iPad @ Work

So, I'm actually on a short summer vacation at the moment. And I've snuck away from my sleeping children (and supportive, beautiful wife) to hit a cafe with wifi and do some blogging. I'm not that into public computing, but what choice do I have? I've bought a coffee and noticed that the server rung in my order using an iPad. I suppose she caught me staring at the device, because she quickly jumped into what I assume is an often-used little info chat informing customers that the iPad IS the cash register. I mumble something about having seen this sort of thing before, wander to find the coffee cream, and sit down.

So here I am... wondering how does an iPad become a cash register? I assume they have an app for that. And after a little digging, I find out that the app is called Poslavu.

Now I'd love to tell you that I used my mega-hyper Internet searching skills to pin-point this nugget of information, but I simply asked the guy restocking napkins, who it turns out is the owner/manager of the cafe. We quickly fell into a conversation of experiences of restaurants past and expensive order management systems with one or two exclusive, bulky input stations and serving personal line-up to punch orders in. Listening intently to the owner speak about his set-up and operating costs, I am again surprised to see a server attend a table and notify the kitchen of a new order at the adjoining table before pocketing her iPod.

Why am I so surprised to a multi-functional devices such as iPods and iPads being used in a workplace? I shouldn't be. I know that software developers are pushing the limits of such devices. With the Poslavu system carrying a cost of roughly 1/4 that of a traditional industry type, I'm excited to hear that not only is the wireless way to go more slick and quick, but it is quite economical as well. The owner continued to tell me how even a novice server can simply touch menu item's icons and the Poslavu system will lead them through all options applying to their menu item. He says that server and kitchen errors have been reduced to a minimum as deciphering unique server shorthand is no longer and accurate order summaries are at the fingertips of each server.

After the conversation with the innovative owner, I finished the luke-warm dregs of my medium-roast coffee, and recalled a few of my colleagues scoffing at my class’s use of iPads. They questioned me about the practicality of such devices and the skills associated with them. The coffee has me buzzing, but it was this stimulating café experience that has refueled my engine for exploring new uses for technology in (and out) of school.

Check out a quick demo of Poslavu's capabilities.