Introduction
Choosing the right EPoS setup depends on business size, service style and customer flow. This blog is going to guide you through how to select the right combination of devices. SPARK EPoS is designed to scale with your operation, whether you are running a single venue or managing multiple locations. Understanding how many EPoS systems you need helps you plan for efficiency, growth and a better customer experience.
Small Businesses: Cafés, Takeaways and Boutique Retail
Smaller venues typically operate from a single service point and focus on speed and simplicity. In most cases, one Electronic Point of Sale terminal paired with a payment system is sufficient to manage orders and payments efficiently. This setup allows staff to process transactions quickly while maintaining accurate records.
For businesses that experience short peaks or want to reduce queues without adding another fixed till, a handheld payment device is a practical addition. Handheld ordering allows staff to take orders away from the counter, particularly useful in cafés with limited space or takeaway counters during busy periods. At this stage, a KDS is optional but can help streamline order preparation if kitchen volume increases.
Recommended setup
- EPoS terminal
- Handheld payment device
- KDS (Optional)
Medium-Sized Businesses: Restaurants, Bars and Casual Dining
As venues grow, service becomes more complex. Medium-sized restaurants and bars often manage table service, bar orders and takeaway simultaneously. These environments usually benefit from two or more Electronic Point of Sale terminals, ensuring orders can be processed without congestion.
Handheld devices are best for table service, allowing staff to send orders directly to the kitchen without returning to a fixed till. A KDS is strongly recommended at this stage to improve order accuracy, reduce communication errors and speed up preparation.
Recommended setup
- Two or more EPoS terminals
- Multiple handheld payment devices
- KDS
- Self-Ordering Kiosk (Optional)
Large Venues: High Footfall Restaurants, Food Courts and Retail Spaces
Large venues require multiple ordering touchpoints to maintain service speed during peak periods. In addition to several Electronic Point of Sale terminals, self-ordering solutions play an important role. Self Ordering Kiosk allows customers to place orders independently, reducing queues and freeing staff to focus on fulfilment and service.
For venues with limited space or a need for quicker interactions, Kiosk Express provides a compact alternative while still delivering the benefits of self-ordering. Handheld payment device supports roaming staff and flexible service, while KDS becomes essential for managing high order volumes across multiple preparation stations.
Recommended setup
- Multiple EPoS terminals
- Multiple handheld payment devices
- KDS
- Self-Ordering Kiosk
Multi-Site Businesses and Chains
For businesses operating multiple locations, consistency and visibility become just as important as device count. Each site may require a slightly different configuration, but it is recommended to connect all devices into one system, providing centralised reporting and control. Cloud-based EPoS system allows operators to monitor performance, compare sites and adjust setups as demand changes.
Recommended setup
- A full set of an integrated EPoS system
- Multiple EPoS terminals
- Multiple handheld payment devices
- KDS
- Self-Ordering Kiosk
- Cloud-based system for central management
Designing Your EPoS Setup Around Customer Flow
The most effective EPoS setups are built around customer behaviour. A venue with high table turnover benefits from handheld ordering, while a grab-and-go environment may require kiosks or multiple counter terminals. Businesses that align EPoS placement with how customers move through the space achieve better service outcomes and higher satisfaction. SPARK EPoS is designed to support these varied models through modular hardware and software options.
Got questions about setting up your EPoS system?
There is no single answer to how many EPoS systems a business needs. The right setup depends on size, service style and customer flow. SPARK EPoS offers scalable solutions that grow with your business, from single terminal setups to fully integrated multi-device environments. By choosing the right number of EPoS systems, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce pressure on staff and deliver a smoother customer experience. If you are planning a new setup or reviewing your current operation, book a demo with SPARK EPoS today and discover how we can help you build the right system for your business.
