• Cut down on buddy punching, i.e., the practice of one employee clocking in for another who isn't there.


• Automatically enter orders into the computer system, cutting down on mistakes.


• Speed up orders, leading to happier customers and faster table turns.


• Require managers to physically process voids and other transactions needing a manager's approval, cutting down on fraud.

"Steve Pritchard, co-owner of Cash Register Sales Co., said he only markets to small mom-and-pop shops instead of the large national chains, which haven't yet embraced the new technology. But owners of the small restaurants are eager to try the new technology that helps with security, he said.

James Coffelt, owner of Business Data Systems, agreed. Small-restaurant owners are very open to the new technology because restaurants are such a labor-intensive business that have a lot of people working in them."