iPad POS vs Legacy Systems, Which Suits Your Aussie Restaurant?

The Down Side of Legacy POS

Legacy POS systems, in the Australian context, are traditional, on-premise point-of-sale solutions that store data locally on internal servers and run on closed networks. We're all familiar with a venue fully equipped with POS computers, on-site servers, barcode scanners, receipt printers and cash drawers. These systems have long offered reliability and a familiar workflow for staff, yet they often struggle to provide modern features like customer loyalty programs, online ordering, real-time analytics and remote access. Managing data usually requires someone to be on-site, which can limit operational flexibility and slow decision-making.

Why iPad POS Becomes Mainstream?

By contrast to legacy systems, iPad POS systems are cloud-based solutions built to run on tablets. That removes the need for expensive, bulky on-site servers and much of the legacy IT infrastructure. iPad POS systems also offer the same core functionality like inventory control, staff management, embedded payments and reporting, but the key difference is integration. iPad POS systems are often designed to be easy-to-connect with third‑party applications like food delivery, loyalty or online platforms.

On cost, iPad POS already looks attractive in Australia in terms of initial investment as compared to legacy POS's bulky, expensive terminals. Since iPad POS works with iPad, which can be very easily available with transparent pricing. For restaurant owners who want to save some money, second-hand iPads can mostly work as fine as new ones.

Comparing iPad POS & Legacy POS by Functionalities

1. Mobility & Table Service

It's pretty obvious that iPad POS systems is way much flexible in terms of mobility. Staff can use lightweight iPads as handheld ordering and payment terminals at tables, in queues or at drive-through windows, moving between service areas as needed. During peak times, servers can take orders and process payments tableside, which industry reports suggest can reduce wait times by around 20%. Research by Flipdish notes iPad POS platforms often lower labour costs and training time because staff are already familiar with touchscreen interfaces, a benefit for franchises with high turnover. 

For cafés with outdoor seating, iPads let staff serve customers without returning to a fixed terminal. Providers like Eats365 offer offline functionality that accepts orders during internet outages and automatically syncs to the cloud when the connection returns. Square POS similarly supports offline payments stored for up to 24 hours, adding resilience for mobile service.

Legacy systems, by contrast, are naturally stationary and usually require customers to come to the counter. While some legacy vendors offer tablet add-ons, these are often proprietary and costlier than standard iPads. Eats365's cost analysis highlights that the price gap grows when you outfit multiple service points: iPad POS stations at A$1,450–A$2,000 per lane versus A$2,900–A$4,600+ for legacy terminals makes it more affordable to deploy multiple mobile points across a venue.

2. Payment Processing Capabilities

Most iPad POS platforms support the payment methods Australian diners expect. Eats365 integrates with Tyro and Adyen across APAC, and Square POS accepts major credit/debit cards, Afterpay, Apple Pay and more. Most systems issue digital receipts via email or SMS, apply automatic surcharges for cards or busy periods, and support Tap-to-Pay on phones. Lightspeed Restaurant explicitly supports EFTPOS integration, split bills and compliant surcharge handling for Australia. 

Legacy systems do support EFTPOS, but they often lag or face challenges in adopting newer payment methods like mobile wallets due to proprietary hardware limits. Another key operational difference shows up during failures. While most iPad POS systems maintain offline functionality and store payment data for 24 hours before syncing, many legacy solutions stop transactions during outages. 

3. Real-Time Analytics & Reporting

Cloud-based iPad POS platforms offer real-time analytics that change how operators manage Australian restaurants. Rather than waiting for end-of-day reports from a local server, cloud systems store data remotely and provide live access to sales, inventory and customer insights from anywhere. Managers can watch dashboards showing table turnover, top-selling items or current inventory, while legacy systems often only provide after the day ends. Legacy systems usually provide essential basic reporting, but struggle with real-time cross-location analysis, often requiring manual consolidation and lacking integrations with modern business apps.

4. Maintenance & Support Requirements

It's very obvious that iPad POS systems has much lower maintenance overheads compared to legacy hardware. iPads are well-known for their durability on hardware, and often enjoy global warranty provided by Apple. Even when it crashes, it's easy to get another spare iPad to keep your restaurant running.

Older legacy systems, in the contrast, need regular touchscreen cleaning, strict handling rules, liquid protection and frequent printer servicing, and often requiring on-site technician visits for maintenance, which disrupts service. Those repairs add both downtime and cost.

Cloud-based iPad POS solutions simplify maintenance with remote updates, overnight security patches and remote diagnostics, reducing the need for on-site support. Stripe’s research also notes that cloud platforms cut maintenance burdens through automated updates and remote help.

Operationally, studies show cloud-based setups have about 40% fewer outages during peak service and higher mean time between failures. Eats365’s cost analysis points out that legacy systems often require $100–$500 monthly maintenance that doesn’t scale per terminal, a model that only becomes cost-effective for very large operations with in-house IT teams.

5. Accounting Software Integration

iPad POS solutions tend to integrate more smoothly with various Australian accounting software, which is important for BAS compliance. Providers like Eats365, Square and Lightspeed offer direct syncs to Xero and MYOB, automatically sending daily sales, taxes, fees and tips into accounting ledgers. This removes manual data entry and eases BAS reporting for businesses required to register for GST at the AUD 75,000 turnover threshold.

