IT support for retail stores and restaurants

Technology that keeps up with the rush

In retail and hospitality, technology problems are felt immediately and publicly. A frozen POS terminal creates a line at the till. A kitchen display that stops receiving orders backs up the whole service. Online orders that don’t come through mean refunds and bad reviews. And these businesses are often busiest on evenings and weekends, exactly when traditional IT companies are hard to reach.

We design and manage technology for these environments with reliability as the first priority. Networks are built to keep payments and orders flowing, key equipment is monitored, and we plan for failures so a single problem doesn’t stop the business.

Networks built for payments, orders and guests

A typical store or restaurant runs more connected devices than people realise: card terminals, POS tablets, receipt and kitchen printers, kitchen display screens, online ordering tablets, security cameras, music systems, a back-office PC and guest Wi-Fi. Putting all of that on one consumer router is a recipe for slowdowns and security risks.

We set up a business-grade network with separate segments for payments and POS, staff devices, cameras and guests. Traffic for payments and orders gets priority, guest Wi-Fi is isolated and limited, and everything is managed centrally. Where an internet outage would stop sales, we add an automatic backup connection so card payments keep working.

Protecting card payments

Businesses that accept card payments are expected to protect cardholder data, and the payment card industry sets security standards for how that’s done. The practical basics go a long way: keep payment systems on their own network, change default passwords, keep devices and software updated, restrict remote access, and never let guest Wi-Fi reach payment equipment. We implement and maintain those controls and help you answer your payment processor’s security questionnaire accurately.

Devices, tablets and back-office systems

We manage the tablets, printers and computers that front-of-house and back-office staff depend on. Devices are configured consistently, kept updated and locked down so they’re only used for business. When a tablet or printer fails, we help get a replacement configured and working quickly. Back-office computers used for scheduling, payroll, inventory and accounting get the same protection and backups as any office.

eCommerce and online sales

For businesses that sell online, the website and its connections to inventory, payments and shipping are part of the store. We help keep email and domain settings secure, protect admin accounts with MFA, and make sure the systems that connect your physical and online stores are supported and backed up.

Spas and cosmetics studios

Spas, salons and cosmetics businesses combine retail with appointments and client records, sometimes including health-related notes. We support booking and POS systems, secure client information, reliable Wi-Fi and front-desk technology that looks after both customers and staff.

Opening a new location

Opening a new store or restaurant involves internet installation, cabling, network equipment, POS setup, Wi-Fi, cameras and phone lines, all on a fixed opening date. We coordinate the IT side with your contractor and POS provider so everything is installed, tested and working before the doors open.