Adoption of technology in the restaurant business

The restaurant industry is one of the most adaptive industries in the world. And modern technologies, in particular IT, help to develop the restaurant business more successfully.

Here are just a few examples of the effective use of developments: business process automation, conversion of paper documents into digital form, etc. Some technologies have already taken their positions, while others are just claiming leading roles. Innovations have already shown positive results, but entrepreneurs need to take into account a lot of details.

In this article, we will look at the main progressive technologies in restaurants and their impact on business.

Technologies that can be implemented in the restaurant business

Innovations provide communication with customers, information about services, etc. Let’s look at the main areas:

1. Online table reservation and food ordering systems. The system makes it easy to book tables during business hours. Moreover, it is possible to install pictures of tables in the widget – it allows customers to see the interior of the restaurant remotely and choose the most comfortable accommodation for one or more guests. There is also a food ordering service: get acquainted with the assortment, choose positions and quantity of each product. The system saves order history and customer contacts (name, surname, mobile number, e-mail), which will allow you to send promotional offers, congratulations on holidays, to send notifications for reminders about the company in the future. The program works with different devices: smartphone, iPhone, tablet and computer.
2. Mobile applications for food ordering and delivery. The programs do not take up much memory and fully immerse the content even with mobile Internet. The introduction of technology will speed up service time: ordering and delivery at a certain time. Apps with geolocation to calculate the route and the exact time of delivery after preparation. Often after placing an order customer service calls back to clarify the details (this option is optional and the customer has the right to refuse). Of course, people must have incentives to install the app, including: discount programs, sales of related products, a personal account for orders, discounts and bonuses, the ability to leave and view reviews.
3. Interactive menus and ordering technology. The menu should be easy to view and select. Realistic photos of dishes with basic information: ingredients, weight in grams, number of servings and a large button to order. Interactive or electronic menus are in great demand. The price list opens after scanning the Q-code. It allows to make a pre-order or make the check without waiting for the waiter. It is also possible to implement a recommendation system in the program, which will increase sales. The system remotely visually resembles an online casino https://onlinecasinozonder.com/. Only the menu selects the food, and the club selects the gambling.
4. Automated inventory and inventory management systems. The tool is used to keep track of a business’s expenses and income, calculations for purchases, and employee payroll. The system also maintains accounting and operational records of sales and meal production. The use of platforms is aimed at improving the interaction of various services of the restaurant, reducing costs, the ability to store and inventory items in different warehouses. If any goods are missing from the warehouse, they can easily be tracked through the chain in the system.
5. The system of payment and accounting for settlements with customers. It is better when there are different ways of payment for a comfortable payment: in cash, through a terminal, contactless payment, with Q-code or by requisites. A modern system allows you to keep a database of customers, keep a history of orders and basic information on all customers.
6. Using social networks to promote the restaurant. Regular customers and potential audience – users of certain pages. Publication of news about the restaurant, favorite and new dishes, promotional offers – so information about the company will help to reach a large audience on the Internet. Advertising can also be set up. In addition to marketing, social media is important for finding and collaborating with other people: bloggers, photographers, etc.

How does technology affect the restaurant business?

Innovation improves life and simplifies business processes:

1. Increased efficiency and lower costs. Accounting software keeps track of expenses for purchasing goods, utilities and other expenses, which eliminates the risk of going over budget. The financial report will help to increase the profitability of the business.
2. Improved service quality and customer satisfaction. Fast service, professional staff, and delicious food are reasons why new guests will want to visit the restaurant. Then, for repeat visits, the administration uses technology to analyze customer preferences and perform the appropriate steps (notification, promo code, promotion or others). Various systems allow to find out the preferences of the person to personalize offers: biometric data reading, marketing analytics / CRM systems.
3. Improved competitiveness and increased profits. Technology provides better customer service (healthy food, fast service, customer service calls, convenient bill payment) and allows you to promote products through advertising tools. And when guests’ requests are fully satisfied – they become loyal customers and, consequently, increase profits for the restaurant.

What might you encounter when introducing new technology?

After implementing new technology, a company may face certain challenges:

• The financial costs of implementing technology. Buying the appropriate equipment and IT products involves some spending.
• Staff training and system support. Personnel need to be trained, perhaps enrolled in courses. It is better to have an IT specialist on staff to update programs and correct technical errors.
• Problems with data security and data protection. You need to be careful not to “catch” a virus.

Conclusion

The introduction of technology should be considered at the level of making strategic decisions: to increase or decrease costs in certain areas, what to improve in, etc. New technology in restaurants is necessary for business development, but it costs a lot of money.