What Your Brewery POS Really Needs to Do (Spoiler: It’s Way More Than Ringing Up Pints)

What Your Brewery POS Really Needs to Do (Spoiler: It’s Way More Than Ringing Up Pints)

These days, running a brewery takes more than just crafting crave-worthy beer. You’re creating an experience—one that starts with the first sniff of hops and ends with a satisfied “Put it on my tab.” And smack dab in the center of it all? Your Point of Sale (POS) system. Whether you're slinging flights in a snug taproom or managing multiple locations, the right POS can turn operational headaches into a well-oiled machine that flows smoother than your signature pilsner.

So, how do you pick a POS that’s more powerhouse than paperweight? Let’s tap into what really matters.

Integrate or It Disintegrates

Let’s face it: tech silos are so last season. Your Brewery POS shouldn’t be a standalone tool—it should be the command center connecting your inventory, self-pour setup, and production software. Think of it as the glue that keeps your operations from turning into a sticky mess.

For example, imagine your POS instantly flagging low stock on that fan-favorite hazy IPA and updating the menu so no one orders what you can’t pour. That’s what you get when systems like GoTab team up with brewery brains like Ekos. It’s not just integration—it’s automation magic.

Self-pour stations? Your POS should make that process effortless. Guests tap in, pour what they want, and the system tracks it all—no delays, no drama. And when it comes to compliance and end-of-day reporting, an integrated POS ensures your data’s airtight. Fewer spreadsheets, more hop spreadsheets (you know, the brewing kind).

Built to Scale (Because You’re Not Staying Small Forever)

Planning to add a kitchen, roll out a seasonal beer garden, or expand into new zip codes? Your POS better be ready to grow with you. Flexibility is key—because nothing kills the vibe like clunky tech slowing down your expansion plans.

With GoTab, you can define different service zones (think: patio vs. taproom vs. rooftop bar), deploy tablet pos or  handheld POS devices, set unique menus by area, and even run fully guest-managed tabs. Whether you're running a weekday trivia night or a weekend pop-up with rotating food vendors, your POS should keep up—not hold you back.

And when food enters the picture? Your POS should seamlessly juggle both the kitchen and the bar. Orders should route exactly where they need to go, without confusion or shouting over the clatter of kegs.

Guest Experience That Feels Effortless (and Boosts Revenue While You’re at It)

Happy guests = full pints and generous tabs. That’s math we can all get behind. Today’s guests expect speed, convenience, and flexibility—and the right POS delivers all three.

Mobile ordering via QR code? Non-negotiable. Let your guests browse, order, and pay without flagging down a server. And when it’s time to split the bill? They can do that too—by item, amount, or just decide who’s picking up this round.

With GoTab’s shared tab system, everyone wins. Your team isn’t stuck calculating complex splits, and your guests feel in control. Want to launch a specialty menu for your barrel-aged sour night? Easy. Tie it into your inventory so you never oversell what’s running low.

Efficiency Behind the Bar (and Behind the Curtain)

An intuitive POS doesn’t just serve your guests—it’s a lifeline for your staff. Especially when you’ve got a bustling kitchen or multiple service areas, you need tools that streamline the flow.

Digital kitchen display systems (KDS) help your back-of-house team stay on top of orders, flag allergies, and reduce ticket confusion. Real-time 86ing of items? Yes, please. Your POS should instantly remove out-of-stock items from the menu, so no one orders what you can’t deliver.

Plus, with built-in analytics, you can easily spot your top sellers, monitor slow movers, and make smarter decisions on what to brew next or pair with your food offerings. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to data-driven brewing.

Bottom Line: Your POS Should Work as Hard as You Do

At the end of the day, your POS system should be more than a fancy cash register. It should be the backbone of your operation—powering growth, improving efficiency, and keeping guests coming back for more.

With GoTab, you get a platform built for forward-thinking breweries: mobile ordering, guest-managed tabs, integrated inventory, and the ability to scale without skipping a beat. So you can focus on brewing greatness, while we handle the techy stuff behind the scenes.

Ready to level up your brewery game?
Request a GoTab demo today and see what’s on tap for your business.

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