iLounge

By Jesse Hollington

Applications Editor, iLounge (Google+)
Published: Monday, May 2, 2011
News Category: iPad, iPhone, Apps + Games

Refulgent Software has released a restaurant management solution built entirely on the iOS platform. Designed by developers with real-world restaurant management experience, Ambur provides an end-to-end point-of-sale (POS) system that allows hospitality staff to efficiently take and submit orders, print kitchen slips and customer receipts and process payments—all using an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Unlike traditional point-of-sale systems, however, Ambur does not require a traditional computer on the back-end; the app is installed on an iPad that acts as the “hub” for the system, connecting and syncing data wirelessly in real-time with other iOS devices being used by front-line staff. Ambur can be loaded up by any iOS device running on the same Wi-Fi network as the iPad, with each user receiving an individual username and password. The app can also print wirelessly to Wi-Fi connected receipt printers.

Using Ambur, waiters can take orders directly on a device such as an iPod touch using an easily viewed single-screen layout that manages items, guests, discounts, gratuities, and merged or split orders, allowing customer requests to be easily fulfilled right at the table by the server. Completed orders can be sent directly to a kitchen printer for preparation and a final check can be printed directly from the app. Ambur also allows payment to be processed within the app, including the ability to automatically open cash drawers for cash payments and optionally integrating with a credit card terminal for processing payments right at the table. Customer reservations can be managed and tracked from the app, which also produces detailed reports for analyzing customer trends. Ambur is available from the App Store as a free download in trial form that allows users to access all of the app’s features except for customizing menu items. A full license sells for a one-time in-app purchase of $999.00 for an unlimited number of iOS devices; there are no additional monthly charges or support fees, and the company promises all future upgrades will be delivered free via the App Store.