Hello all, we own and operate a small restaurant, and have been using Digital Dining for the last 3 years -never really happy with it (funky ways with modifying items, esp. hard to narrow down the reports for BoH office). We recently want to add a second terminal but got quoted by DD with a big price tag for just the additional license to use on an IPad (which we will buy on our own, without the credit card swiping device) AND are required to sign up for a service plan, which was originally optional, just so we are "PCI compliant"! We are a bit pissed off, so started looking at Aloha, which seems to be very user-friendly and smoothly functional. However it's pretty expensive, and after reading all these conversations on this forum, we're not sure if we should make this investment? Any pros and cons would be really appreciated!
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considering switching from Digital Dining to Aloha - is it worth it? 4
- Thread starter nubaluka
- Start date
In my opinion, no, I wouldn't switch to Aloha. Licensing is the same as DD. You have to pay for each and every upgrade. Especially in these times , where the GOV keeps changing CISP I would try another platform that always keeps their software current and there is no upgrade charge.
Cheers,
Coorsman
Cheers,
Coorsman
- Thread starter
- #3
thanks, coorsman. What would be other possible platforms then, in your knowledge?
We consider Aloha because they are right in town with us, the support staff seems efficient, and at least the charges are optional and on the needing basic, not "required" as what DD now tries to stick to us.
In the case that we stay with DD and get that 2nd terminal via IPad, do you know that it'll function well then? The upcost will be cheaper but in the long run it doesn't seem cost effective... (and to switch out to a new credit card processor is so expensive too!)
Appreciate your time!
We consider Aloha because they are right in town with us, the support staff seems efficient, and at least the charges are optional and on the needing basic, not "required" as what DD now tries to stick to us.
In the case that we stay with DD and get that 2nd terminal via IPad, do you know that it'll function well then? The upcost will be cheaper but in the long run it doesn't seem cost effective... (and to switch out to a new credit card processor is so expensive too!)
Appreciate your time!
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- #4
Depending on what your needs are and if you will be adding more terminals in the future. I would shy away from Ipad or handhelds simply because you would need one for each server, they will break and have no credit card or printer attached to terminal.
If you make menu changes frequently, change prices, run specials or happy hour I would shy away from Aloha. It requires a refresh everytime you change menu's and can be just a frustrating as DD.
If you plan on changing systems I would look at:
I owned a restaurant and had a Squirrel POS system and I loved it. ALL functions can be done live and on the FOH terminal, add, ediit - employees, jobs, items, menues, prices, modifiers, labor edit, tips. No trips to the office - changing - refreshing - corruptions.
They have a light version called squirrel in a box - completly scalable based on your needs and can be upgraded online if you wish to add a feature.
![[2thumbsup]](/data/assets/smilies/2thumbsup.gif "[2thumbsup] [2thumbsup]")
I wish I were a Squirrel tech but because they are so simple to use they don't require alot of support like Aloha(see this forum). So for know I will be helping our forum friends here on Tek-Tips or answering my phone at work to help another frustrated manager add an employee, fix a corrupt trans.log,find hosed EDC transactions.... and on and on.
Cheers,
Coorsman
If you make menu changes frequently, change prices, run specials or happy hour I would shy away from Aloha. It requires a refresh everytime you change menu's and can be just a frustrating as DD.
If you plan on changing systems I would look at:
I owned a restaurant and had a Squirrel POS system and I loved it. ALL functions can be done live and on the FOH terminal, add, ediit - employees, jobs, items, menues, prices, modifiers, labor edit, tips. No trips to the office - changing - refreshing - corruptions.
They have a light version called squirrel in a box - completly scalable based on your needs and can be upgraded online if you wish to add a feature.
I wish I were a Squirrel tech but because they are so simple to use they don't require alot of support like Aloha(see this forum). So for know I will be helping our forum friends here on Tek-Tips or answering my phone at work to help another frustrated manager add an employee, fix a corrupt trans.log,find hosed EDC transactions.... and on and on.
Cheers,
Coorsman
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- #5
Wow...jaded are we, Coorsman? 
It's a matter of preference. The thing you have to look at is the bottom line. What is your ROI? How often are you going to need support, how long will your equipment last? As far as how much it will cost for upgrades, that depends on the reseller. Our local reseller includes upgrades in the price of maintenance. Other small ones may not be so inclined but may offer less expensive maintenance packages.
I have extensive experience in a restaurant environment and as far as ease of use, Aloha is one of my favs...but to each his own. Do some research and some math. It may not be for you but it is a good product. Find yourself some local restaurant buddies who own a POS and ask them what they prefer and why. It is still technology, however...so it will have its issues. Also, rest assured, PCI is gonna follow no matter what POS you get.
It's a matter of preference. The thing you have to look at is the bottom line. What is your ROI? How often are you going to need support, how long will your equipment last? As far as how much it will cost for upgrades, that depends on the reseller. Our local reseller includes upgrades in the price of maintenance. Other small ones may not be so inclined but may offer less expensive maintenance packages.
I have extensive experience in a restaurant environment and as far as ease of use, Aloha is one of my favs...but to each his own. Do some research and some math. It may not be for you but it is a good product. Find yourself some local restaurant buddies who own a POS and ask them what they prefer and why. It is still technology, however...so it will have its issues. Also, rest assured, PCI is gonna follow no matter what POS you get.
