staff to quickly finalize an order directly from the table, without having to move to a fixed cash register, thus optimizing waiting time and boosting customer satisfaction.
👉 F urther information : Contactless payment in restaurants: definition, benefits and risks
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SoftPOS installs in just a few clicks on a smartphone or tablet. No need to invest in expensive or cumbersome hardware. This simplicity of installation means you can considerably reduce deployment and training times for your teams. So you can adopt this solution quickly and without disrupting your day-to-day business.
Investing in traditional POS terminals can represent a significant cost, especially for establishments wishing to modernize their payment tools. SoftPOS, on the other hand, uses the equipment you already own. This means fewer capital outlays and a better allocation of your budget, while benefiting from a high-performance, up-to-date solution.
Another major advantage of mobile payment is the speed of transactions. With SoftPOS, the payment process is simplified, reducing queues and improving table turnover . table turnover. In busy periods, this fluidity is essential to maintaining quality service and satisfying demanding customers.
Whether you work for a small bistro or a large restaurant chain, SoftPOS offers unrivalled flexibility. Its mobile nature means it can be used in a variety of contexts: in the dining room, on the terrace, at events or in temporary spaces. This means you can adapt your payment system to the configuration of your establishment and the specific needs of your clientele.
Security remains a major concern when it comes to payments, and SoftPOS applications have plenty to reassure you. They incorporate advanced encryption protocols and comply with international security standards to protect your transactions. By adopting this solution, you offer your customers the guarantee that their financial information is handled securely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
SoftPOS is subject to the PCI MPoC (Mobile Payments on COTS) standard, a standard defined by the PCI Security Standards Council to regulate payments made on non-dedicated consumer devices. This certification ensures the isolation of the payment environment on the device, even when other applications are installed. It is accompanied by Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), required by the European PSD2 directive, which secures transactions exceeding €50 via a PIN code or biometric validation.
The digitization of payments is about more than just processing payments faster. SoftPOS integrates into a comprehensive ecosystem: it syncs with your restaurant POS software, connects to loyalty programs, and feeds data into your management tools. Digital meal vouchers and e-gift cards become accessible without any additional equipment. Every transaction enhances your understanding of customer spending habits and informs your business strategy.
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SoftPOS simplifies payment processing, but there are specific operational challenges that need to be addressed before implementing it.
Contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted by nearly all SoftPOS solutions. However, American Express cards are not supported by all providers. Digital meal vouchers (Swile, Edenred, Bimpli) require compatibility with the Conecs network, which is not always built-in. It is essential to verify this if your customers use this payment method.
For transactions over €50, European regulations (PSD2) require the entry of a PIN. On a shared device in a dining room, this step creates friction: the customer enters their PIN on the server’s smartphone screen. This factor should be taken into account by restaurants with a high average check.
SoftPOS does not work offline. A network outage prevents payment processing. For businesses with unstable Wi-Fi coverage or located in areas with no signal, this risk is critical and must be addressed before deployment.
For most restaurants, SoftPOS is a complementary tool, not a replacement. It excels in mobile applications (outdoor seating, table service, events); a dedicated restaurant POS terminal remains better suited for the main register or high-value transactions. Both solutions can coexist on the same POS system without any technical issues.
Before installing your SoftPOS solution, make sure you have a stable Internet connection and a compatible kiosk or cash register, equipped with NFC technology and sufficient resources to support the application. The Move cash register and Innovorder kiosk meet these criteria perfectly. Both equipped with the IO Pay payment solution, these digital solutions, which have become payment terminals, can accept Tap to Pay payments. A recent and secure device will guarantee the smooth running of the tool and the security of your transactions.
SoftPOS does not require an initial hardware investment, but it does generate two recurring costs that need to be budgeted for:
- Application subscription: Most providers charge between €10 and €30 per month, depending on the features included (reporting, integrations, support).
- Transaction fees: These typically range from 0.7% to 1.5% of the amount received, depending on the service provider and the volume processed.
The result? An immediate reduction in purchasing, maintenance, and update costs—freeing up resources that you can devote to improving the customer experience.
Once the hardware is in hand, the next step is to install the SoftPOS application. Initial configuration is intuitive : simply download the application, create your account and connect your existing management tools. For optimum integration, we recommend that you customize the interface according to your establishment's identity, and synchronize your management, reservation or loyalty systems.
To ease your transition to mobile payment, don't neglect training your team. Whether it's an online tutorial or on-site support, this will enable any employee to quickly master all the functionalities.
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SoftPOS offers a practical solution to the challenges of mobile payment processing in the restaurant industry: rapid deployment, controlled costs, and integration into the existing digital ecosystem. Its limitations are well-understood and manageable, particularly through a hybrid model that uses a dedicated POS terminal for the main register. What really makes a difference is the increased flexibility and the elimination of hardware constraints at secondary stations.
Innovorder offers IO Pay, a payment solution designed to integrate natively with point-of-sale systems and ordering kiosks, available in both SoftPOS and POS terminal versions. To determine the right configuration for your business, our teams are available to provide a personalized assessment.
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Need help choosing the best payment solution for your business? The Innovorder experts are available to guide you, with tools perfectly adapted to your needs.
