Introduction
Choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system is one of the most important decisions for any restaurant, café, bar, or hotel in Cambodia. Beyond just managing orders and printing receipts, the right POS system supports long-term growth, ensures compliance with local tax rules, and keeps your daily operations running smoothly.
For many business owners, the key question is whether to adopt a cloud-based POS system or an on-premise POS system. Each option has unique benefits and challenges, particularly in the Cambodian hospitality sector where internet reliability, electricity supply, and operating costs must all be taken into account.
In this article, POSFlow Solutions compares both approaches so you can make an informed decision that suits your restaurant or hotel.
Understanding Cloud POS Systems
A cloud POS system stores data online, with most functions managed through remote servers. This means sales records, inventory, and reports are accessible from any device connected to the internet.
Key advantages of cloud POS:
- Easy access from anywhere, even if you are away from the restaurant
- Frequent updates and automatic improvements
- Lower upfront cost, often based on monthly subscription fees
Challenges in Cambodia:
- Internet on the mainland has improved but still experiences outages and speed drops, particularly outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Businesses on islands like Koh Rong or rural areas face patchy 4G and unstable Wi-Fi
- If the internet goes down, many cloud systems cannot continue operating until service is restored
Cloud POS is appealing for owners who want real-time visibility of their restaurant finances across multiple branches. However, it relies heavily on having a stable internet connection, which is not always guaranteed in Cambodia.
Understanding On-Premise POS Systems
An on-premise POS system stores data locally, usually on a computer or server located inside the business. The POS operates independently of the internet, and backups can be taken manually or scheduled automatically.
Key advantages of on-premise POS:
- Works offline with no interruptions during internet outages
- Greater control over data storage and security
- Once installed, no mandatory monthly subscription fees
Challenges in Cambodia:
- Requires more powerful local hardware, such as reliable terminals and a secure server
- Higher upfront cost compared to cloud solutions
- Backups need to be properly managed to avoid data loss, though POSFlow Solutions provides hourly automated backups under our support packages
On-premise POS remains the more reliable choice for restaurants and hotels where internet access is unreliable or where uninterrupted service is essential.
Comparing Costs in the Cambodian Market
When evaluating POS costs, it is important to consider both short-term and long-term expenses.
Cloud POS costs:
- Lower initial investment
- Subscription-based pricing that accumulates over time
- Hidden charges for advanced features or additional terminals
On-premise POS costs:
- Higher initial investment in hardware and installation
- Long-term savings as there are no ongoing subscription fees
- Optional support packages for updates, maintenance, and backup services
For small businesses and startups, the lower entry cost of cloud POS can look attractive. However, Cambodian restaurants that expect to grow often find on-premise POS provides better value in the long run.
Scalability: Growing with Your Business
A good POS system should scale as your restaurant or hotel expands.
- Cloud POS scalability is usually quick, since adding more terminals or branches can be done remotely. But as the subscription base grows, costs may increase significantly.
- On-premise POS scalability requires additional hardware for each new branch, but it allows more customisation and can be integrated with other systems such as accounting software or property management software.
POSFlow Solutions frequently supports clients who start with one branch and later expand to multiple outlets. Our team ensures that systems remain consistent across locations, whether you operate in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or the islands.
Reliability in Cambodian Conditions
Reliability is often the deciding factor for restaurant owners. Internet speeds in central Phnom Penh are relatively strong, but fluctuations are still common, especially during peak hours. In tourist destinations and rural areas, outages remain frequent.
- Cloud POS: If the internet drops, the system may stop working entirely, leading to order delays and frustrated customers.
- On-premise POS: Operations continue smoothly as long as power is available. Printing also remains unaffected — as long as the router or switch is still powered, your printers will work even if the internet is offline.
To protect against power cuts, POSFlow Solutions recommends using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your POS terminals. This ensures that your system can safely shut down or continue operating during short blackouts, which are not uncommon in Cambodia.
Security and Data Protection
For many restaurant owners, protecting customer and financial data is a priority.
- Cloud POS security: Data is stored remotely, which can reduce risk if the local system is damaged. However, owners are dependent on the provider’s security standards and cannot directly control where their data is hosted.
- On-premise POS security: Data is stored locally, giving owners full control. With proper backup strategies — such as the hourly backup service included in POSFlow Solutions’ support packages — data can be protected against system failures or damage.
Our article on POS backup strategies explains more about how Cambodian businesses can avoid losing vital information.
Integration with Other Business Tools
Modern restaurants and hotels require POS systems that can integrate with wider management tools.
- Cloud POS often offers built-in integrations with third-party apps, but these can be limited to what the provider supports.
- On-premise POS, such as SambaPOS, allows for tailored integrations with local needs, including compliance with Cambodian tax laws and custom reporting flows for VAT, specific tax, and entertainment tax.
By working with POSFlow Solutions, Cambodian restaurants gain access to a system that is already customised for local tax compliance and industry requirements.
Which POS is Right for Cambodian Restaurants?
Both cloud and on-premise POS systems have strengths. For businesses in regions with reliable internet and a preference for lower upfront costs, cloud POS may be suitable. For restaurants, cafés, and hotels across Cambodia that need guaranteed uptime, local tax compliance, and scalability, on-premise POS remains the stronger option.
POSFlow Solutions specialises in SambaPOS, an advanced on-premise system trusted by thousands of hospitality businesses worldwide. In Cambodia, we adapt it to meet the specific challenges faced by local businesses, from internet outages to complex tax rules.
Next Steps for Business Owners
If you are evaluating POS systems for your restaurant or hotel, we recommend:
- Assess your internet reliability and power stability
- Compare total cost of ownership over several years
- Consider your expansion plans and integration needs
Our team at POSFlow Solutions is here to help you review your options and build a system that ensures long-term reliability and growth.
📅 Book a free consultation via our appointment page
🛠️ Learn more about our services
🛒 Explore our POS products
📩 Contact us directly via our contact page
With the right POS system in place, you can focus on delivering great dining experiences while we handle the technology.