Compare the operating models
A fictional shop scans goods, takes payment and hands over items. A restaurant opens table T3, adds dishes, sends preparation work and takes payment later. Both take money, but the restaurant has ongoing service before checkout.
| Business requirement | Retail register | Restaurant service workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Order anchor | Basket and product lines | Table/tab and meal order |
| Before payment | Pick goods | Route and prepare dishes |
| After payment | Carry or fulfil goods | Close bill and table context |
Work through the chosen model
Retail needs catalogue, sale lines, payment and fulfilment. Restaurant adds table/order identity, modifiers and preparation status. The customer sees prices and receipt; service staff need the unfinished meal context. Choose around actual tasks rather than a POS label.
- Build basket or open service order
- Hand over goods or prepare dishes
- Take payment and close the correct work
Restaurant features support service but add setup and staff training. Retail simplicity becomes a limitation when preparation and open orders are real requirements.
A mug sale is one paid sale with handover. T3 remains an open service order after its first kitchen ticket, then becomes a completed bill at payment.
When the other model fits
A takeaway sells only prepacked goods with no preparation or table service. Must it use restaurant tables?
Show the worked answer
No. Retail-style checkout may fit the supplied operation.