During tax season, these integrations can save owners 5–8 hours per month that would otherwise be spent on reconciliation. Complex GST situations like split bills where some items are GST-free (basic food items) and others taxable (alcohol, dining services) are handled more reliably with automated systems.

Legacy POS setups often require manual exports or middleware for accounting integration, increasing risk of GST errors. Restaurant & Catering Australia warns that improper GST handling can lead to retroactive payments and penalties. For multi-location groups, iPad POS systems consolidate data in an ATO-friendly format across venues, whereas legacy systems often force separate reports per site and manual consolidation.

6. Scalability for Multi-Location

Scalability is another advantage of adapting iPad POS systems. For growing Australian chains, it's easy to scale with iPad POS systems to get multi-store operators standardising on tablet-based solutions. Adding locations typically means subscription additions (roughly $40–$200 monthly per terminal) and small integration fees, rather than large hardware investments or lengthy installations. 

For franchise groups, another huge advantage of cloud systems is to let you push menu changes across venues instantly and respond to regional sales trends quickly. Subscription costs for cloud POS tend to scale per location (A$25–A$55 per month typical), while legacy systems demand higher upfront per-terminal spending. Furthermore, iPad hardware is widely available with global warranty support, useful if a group considers international expansion. Legacy hardware often depends on vendor-specific support networks, no to mention the challenges of importing the machines into a country.

iPad POS makes replication quick and consistent through cloud-based settings for franchises. For example, Eats365 supports multi-location management with over 300 configurable settings that sync across venues, and Square offers centralised menu and gift card control for franchises, while Lightspeed provides multi-location controls with real-time reporting.

7. Peak Period Performance

During high-volume trading, iPad POS systems typically outperform legacy counterparts thanks to cloud architecture and integrated tools. Appinventiv’s research found 76% of restaurants were using cloud-based POS by 2023, noting legacy systems’ limited flexibility for updates or remote access. Cloud architecture also enables centralised oversight in peak periods, with managers tracking performance across locations from a single dashboard. For chains running coordinated promotions or seasonal surges, this can be particularly valuable. 

Modern solutions like Eats365 feed orders instantly to kitchen display systems (KDS) with real-time updates, cutting out paper tickets and manual handoffs—this can speed up order processing by up to 25% during busy lunch periods. Efficient order flow and mobile payments combine to improve seating management and shorten checkout times.

Hardware Essentials for iPad POS

Start with a reliable iPad. Most recent iPads (6th Generation or newer) work, but consider models like the iPad Mini, iPad Pro or current-generation iPads for longevity and performance. They’ll be the interactive hub for staff to manage orders and payments.

Other peripherals to consider:

• Thermal receipt printer: essential for dockets. Models like the Epson M30 and Star Micronics connect via Bluetooth, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

• Automatic cash drawer: secure and lockable, typically powered and connected via the receipt printer.

• Secure iPad stand/enclosure: lockable stands with integrated charging protect your investment.

• EMV-compliant card reader: given Australia’s card-first preference, compliant readers are necessary.

For multi-iPad setups, an Apple Mac Mini or iMac can act as a central server for local storage and device synchronisation. Optional add-ons include KDS, customer displays, barcode scanners (Motorola, Nexa, Honeywell, Socket) and self-order kiosks. Remember to check compatibility with your POS provider first.

Embrace Modern Efficiency with Eats365

For Australian restaurants seeking to elevate operations, Eats365 offers the ultimate iPad POS system. Streamline ordering, payments, and management with our intuitive, cloud-based solution. Discover seamless integration and real-time insights to boost efficiency and delight your customers.

Ready to transform your restaurant? Inquire with Eats365 today!

FAQs on iPad POS Systems

Q: What are the key benefits of using iPad POS systems?

A: iPad POS systems offer mobility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. They enable staff to take orders and process payments tableside, reducing wait times and improving customer experience. Additionally, they provide real-time analytics and seamless integration with accounting software.

Q: How does Eats365 help restaurants manage costs with iPad POS?

A: Eats365 helps restaurants manage costs by providing affordable hardware options (A$1,450–A$2,000 per station), cloud-based subscription models, and automated GST calculations. This setup reduces manual errors and lowers overall operational costs compared to legacy systems.

Q: Can iPad POS systems support multiple payment methods?

A: Yes, leading Australian iPad POS platforms such as Eats365, Lightspeed Restaurant, Square and Impos typically integrate with local processors like Tyro and Linkly, supporting various payment methods including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay). Furthermore, with pre-settings, these systems also make splitting bills easy, and make automatic surcharges for cards or public holiday surcharges.

Q: How does Eats365 assist with scalability for multi-location restaurants?

A: Eats365 supports multi-location scalability by offering cloud-based settings that allow for automatic replication and synchronization of menus, pricing, and reporting across all locations. This ensures consistent brand standards and efficient operations management.

Q: What are the advantages of iPad POS systems over legacy systems during peak periods?

A: iPad POS systems offer faster payment processing, real-time analytics, and improved table turnover. They also provide offline functionality, which allows for continued operations during network outages, reducing downtime and maintaining revenue flow.