Oracle MICROS Simphony POS

Oracle MICROS Simphony POS Review

Updated as of June, 2023

My MICROS POS review will provide a full assessment of this popular restaurant point of sale system. Does this POS provider deserve its place as one of the most prominent names in the industry? Let’s find out by exploring its features, pricing, ease of use, compatible credit card processors, customer service, hardware, and more!

Overview of MICROS POS

MICROS POS is a point of sale provider backed by Oracle — one of the world’s most significant software and technology firms. Oracle is a multi-billion-dollar technology and software provider located in Redwood, California. This MICROS POS format is built specifically for the food and beverage industry — there are also specifications for sports and entertainment venues.

While Oracle has POS solutions for retail users and other industries, we’ll be looking at the MICROS POS food and beverage platform for this review. Oracle MICROS Simphony is the latest POS offering, and it’s an open API software that operates on in-house hardware devices built specifically for the restaurant industry. Users will benefit from a touchscreen interface that is color-coded to increase functionality.

MICROS POS refers to a wide range of different restaurant-based POS solutions that Oracle offers to clients. You can choose between other specifications — all of which carry similar features and backend systems.

There are tons of tools to help staff members manage and process orders. You’ll also benefit from inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and a host of other premium features. The backend of the service provides users with the ability to track key performance metrics and reporting data.

Over 300,000 locations are currently using MICROS POS throughout the world. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the various components of this top point of sale provider!

Pros vs Cons

Simphony POS Pricing

Oracle’s new pricing model for MICROS has made it easier for small businesses to take advantage of this popular point of sale product generally associated with big companies and chains.

Simphony Essentials

• Starting at $55

Perfect for small restaurants, bars, and café’s needing a reliable POS system with a low cost of ownership and small IT footprint.

Simphony Plus

• Starting at $75

Designed for multi-location, franchise operators, and restaurants needing more flexibility, advanced analytics, inventory, and marketing features to stay on-trend.

Single Tenant

• Must contact for a quote.

Single-Tenant deployments allow restaurants to run our cloud-based POS systems on their own technology stack.

Video – Oracle Simphony POS

Key Features

If you’re looking to learn about the actual nuts and bolts of a POS system, it’s critical to take a look at its core features. Below, let’s explore the top features associated with this leading POS provider.

Deployment Type

Oracle Simphony is a cloud-based system that allows users to benefit from integration and synchronization across multiple terminals. MICROS POS’s cloud also stores all critical reporting data to prevent any catastrophic losses. It’s an excellent way to ensure you can access the backend of your POS system from a remote location.

And while the cloud does facilitate most of the backend of MICROS POS, you’ll still need to install the software on a MICROS POS hardware device. This is a hybrid system that allows its users to benefit from a taste of both worlds in many ways.

Tableside Ordering Features 

Tableside ordering is made possible by the use of the MICROS Tablet 700 Series. The hardware device allows quick-service waiters to process orders and payments (with the addition of a card reader) from customer tables directly. They will last an entire shift on a single hot-swappable battery. It can also be used for food trucks or other ‘on-the-go-style establishments.

Keep in mind; to take advantage of tableside ordering, you will need to purchase the company’s tablet device.

Data Reporting Features

Oracle Simphony offers extensive data reporting features that allow you to analyze almost any component of your business. If you want to track sales, staff performance, inventory, or any other key metric, you’ll have the tools you need to analyze critical data. You can access the backend platform from off-site locations — you never need to be onsite to access reporting data.

You can find case studies on their website that display how various businesses have improved operations by utilizing MICROS POS’s data reporting features. If you’re looking for backend analytics that can help you improve your current approach to business, this is certainly a top option.

Industries Served

As mentioned previously, this version of MICROS POS is specifically built for the food and beverage industry. It’s perfect for demanding quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, fine dining, bars, and more. Oracle has ensured that the platform has plenty of industry-specific tools, including strategic partnerships with food distributors to help source your companies products.

In terms of business size, you can use Simphony POS for a business of almost any size. It certainly has the power to help you manage a busy restaurant with ease.

