NCR used to be known as National Cash Register, back when cash registers were leading POS solutions. Times – and POS systems – have changed, and so has NCR. The Aloha Cloud POS system is NCR’s signature product for hospitality point of sale for businesses across the world. It’s a long way from the old-fashioned cash register, and that’s a good thing for food service.

Review
Aloha Cloud POS	Rating
Features	★★★★★
Ease of Use	★★★★
Help & Support	★★★★★
Summary	★★★★★

Getting Started with the Aloha Cloud POS system

It doesn’t provide the flashiest user experience, but Aloha Cloud’s essential FOH (front of house) and BOH (back of house) functions are easy enough to pick up. That said, some users report having trouble setting up the system’s more complex reporting features.

It’s fortunate, then, that NCR clearly understands the challenges involved with implementing POS solutions for the first time. To ensure smooth Aloha Cloud POS integration, they’ve partnered with Hospitality Control Solutions (HCS) to offer staff training at their facilities or yours.

Aloha Cloud POS Features

Aloha Cloud POS has an extensive range of features. Core features include:

Front of house (FOH) terminals with order entry and payment processing
Back of house (BOH) displays with prep instructions and special requests
Guest management
Takeout and delivery management
HR and inventory controls
Mobile device functionality
Local and cloud installation with several layers of redundancy
Customer engagement
Security and theft prevention
High degree of customization
Extensive reporting features

Aloha Cloud Hosted Services

In addition to POS terminals, Aloha Cloud offers cloud-based “Hosted Services” that can augment your POS system and enhance your customers’ experience:

PULSE Real-Time: Access analytics on server performance and customer behavior from anywhere with an internet connection.
Aloha Stored Value: Gift card sales and management help new customers discover your business.
Aloha Loyalty Program: Customize a loyalty program that keeps your customers coming back.
Aloha Restaurant Guard: Loss prevention and scam detection can be built into your everyday workflow.
Aloha Online Ordering: Integrate easy ordering with your existing website.
Aloha Insight: Understand the data that drives your business.
Customer Voice: Give your regulars the tools to evangelize for your business.
Aloha Command Center and Network Security Services: Maximize the performance and safety of your Aloha Cloud system without compromising your sensitive data.

Support

In an industry where customer support is sometimes an afterthought, the Aloha Cloud POS system truly stands out by offering several modes of support. Phone support is available seven days a week, 8.00am to midnight. Aloha Cloud technicians are also available on-call during regular business hours for on-site troubleshooting.

Aloha Cloud’s ‘Depot Service’ also deserves mention. With Depot Service, NCR provides same-day shipment of new or replacement hardware, equipment rentals, asset management, installation, and setup. Given that hardware issues tend to affect users of any POS system over time, same-day delivery of replacement modules can be a lifesaver.

Plans and Pricing

Here’s a summary of Aloha Cloud’s pricing plans, and what they include:

Swipe right to see more

Package

Starter

Cost

From $0/month

Key features

Payment processing
Menu management
Site management
Reporting
Email marketing
Loyalty

Aloha Cloud doesn’t limit you to the features that come with each plan. The following capabilities are also available as optional add-ons to any plan, so if your chosen package doesn’t already include them, you have the option to benefit from them anyway, for an additional cost:

Online ordering
Advanced reporting
Inventory management
Employee management
Accounting integration
Kitchen production
Delivery marketplace integration

If you’d like find out exactly how much your dream POS system is going to cost you, try our free quote comparison tool. Answer a few questions about your business and what you’re looking for, and we’ll match you up with trusted POS providers that can cater to your needs. They’ll be in touch directly with tailored, no-obligation quotes for you to compare.

Expert Verdict

Few in the tech space can boast a 130-year history. The Aloha Cloud POS hasn’t been around for quite that long, but its parent company has. NCR draws on its experience to deliver a top-notch hospitality solution. Whether you’re running a take-out pizza parlor or a high-end bistro, the Aloha Cloud POS system has a configuration to manage all your touchpoints. This is hardly the only hospitality solution available, but it should be on your shortlist.

Aloha Cloud’s Competitors

Revel POS

Revel POS shares many features with Aloha Cloud, but boasts more integrations focusing on mobility.

Overall Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Breadcrumb POS

Upserve's tablet-based Breadcrumb POS competes well on price, functionality, and ease of use.

Overall Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

FAQs

How much does an Aloha Cloud POS system cost?

Aloha Cloud is available on three different pricing plans, the cheapest of which, Starter, is free. Aloha Cloud’s paid plans, Pro and Premium, start at $65 per month and at $140 per month respectively.

What company owns Aloha Cloud POS?

Aloha Cloud is owned by NCR, one of the world’s leading enterprise technology providers of software, hardware, and services for a variety of industries, including retail and restaurants.