Switching from Aloha POS to Katalyst — the complete guide
Decided to leave Aloha after 5, 10, or 15 years on the platform? Here's the practical migration playbook — NCR Voyix contract exit math, data transfer, hardware reality, and the realistic timeline. Most Aloha-to-Katalyst migrations complete in 4–8 weeks with parallel running so staff can train before cutover.
4–8 weeks end-to-end
Typical migration window with parallel running
15–20% savings on processing
Plus bundled features eliminate add-on stack costs
Near-zero service interruption
Parallel running ensures both systems work before cutover
Why operators leave Aloha
Aloha POS has been in market since the early 1990s and remains the deepest legacy hospitality POS for full-service operations. The operators leaving in 2026 have usually been on the platform for 5–15 years and hit a recurring pattern: legacy UI is hurting hiring and training (servers raised on consumer apps struggle with the workflow), back-office tasks that should take one click take four or five, reporting requires VPN or specific terminals which slows multi-location decisions, and the per-feature add-on stack (loyalty, online ordering, branded app, catering, kiosk) has accumulated past what modern cloud alternatives bundle together.
If you've made the decision to switch, this page is about how to execute the migration cleanly. Aloha switches are more complex than Toast or Square switches because of the deeper embedded workflows, longer integration history, and NCR Voyix contract structure. The good news: the migration path is well-trodden, and the Katalyst onboarding team has handled enough Aloha switches to anticipate the common edge cases.
Before you commit — the pre-switch checklist
Six things to handle before signing. Aloha switches require more pre-work than newer-platform switches because of the longer integration history and the NCR Voyix contract structure.
- 1Pull your NCR Voyix contract terms. Confirm the end date, payment processing contract (often separate from the software contract), hardware financing balance, and termination fees. Aloha contracts are typically 36 months, sometimes with auto-renewal clauses that activate if you don't give 60–90 day notice.
- 2Inventory your Aloha integrations. Catalog every third-party system tied to Aloha — accounting (often via Aloha Connect Express), inventory (Compeat, MarginEdge), labor (HotSchedules, Crunchtime), loyalty (often Punchh or Paytronix), online ordering (Olo, ChowNow, or Aloha's native). Each needs a Katalyst path — most have one, but the audit removes surprises.
- 3Schedule data exports while Aloha access is fresh. Run menu exports, gift card balance reports, loyalty member exports (often through the Punchh or Paytronix admin if you're on a third-party loyalty), employee records, and historical reports. Some Aloha exports require Aloha Insight access — confirm you have the right permissions.
- 4Map your staff training needs. Aloha veterans have years of muscle memory in the legacy workflows. Plan for slightly longer training time than newer-platform switchers — typically 1–2 extra training sessions and a longer parallel-running period (2–3 weeks vs 1–2 for newer platforms).
- 5Identify your processor relationship. Aloha processing typically runs through NCR Voyix's payment processing arm. Switching POS may not automatically end the processing relationship — confirm whether your processing contract is bundled with software or separate.
- 6Schedule against your operations calendar. Don't switch in your peak season. Aloha switches benefit from a slow-period cutover and a 2–3 week parallel period before the next peak begins.
The 4–8 week migration timeline
Aloha switches are typically longer than Toast or Square switches because of deeper staff retraining needs and more complex integration histories. Single-location operations complete in 4–5 weeks; multi-location groups (5+ locations) typically take 6–8 weeks.
- Phase 11
Discovery + integration audit
Detailed kickoff with Aloha veterans on the Katalyst implementation team. Integration audit catalogs every Aloha-connected system. Menu structure exports from Aloha Insight import into Katalyst with full validation against the live Aloha system.
- Onboarding kickoff (2 hr call — longer than typical because of integration depth)
- Full integration audit (accounting, labor, loyalty, online, inventory)
- Aloha Insight menu export + import + validation
- Tax configuration validation
- Phase 22
Hardware + payment processor setup
Katalyst supplies replacement iPad terminals, paired EMV devices, KDS displays, and any kitchen printers needed. Existing Epson receipt printers and cash drawers often stay if they support standard interfaces. Payment processor application starts in parallel — interchange-plus rate analysis on Aloha statements confirms savings.
- Hardware audit — what stays, what's replaced
- Hardware shipping (typically 7–10 business days)
- Payment processor application + approval
- Existing peripheral re-pairing (receipt printers, cash drawers)
- Phase 33
Manager training + staff orientation
Manager-level training is more involved for Aloha veterans because the workflow differences run deeper than newer-platform switches. Typically 3–4 sessions of 90 minutes each, plus written runbooks for the manager team. Staff orientation happens in parallel.
