Micros vs Aloha 2

[johnsonscafe]

I have an interest in getting a POS system for my restaurant. Both the Micros and Aloha people have been to see me. Pricing seems about the same and service departments are about the same distance from my place. Any thoughts on one system over another. I think I might like Aloha better, but not sure about using a PC based system versus a flash drive E7 Micros. Any input will help. I want to get this system ordered as soon as possible.
Thanks

 

[azrobert]

We are a 6 Store family Restaurant chain that just went through the same process of deciding on a new pos system. It came down the same choice for us Micros vs Aloha. for a lot of reasons we went with Micros 3700. our stores are all between 5 - 9 terminal systems and we have installed 2 of the systems so far. From what i have seen I think we made the right decision.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

[RosemarysBaby]

I've had Aloha for 16 years. 8 terms, all the modules. I have some friends with the same Aloha setup as me with even more terms and on the e-multi store thing. My opinion as well as other users I know, "Love and Hate Aloha" at the same time. In my case I have way too much data time invested but if I were going to do a POS from ground up it would not be Aloha or Micros.
...BTW Aloha also has a flash drive terminal from Radiant running XP.

 

[RadAlohaQE]

the Radiant 1510 and 1550 both support CF drives with XpE but the 1220 can support both the CF card and the uDoc drive. I have set one of these up with my OS on the 512 uDoc with XpE and Aloha on the CF card, works fine.

 

[johnsonscafe]

I think I misread the profile setup. It sounds like you are all very computer literate. I know just enough to mess things up on occasion. I have a restaurant that seats about 100. We have a max of 6 servers and a bartender at any given time. Our customers expect quick service, even though we are a full service place. I am looking at the Aloha system and the Micros E7. I hope this clarifies things and I am sorry about the miscommunication.

 

[themaj]

Before making any decision consider the following issues;
Cost of Hardware; Aloha will run on virtually ANY Windows based platform. Can & will Micros do that?
Self-Reliance; will you be paying a service fee everytime you need to change prices or add items.
Open Architecture; which system will allow you to build your own reports using any 3rd party report program.

As for anybody having an Aloha system for 16 years...that would be difficult as it was only available to general users in 1994, although it was the first completely Windows based POS system.

 

[Anotherfemale]

The Micros e7 is very user friendly. I don't know Aloha, but I do know Micros e7 system. I rarely have to call for support on changing my menu around. It is very simple to add and subtract items, split checks, put menu availabilty on items, and much much more. It is not confusing to use, and if you can handle getting around a computer and posting to this web forum, you will do just fine on an a Micros e7.

 

[johnsonscafe]

Thank you for the input Anotherfemale. We did decide to go with Micros. Have never been that impressed with Windows--even though the majority of people use it--and did not want to have those issues with my POS system.

 

[RadAlohaQE]

so you went with something based on Windows CE and don't want to have issues with your POS system? hmmm.ok.. You will have issues, anyone who thinks that they won't have them then maybe pen and paper is better suited for their POS operations, it is a computer regardless of OS, computers get issues. But good luck nonetheless.

 

[wande]

My first POS system was Aloha which was purchased in March of 1993. That would throw off your time frame of Aloha being released to the general public in 1994.

 

[johnsonscafe]

Well, we go live with micros tomorrow. RadAlohaQE, I am starting to have buyer regrets. Next time I will research not just the system, but the vendor more carefully. Micros is working, and I am sure that Aloha would work just fine also, but, service is the key and the vendor I am using is not good. I had good vibes about the Aloha guys, but waved off because the micros was endorsed by my food vendor. I have to do most of the tweaking and install myself. I will be in touch with the Micros corporate and the food service vendor who recommended these clowns. I think most of these systems probably would work okay, but it is all about the service--a lesson I learned too late.