This article is a companion piece to HT’s 2025 POS Software Vendor Survey, an annual feature where POS software vendors share their 2024 accomplishments, highlighted their most innovative features, and previewed what’s potentially in the pipeline for 2025.
This article details POS software vendor responses to industry trends that may impact the future of POS software
AI
The rise of AI-driven tools is reshaping the restaurant industry, empowering operators with predictive analytics for inventory, staffing, and guest trends. Platforms that offer flexibility—supporting multiple devices, integrations, and payment options—along with robust data security and personalized guest experiences, are becoming essential. “The future is about freedom, speed and adaptability,” says CBS NorthStar.
According to Tray, the POS industry is rapidly shifting toward AI-driven operations, advanced predictive analytics, and a growing demand for scalable, cloud-based solutions. Clover adds, “Expect AI to power demand forecasting, automated reordering, and real-time pricing strategies that maximize revenue. AI-powered scheduling and sales forecasting will help restaurants streamline staffing and minimize waste.”
Driven by the rise of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and personalization, POS systems will become more intelligent, automatically optimizing inventory, labor and order flow, says Qu.
Personalized menus, dynamic upselling, AI-powered POS systems that support on-the-job training are on the horizon; Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions points to AI-driven tools to help restaurants detect fraud, identifying unusual transactions, flagging chargebacks and more.
To unlock these data insights, seamless system integration is becoming a top priority. “We expect integration to remain a critical focus for hospitality POS vendors,” says GK Software. “For example, integrating hotel and storefront systems can enable efficient, frictionless guest checkouts.”
When it comes to customer engagement, personalization is playing an increasing role. 26% of guests want to receive personalized communications and offers as a benefit of their loyalty program membership, according to HT’s 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study.
Guest loyalty and the power of personalization were mentioned by several vendors. “Loyalty is also gaining traction—AI-driven personalization and reward programs, integrated directly with POS systems, will be central to customer engagement strategies in 2025,” adds GK Software.
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions also points to AI-driven solutions that will analyze guest preferences and order history in real-time to offer personalized menu suggestions and targeted promotions to drive higher revenue and customer satisfaction.
The “hyper-personalization of guest experiences … will play a significant role in shaping the future of POS software,” adds Tray.
HungerRush emphasizes the competitive landscape, noting that “leveraging data and new AI tools makes solving customer and guest challenges easier than ever. Streamlining operations and strengthening customer trust through technology will be vital for success.”
Voice AI is also poised to make a major impact, particularly in simplifying drive-thru operations and beyond, according to several POS software providers.