- Manager training (3–4 sessions, 90 min each)
- Written manager runbook delivery
- FOH staff orientation
- BOH staff orientation (KDS workflow differences)
- Phase 44
Parallel running (extended)
Aloha switches benefit from a longer parallel period — typically 2–3 weeks vs 1–2 for newer platforms. Both Aloha and Katalyst process transactions; staff builds confidence on Katalyst while Aloha remains the system of record. Daily reconciliation confirms data integrity.
- Both systems live in parallel for 2–3 weeks
- Daily reconciliation of Katalyst vs Aloha numbers
- Staff coaching during live shifts
- Manager review of Katalyst reporting vs Aloha Insight
- Phase 55
Cutover + Aloha wind-down
Cutover moves all operations to Katalyst. Aloha system stays active in read-only mode for 30 days as historical reference. Katalyst Support takes over ongoing operations. NCR Voyix cancellation paperwork starts.
- Final cutover to Katalyst
- Aloha read-only mode for 30 days
- NCR Voyix cancellation paperwork submitted
- Handover from Katalyst implementation to Katalyst Support
- Phase 66
NCR Voyix contract closure
NCR Voyix's cancellation process can take 4–6 weeks of paperwork — typically the longest step in any Aloha switch. Hardware return per NCR Voyix's requirements, software contract termination, payment processing account closure (if switching to Katalyst Payments), and final reconciliation.
- NCR Voyix software contract termination
- Leased hardware return per NCR requirements
- Payment processing account closure
- Final NCR Voyix invoice reconciliation
What data migrates from Aloha
Katalyst's implementation team has handled enough Aloha switches to anticipate the common edge cases. Data migration runs during onboarding; you don't need to manually re-enter anything.
| Category | What migrates |
|---|---|
| Menu structure | Full menu hierarchy: categories, items, modifier groups, prices, daypart variations, revenue centre assignments.Aloha's complex modifier groups (especially in full-service operations) require manual review during migration — we don't rely on full automation. |
| Gift cards | Outstanding gift card balances and issuance history.If you're using a third-party gift card provider (Givex, etc.), migration may need direct provider coordination. |
| Loyalty members | Member records, point balances, redemption history.If you're on Punchh or Paytronix (most Aloha operators are), migration runs through the loyalty provider's data export — sometimes faster than Aloha's native loyalty. |
| Employee records | Staff profiles, roles, permissions, pay rates, hire dates.Tip-pool configurations require manager confirmation — we don't import without explicit OK on Aloha-style pool structures. |
| Customer database | Customer profiles, contact info, marketing-consent flags.Aloha's customer database structure is older — some fields don't map 1:1 and we flag the differences during validation. |
| Recent transaction history | Last 12 months of transaction data for reporting continuity.Older Aloha Insight data can be exported and archived separately; not typically loaded into Katalyst. |
What happens to your Aloha hardware
Aloha hardware is typically deeply embedded — NCR-branded terminals (often physical fixed terminals, not iPads), legacy receipt printers, kitchen printers, KDS displays, handhelds (if you have them), and the payment terminals tied to NCR Voyix processing. The hardware is locked to Aloha software and goes back to NCR per the cancellation paperwork. Some operators face hardware-financing balances that need to be paid off as part of the exit.
Katalyst is iPad-first with paired EMV terminals — a major UX upgrade for staff coming from legacy Aloha hardware. We supply the iPads, terminals, and KDS displays during onboarding. Many Epson receipt printers, Star Micronics kitchen printers, and standard cash drawers can be reused if they're in good condition and support standard interfaces. We do a hardware audit during pre-switch so you know exactly what stays and what gets replaced.
The hardware transition is a real one-time cost but a meaningful operational upgrade. Aloha veterans commonly comment that the iPad-based UX feels 10 years more modern within the first week post-cutover.
What does switching from Aloha actually save?
The numbers vary by operation but here's what typical Aloha-to-Katalyst switchers see in the first 12 months:
30–40% reduction in total monthly cost. Aloha's per-feature add-on stack — loyalty, online ordering, branded app, catering, kiosk — accumulates over 5–15 years on the platform. Bundling all of these into Katalyst's standard tier typically cuts the monthly cost by 30–40%. For a multi-location group with the full add-on stack, this can be $1,500–4,000/month in savings per location.
15–20% on payment processing. NCR Voyix processing rates are negotiated case-by-case but typically run above the interchange-plus equivalent. Restaurants doing $1M+ annual card volume per location commonly see $5,000–10,000/year in processing savings.
