5 Common Questions Operators Ask About Arcade POS Systems
Table of Contents
What every FEC owner should know before making the switch to cashless
Choosing the right arcade POS system can feel like a maze of features, vendors, and tech specs. But when you strip away the noise, most operators tend to ask the same key questions: Can this system scale? Will my team understand it? What kind of ROI can I expect?
In this guide, we’re answering the five most common questions we hear from operators when they’re considering a new family entertainment center POS, especially those exploring the switch to cashless arcade software.
1. How Does Integration with Other Systems Work?
What operators are really asking:
“Will my POS connect with my games, redemption counters, and reporting tools?”
Short answer: Your arcade POS system should play nice with EVERYTHING from online booking to kitchen display systems.
A lot of operators rely on a patchwork of platforms like ticketing tools, F&B systems, CRMs, and online reservation software. The right POS should act as the hub, not just another bolt-on. That’s why the Parafait suite is designed to integrate seamlessly across your ecosystem, whether your FEC offers attractions and an arcade or even if you’re serving food. It should manage everything under one roof.
Other systems may require manual imports or batch syncing, which can slow down daily operations. Before committing, ask vendors whether they offer open APIs and real-time data syncing.
Semnox Pro Tip: Parafait’s modular approach means you can start with what you need now and connect more tools later, no major overhauls required.
2. What’s Involved in Maintaining the System?
What operators are really asking: “How much work does it take to keep everything running?”
Short answer: Look for a system with automated updates, remote monitoring and support, and minimal IT headaches.
Operational uptime is everything in a busy arcade or FEC. Some POS systems require manual software updates, server maintenance, and in-person troubleshooting, which can strain your internal resources.
With Parafait, operators can choose between cloud-based or hybrid deployment models, both offering remote diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and secure updates. Plus, Semnox provides 24/7 global support and has U.S.-based service teams ready to assist.
Bonus: Semnox’s self-service kiosks and wireless card readers are built for rugged use and reduce dependency on staffed counters.
3. How Much Training Do My Staff Need?
What operators are really asking: “Will my team struggle to learn the system?”
Short answer: A good system should be intuitive from Day One.
High turnover is common in the amusement and entertainment industry. Your team, especially seasonal or part-time staff, needs a POS they can learn fast and use efficiently. Parafait’s interface is designed with simplicity in mind, and role-based access makes it easy to train only what each team member needs to know.
Some legacy systems require lengthy onboarding or complex backend setup. Parafait includes guided training resources, optional onsite sessions, and user-friendly documentation so your team can hit the ground running.
Semnox Pro Tip: Look for a vendor that offers scalable training options onsite, remote, and even video-based for maximum flexibility.
4. Can the System Scale as My Business Grows?
What operators are really asking: “What happens if we open more locations or expand our attractions?”
Short answer: Choose a platform that grows with you and without growing pains.
Whether you’re expanding to multiple locations, adding new attractions, or building out a restaurant offering, your POS should be ready to support your next phase. Parafait is built to scale, offering centralized control across multiple sites and real-time data dashboards from anywhere.
Systems that lack scalability often require rebuilding setups at each new venue, creating inefficiencies. With Parafait, you can deploy standardized settings, promotions, and pricing across locations, while still allowing for local flexibility.
Monster Mini Golf, one of the fastest-growing FEC franchises, partnered with Semnox to unify operations across more than 30 locations. While each franchisee maintains some flexibility, the Parafait system created a scalable hybrid model with centralized reporting and consistent guest experiences. As President Chris King shared, “The Semnox system provided an all-in-one system that brought us all together and incorporated new tools such as online booking/reservations and e-commerce.”
Good to know: Parafait is used at thousands of venues in over 60 countries including arcades, bowling centers, trampoline parks, and full-scale FECs.
5. What Kind of ROI Can I Expect?
What operators are really asking: “How does a POS system actually make me money?”
Short answer: A cashless system should drive revenue, streamline operations, and improve the guest experience.
Switching to cashless arcade software typically increases average guest spend by making transactions faster and easier. Parafait enables features like loyalty rewards, digital upsells, and mobile recharges, encouraging guests to spend more and return often.
Operators also report fewer errors, reduced fraud, and improved labor efficiency when using cashless systems with built-in automation. The data speaks for itself: venues using Parafait have seen measurable increases in revenue and guest satisfaction without needing to expand staff or overhaul their business model.
Case in Point: LoveLand Laser Tag and GameTime locations in the U.S. both reported faster guest transactions and stronger ROI after implementing Parafait’s card readers, kiosks, and redemption kiosks.
Chris King, President of Monster Mini Golf on Semnox, “Training is straightforward, the system is user-friendly, and RFID cards enhance the guest experience by limiting frustration during play,” explained King. “There was a 25-30 percent immediate jump in revenue, including arcade play, as well as the ability to create and sell attraction combinations.”
Final Thoughts: Your POS Should Work for You
Choosing an arcade POS system is about more than hardware specs or flashy interfaces. It’s about finding a solution that fits your team, your guests, and your goals for growth.
Whether you’re starting with one location or managing a multi-site operation, Semnox’s Parafait suite offers a complete family entertainment center POS solution from cashless card systems to real-time analytics and 24/7 support.
Ready to see how Parafait can transform your operations?
Contact our team for a personalized demo or explore Parafait Solutions.
As a strategic leader with decades of expertise in the out-of-home entertainment and venue management sector, Umesh Prabhu brings a rare blend of technical insight and operational excellence to the table. With his extensive background in global solution delivery and enterprise systems integration, Umesh has been instrumental in shaping how entertainment venues adopt and scale technology.
His leadership at Semnox spans over 15 years, during which he has played a pivotal role in evolving the Parafait suite into a globally trusted solution for amusement parks, FECs, arcades, waterparks, and more. Now at the helm of Parafait’s venue management portfolio, Umesh drives product innovation, seamless customer experiences, and integrated technology ecosystems that redefine operational success for entertainment businesses worldwide