One feature I enjoy about MICROS POS is its scalability. If you’re planning on growing your business, it’s critical to have a POS system that can scale at the same rate as your restaurant. Oracle MICROS offers a range of enterprise features that can help a business of any size — you can even use this platform for sports and entertainment venues!

Ease of Use

Ease of use is undoubtedly one of the key benefits associated with the MICROS POS platform. Many users report that MICROS is extremely easy to learn and operate. While the design of the old MICROS interface is relatively outdated, it is undoubtedly straightforward — it utilizes a robust color-coding system the help users differentiate different elements of the platform.

If you’re looking for a service that can help you cut down on training costs, MICROS Simphony POS is certainly one of the better options. Its intuitive nature can help you significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to onboard new staff members. It’s a widely used software program used by many restaurants, so some of your staff may already be familiar with it.

Hardware

Oracle MICROS restaurant point of sale hardware is built to last. It’s designed for everything the industry can throw at it. You can choose from various options such as the flagship Workstation 6 Series or the smaller version, the Workstation 3 Series, where space may be more limited.

Oracle provides everything you need, including terminals, tablets, self-serving kiosks, kitchen displays (KDS), and more, depending on your business needs. The hardware is state of the art with the best in speed, reliability, and security. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring your own iPad or Android device along with you. I find this slightly annoying — it’s nice to have some flexibility for mobile devices.

Integrations

MICROS POS has a range of add-ons and additional products that can help with inventory management, customer loyalty, gift cards, and more. Simphony is built on an open and secure API. You use your choice of Microsoft Windows or Oracle Linux. Easily connect your favorite 3rd party online ordering platforms, delivery services, mobile payment processing, and more.

The Oracle Cloud Marketplace offers a robust ecosystem of fully vetted Oracle MICROS Simphony integration partners.

Payment Processing

Oracle offers its payment processing but doesn’t publicly discuss its credit card processing rates. The good news is you can bring your own merchant services provider, which is a plus. This is always an excellent benefit — being stuck with one choice often means you could overpay on your payment processing commissions. You should always seek clarity about compatible processors before you make any financial commitments.

Customer Service

As Oracle is one of the largest software companies globally, it provides extensive customer support options to its users. You can call or email Oracle customer support at any time if you run into problems with your system. This can prove to be a vital tool if you run a late-night establishment that may need assistance outside of regular business hours.

Also, you can log in to an online support portal for additional resources and support. You can find this portal directly on the Oracle website.

It’s also critical to look at customer sentiment. In many cases, your experience with a provider may mirror that of previous clients — it’s always a good idea to see if there are any recurring complaints from past users. Below, let’s take a look at some of the complaints I found on consumer watchdog groups.

• Customer Support Waiting Times — Some clients complain that it can take ages to resolve issues or problems. This may be a severe problem if you have a critical issue damaging your ability to process payments or accept orders.
• Long-Term Contracts — Many customers complain about being unable to escape long-term contracts. You should always make sure that you have a complete understanding of the length of your contract before you make any commitments.
• Outdated Interface — Some clients complain that the interface is outdated; however, the new version of Micros Simphony (Oracle’s cloud-based POS) has a new modern look.

Still, compared to many modern POS providers, this system has some reasonably solid reviews. It’s also backed by one of the largest technology companies in the world. Oracle itself has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau — one of the nation’s most prominent consumer watchdogs.

Our Verdict

In many ways, it’s easy to see why MICROS POS is so popular with restaurant owners worldwide. This is a compelling platform that’s backed by one of the biggest names in tech. You’ll benefit from a range of restaurant-specific features that can be scaled to an establishment of almost any size.

The company offers users access to a wide range of hardware devices for any business type or specific requirement. Also, you’ll have access to excellent data reporting features to help you analyze your business’s performance. I like the new SaaS model, and the prices look pretty attractive from a product giant like Oracle.

This being said, there are some downsides associated with MICROS POS. You won’t be able to bring your own iPad or Android device. Also, users complain that you get locked into long-term contracts and end up waiting a long time for customer support.

Still, there’s a reason 300,000 business owners around the world use this platform. If you’d like to learn more about the platform’s pricing and contract length, get in touch with the MICROS POS team at Oracle to set up a demo. If you’re looking for an alternative from another big software company, you might compare it with NCR Aloha.