Staff training cost reduction over time. This is harder to quantify but real: Aloha's legacy UX commonly requires 2–3 weeks of training for new servers; Katalyst's modern UX cuts that to 3–5 days. For a 50-employee operation with 30% annual turnover, the cumulative training cost savings over 2–3 years is meaningful.
Hardware refresh elimination. Aloha hardware refreshes commonly run 5–7 years; iPad-based POS is consumer hardware with broader replacement options. Total cost of ownership over 5 years typically favors Katalyst meaningfully.
What's the risk?
Service interruption: near-zero with the extended parallel period. Aloha switches use a 2–3 week parallel running window instead of 1–2 — both systems process transactions, daily reconciliation confirms data integrity, cutover happens after staff has built confidence.
Staff retraining: real but mitigated. Aloha veterans have years of muscle memory. We typically see 1–2 weeks of slower service post-cutover before staff hits Aloha-equivalent speed on Katalyst. The modern UX makes the long-term learning curve faster, not slower — but the short-term transition is real.
NCR Voyix contract exit: longest single step. NCR's cancellation paperwork takes 4–6 weeks. We help with the process but timeline depends on NCR's internal processing. Hardware financing balances may be due as part of cancellation.
Integration coverage: extensive audit required. Aloha's integration partner ecosystem is larger than newer platforms, so the pre-switch integration audit takes more time. We've seen edge cases where bespoke Aloha-Connect-Express integrations need rebuild work — flagged during pre-switch so the timeline plans for it.
We use Katalyst in our own restaurants every day.
Katalyst was built in 2015 by restaurateurs Dan Roland, Cole Dillon, and Scott Bleczinski — operators of a Massachusetts restaurant portfolio worth $15M+. Every feature exists because we needed it in our own dining rooms first.
Read our story- $55K+
Saved per year, on average
- 29%
Increase in guest count
- 11%
Increase in revenue
- 200+
KPIs tracked
Switching from Aloha — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to switch from Aloha?
Onboarding is included in Katalyst's standard tier — no separate implementation fee. The main costs are hardware (iPad + terminals to replace Aloha equipment, typically $3,000–6,000 for a single-location restaurant) and any NCR Voyix hardware financing balance that needs to clear as part of cancellation. Most operations recoup the transition cost in 4–8 months on monthly savings.
Will I lose my Aloha loyalty data?
No. If you're on Aloha's native loyalty, member records and point balances migrate during onboarding. If you're on a third-party loyalty platform (Punchh, Paytronix, Thanx — most Aloha operators are), the migration runs through the loyalty provider's data export and is often faster than the native Aloha loyalty migration. Customer history preserves across the platform switch.
How long does the NCR Voyix cancellation take?
NCR Voyix's cancellation process typically runs 4–6 weeks from notice to final closure. The process includes contract termination paperwork, hardware return logistics, payment processing account closure (if you're also leaving NCR processing), and final invoice reconciliation. The Katalyst implementation team helps with the paperwork but the timeline depends on NCR's internal processing — it's typically the longest single step in the switch.
Can I keep my Aloha hardware and just switch software?
No. Aloha hardware is locked to Aloha software — the terminals don't run iOS or Katalyst's software. NCR-branded equipment goes back per the cancellation paperwork. The hardware transition is the main one-time cost in any Aloha switch, but it's also a major UX upgrade — iPad-based POS is meaningfully more modern than legacy NCR terminals.
What about my Aloha integrations (Compeat, HotSchedules, etc.)?
Most major Aloha integration partners (Compeat, MarginEdge, HotSchedules, Crunchtime, Punchh, Paytronix, Olo) also integrate with Katalyst — either through native integrations or via Katalyst's open API. The pre-switch integration audit catalogs every connected system and confirms which path forward each takes. Anything unusual goes into the migration plan as a bespoke integration item.
What if my staff struggles with the change?
Aloha veterans face a real adjustment period. We plan for it: longer manager training, 2–3 week parallel running, written manager runbooks, and live-shift coaching for the first 5–7 days post-cutover. By week 3 post-cutover, most operations report that staff is faster on Katalyst than they were on Aloha because the modern UX has fewer clicks per task. The first 2 weeks are the hardest.
See your Aloha-to-Katalyst switching timeline
60-minute call (Aloha switches deserve more discussion than newer-platform switches) — bring your NCR Voyix contract terms, your integration list, and your Aloha Insight reports. We'll show you the migration plan, the contract exit math, and the cost comparison on your specific operation.