Notifications or Printer: Which Is the Best Solution for Managing Restaurant Orders?
When a restaurateur sets up a QR code ordering solution, a question systematically comes up: should they use a thermal printer or real-time notifications to receive orders?
For a long time, the printer was the norm. But today, digital notifications are emerging as a modern, more flexible and often more effective alternative. This article compares both approaches to help you make the right choice according to your establishment.
Comparison Between Notifications and Printer for Order Management
Thermal Printer: Operation and Limitations
The thermal printer has historically been used to transmit orders to the kitchen or bar.
Avantages :
- immediate paper support
- familiar operation for staff
- useful in some highly structured environments
Limites :
- possible hardware failure during service
- dependence on paper and consumables
- lost or illegible tickets
- single reception point, little flexibility
In high-turnover establishments or those with multiple areas (dining room, terrace, bar), these limitations quickly become constraining.
Real-Time Notifications: A More Modern Approach
Notifications rely on a digital interface accessible from tablet, computer or smartphone.
Fonctionnement :
- each order triggers an alert
- immediate display on the interface
- consultation possible at any time
Avantages opérationnels :
- no hardware dependency
- instant order reception
- better readability of information
- reduction of interruptions during service
Notifications allow smoother and more mobile order management.
Notifications or Printer: What Impact on Restaurant Organization?
With Printer
- organization centered around a fixed point
- frequent staff movements
- risk of saturation during high traffic
With Notifications
- access to orders from multiple devices
- better work distribution
- rapid adaptation to peak activity
For many restaurants, bars and hotels, the flexibility offered by notifications becomes a decisive advantage.
The Cost Factor: A Key Element in the Choice
The printer involves:
- purchase cost (≈ €250)
- recurring consumables
- maintenance
Notifications, on the other hand:
- require no specific hardware
- reduce costs from installation
- simplify long-term management
Over a year, the cost difference can be significant.
For Which Establishments Are Notifications More Suitable?
Real-time notifications are particularly relevant for:
- independent restaurants
- bars and beach bars
- hotels with pools
- seasonal establishments
- reduced teams
In these contexts, simplicity and mobility take precedence over paper.
Can Notifications and Printer Be Combined?
Yes. Some solutions allow combining both approaches.
The Most Flexible Approach
- notifications as the primary channel
- printer as an option if necessary
This configuration allows adapting to activity evolution without imposed constraints.
QR2App: Freedom of Choice
QR2App was designed to leave the choice to the restaurateur.
- real-time notifications by default
- clear and centralized interface
- no imposed printer
- possibility to add hardware if needed
This flexibility allows adopting the solution most adapted to each establishment.
Conclusion: Notifications or Printer, the Choice of Simplicity
The printer remains useful in certain specific contexts, but for the majority of establishments, notifications today offer a simpler, more reliable and more economical solution.
Choosing a QR code ordering solution based on notifications allows:
- • reducing costs
- • avoiding unnecessary hardware
- • gaining flexibility
- • improving service fluidity
👉 QR2App allows managing QR code orders with notifications, without hardware constraints.