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- #7
Switch to Aloha: I have used Digital Dining, Rpower,(a DD substitute), Silver, Micros (an old version: 2000)and am now with Aloha. The Aloha is, in my opinion, the best I have used POS but it is the least intuitive I have ever used. My managers hate it, but my waiters love it. It crashes very seldom and when it does it has usually been because someone pulled a network cable out of a terminal. It will allow a manager to switch to a new server if the office server goes down without calling anyone! Aloha saved all of our tickets and CC documents on any or all of the terminals. Aloha uses a Raid 5 like backup system and it does work. It is a pain in the ass to program, in my opinion. My Aloha cost was about the same as the Digital Dining. The hardware costs were actually less-about $300 less per terminal and about $35 less for the waiter's printers. I recommend because it works but learn it!
Tom
Tom
ClaraofEatIT
Technical User
- Dec 9, 2011
- 1
Have you considered AccuPOS ( for your pos software? I wasn't sure because I hadn't heard too much about it, but it completely changed the way I run the front of my business for the better. At night now I am able to Z-out and go home, it is great being able to own a restaurant AND spend time with my family. I highly recommend adding this system to the list your are considering. If you need any specific input I'd be happy to help.
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- #9
alohaakamai3
IS-IT--Management
Your experience with any of these systems is going to be directly related to the dealer, more than any other factor.
To be completely honest, either one of those systems will get the job done. It's personal preference after that.
The one thing I will tell you is switching systems is one of those "don't know what you got till it's gone" type of situations. There's no guarantee you'll like a different one more, even if many people tell you it's better. My point? I'd only advise people to change systems when they're VERY unhappy. If you're just a little unhappy or not thrilled, consider you could up in a much more unpleasant situation.
I am more familiar with Aloha, but I am not pushing one over the other. But don't go thinking Aloha won't stick it to you when it comes time to add terminals and licenses. In fact, they will more than most. I think Aloha is a decent solution for bigger companies, but a lot of our regional chains or single outlets down like their corporate-y take it or leave it approach.
To be completely honest, either one of those systems will get the job done. It's personal preference after that.
The one thing I will tell you is switching systems is one of those "don't know what you got till it's gone" type of situations. There's no guarantee you'll like a different one more, even if many people tell you it's better. My point? I'd only advise people to change systems when they're VERY unhappy. If you're just a little unhappy or not thrilled, consider you could up in a much more unpleasant situation.
I am more familiar with Aloha, but I am not pushing one over the other. But don't go thinking Aloha won't stick it to you when it comes time to add terminals and licenses. In fact, they will more than most. I think Aloha is a decent solution for bigger companies, but a lot of our regional chains or single outlets down like their corporate-y take it or leave it approach.
- Thread starter
- #10
So, after time spent considering pros & cons, we decided to switch to Aloha (w/a chunk of changes attached to it!) So far the customer services from our dealer is pretty good. The question we have now is whether we can move the Digital Dining software installed in our current all-in-one terminal to a PC so we can use this terminal for Aloha software - does anybody know if it is possible and how?
After switching to Aloha are you using ipad nubaluka? We are very interested in this approach as well and I see that was your goal as well. We've seen digital dining run (seemingly well) on ipad as well as another POS system that skips my mind but I want to know how your experience went?
- Thread starter
- #12
Aloha people suggests against any wireless devices for security purposes"
That's odd when you consider that Radiant bought "orderman", a handheld mobile POS solution for their Aloha product line. Why did they spend millions if security concerns prevent them from selling it?
"so we get another hard-wired terminal"
Our local Aloha Dealer sales rep (who we like) also discourages consumer tablets like the IPad or Androids and he made it clear it's because Aloha sells "hardware" as well as software and doesn't gain anything by allowing their customers to purchase products from Apple, Panasonic, Samsung or Acer. So if you were encouraged to buy a traditional POS terminal, there's a good reason for that advice. I was recently in a restaurant that was using Kindle Fires for their mobile POS along with two traditional POS stations. The Kindles are $199 brand new. At that price point the concern of longevity is significantly reduced. Mobile POS seems to be the future.
That's odd when you consider that Radiant bought "orderman", a handheld mobile POS solution for their Aloha product line. Why did they spend millions if security concerns prevent them from selling it?
"so we get another hard-wired terminal"
Our local Aloha Dealer sales rep (who we like) also discourages consumer tablets like the IPad or Androids and he made it clear it's because Aloha sells "hardware" as well as software and doesn't gain anything by allowing their customers to purchase products from Apple, Panasonic, Samsung or Acer. So if you were encouraged to buy a traditional POS terminal, there's a good reason for that advice. I was recently in a restaurant that was using Kindle Fires for their mobile POS along with two traditional POS stations. The Kindles are $199 brand new. At that price point the concern of longevity is significantly reduced. Mobile POS seems to be the future.
Radian/NCR make their money on hardware. Orderman hand helds () are not wifi but wireless and are secure and encrypted.
For real ipad devices I was checking out ISISPOS.COM, it really looks like a great system from the web site. Has anyone heard of them and have a price point?
Cheers,
Coorsman
For real ipad devices I was checking out ISISPOS.COM, it really looks like a great system from the web site. Has anyone heard of them and have a price point?
Cheers,
Coorsman
Radiants (now NCR) SEC filings reveal that the margins on their hardware and hardware units sold have decreased over the past couple years BUT their "financial services" (credit card processing) and reocurring revenues (Fees associated with Gift Card, Frequency, hardware and software maintenance etc.) have increased. Radiant was smart to see that trend coming years ago and made changes to their business model. Buying Radiant stock years ago was a good investment as well.
I think alot depends on the reseller. If you are not still under maintenance the catch up is killer. But keep up with the maintenace should keep you with then newest versions, IF the reseller keeps up.
Aloha is a great product, does alot for FOH/BOH but you have to keep up with the software/hardware. But it doesn't matter on the product if you don't get any support with it.
Aloha is a great product, does alot for FOH/BOH but you have to keep up with the software/hardware. But it doesn't matter on the product if you don't get any support with it.
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