Of course, the big question is, "Why did it take them so long?"

In part, the answer seems to arise from Sable's philosophy of "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should do something.  And, for years, they stubbornly resisted an ever-increasing demand for computers you can work by touching the screen, although they were the first to utilize Windows NT as their operating system.  One has to applaud their belief that restaurants should run on the least possible technology instead of cramming every nook and cranny with a belding cable or fiber optics...or a touchscreen monitor.  After all, restaurants seemed to be doing all right when waiters and waitresses scratched orders down on a green notepad and stuck them on the wheel.

As Dinersoft began its review of their new system, we hoped it wasn't akin to a stubborn guest wanting ketchup on their Carpaccio. 

Questions we attempt to answer:

1.  If I have an old Sable POS system, should I upgrade?
Probably not.  The truth is, even according to Sable's own PR materials, some touchscreen systems are just not worth the money.  The advantages to touchscreen are a) It is easier to learn for new employees; b) it's marginally faster.  The disadvantages are:  a) It is more complex hardware and more can go wrong with it; b) the damn things always go out of calibration; and c) they cost a lot more money.  If your staff already knows DirectTouch, it will be hard for them to convert.

2.  OK, I am deciding between buying the old Sable system and the new touchscreen system...advice?
Tough one.  If it is a new restaurant, with lots of new servers, we definitely recommend going with the touchscreen version.  Training a "newbie" to punch at self-guided pages on the screen is akin to surfing the web--any idiot can do it!  Using an order-entry or Sable's "DirectTouch" LED terminals is more akin to data entry--it takes some training and practice to be fast and accurate.

3.  I own a small, single-register deli.  Do I need a POS system?
Maybe.  Again, a lot boils down to what kind of employee you have.  If you are continually hiring new counter help, it might be easier to train and keep them if the ordering/accounting system is simple, as Sable's systems are.  But, if you're just selling tuna sandwiches for a dollar all day, and it's you taking the orders, you might not need a computer.  Sable has a customized solution for all sizes and shapes of businesses.  

4.  What about Customer Support?
This is where many good POS systems turn into bad nightmares.  If your POS system has ever crashed on a Sunday night and your company's hotline number feeds you into a voicemail with 15 options (none of which is "SEND HELP NOW!"), you may be among the ranks of the many who pine for the days of hand-written orders.  Sable has a great customer support package, custom designed for all from the Deli owner to a national chain, and has made a significant investment in its service infrastructure over the past year.  They offer a "swap program" and replace any hardware that does not function properly, FED EX, the next day!  For those of us who have been forced to call "Mr. I-don't-really-like-working-but-I'll-come-out-and-tell-you-I-can't-fix-it-in-less-than-a-week", this is very good news.

6.  Can I incorporate it into my accounting system?
This is one of the best aspects of Sable's decision to use Windows NT.  A lot of software and P.O.S. companies are boasting about "integrated solutions" or "all-in-one" packages, but until your P.O.S. system runs on windows, that is probably not going to happen.  Sable is now offering a time management and inventory package that could promise to be the answer to many operator's demands.

For more information, visit Sable's website, or contact our friend, Diane Soshnik at 800-722-5390, ext. 517, for the best deals.  Tell them Dinersoft sent you and they'll toss in some free stuff with your purchase.

Restaurant Technology Books