The term automation is often a source of a negative reputation. In the past, restaurants have been reluctant to implement new technologies, often because of fear of what might be unknown and other times due to fear of losing the personal touch that’s so important in running an establishment. The situation is changing.
Automation is now easier than ever before. 57% of restaurant owners believe introducing modern technology over the past two years was crucial for survival. Because of necessity, several restaurant owners embraced automated technologies amid the pandemic. They were amazed by the extent to which automation could simplify complex tasks, allowing them to manage their businesses better without losing that vital human element.
From ordering online and kitchen display, look through our top five automation tools your business should have.
Related: Kitchen Automation Is Revolutionizing the Food Industry
- Online and QR code order
Customers can order through mobiles through the QR code or digital menus for dining in-house or ordering takeout. This way of ordering allows customers more excellent choices over how they dine. It will enable staff to concentrate more on providing an overall experience for customers instead of simply taking orders.
The popularity of online ordering has increased significantly in recent years. In fact, according to an earlier Lightspeed study, it was one of the top three tools in 2022, second to technology for task automation (including the use of QR codes for ordering) and shift technology for managing shifts. Thirty-six percent of companies thought that, of all the tools, they believed that new or improved online ordering systems helped their operations the most.
The convenience of online ordering can help generate revenues. 34% of customers who purchase food online pay a minimum of $50 per transaction, and those who place an order online return to the site 67% more often than those who do not.
Related: The Digital Divide: 3 Reasons Why Some Restaurants Outperform Others
- Customer-facing displays
Transparency is crucial when dealing with customers. In fast-service settings, having a visible display to customers will reduce back-and-forth communication and possible problems at checkout. A collection that is visible to customers is usually near the counter. It shows a breakdown of the purchase and displays the total amount of checkout, percentages of items purchased, and other information that is important for the buyer. The addition of displays to your store improves the overall customer experience and minimizes the chance of making mistakes with the cashier’s point of sale.
Platforms for delivery and takeout from fine restaurants to fast-service restaurants More restaurants than ever offer delivery. Deliveries are commonplace for many households, and 60 percent of U.S. customers order takeout or delivery every week. Making delivery arrangements in-house is, however, expensive and complicated logistically. Many restaurants utilize third-party services like Uber Eats and DoorDash to deliver food and connect with more customers. With all the competing platforms handling delivery orders can be challenging. Finding the right Point of Sale, which automatically integrates all of your delivery orders into one place, can help you manage your orders that come in without issue.
Related: 3 Automated Lead Generation Strategies To Implement In Your Sales Process
- Kitchen display systems
Restaurants are as efficient in their communication with both sides of the house. If you’re using paper and pen or printers to record orders, it’s not uncommon for orders to go missing or misunderstood when advising staff at the back of the house. Kitchen displays can be a fantastic solution to recurring communication issues.
The displays are situated at the back of the house. They allow staff to see the orders arriving. When you have a show in your kitchen, it’s easier to avoid back and forth running around in front of the house, and less accidents, mess, or waste. Kitchen displays paired with iPads ensure that the flow of information is effortless, ensuring that any information inputted will be passed on directly to kitchen personnel.
- Automated inventory management
Inventory management can determine a food establishment’s success or failure. Make it a priority, cut down on expenses and ensure you always have the required items. If you don’t, you’ll be short of crucial things during hectic shifts and see your inventory and waste costs grow. This vital step should be addressed. Inventory management is also a routine daily procedure easily victim to human errors. Automating inventory counts makes it simpler, which helps restaurants cut back on the amount of waste they produce and track the usage of each ingredient. With the help of an inventory management program that is automated and connected with your restaurant’s point of sale, you will be able to quickly determine what food items are in stock as well as how much you have used up and the quantity you’ll have to purchase.
Automation is in the making to serve the best.
From staff shortages to price hikes, Restaurants need to be flexible to succeed or even withstand the industry’s endless problems. Automating processes will not only assist restaurants in finding ways to cut costs and lower expenses, but it can also allow staff to be more efficient so they can concentrate on the most critical things giving a memorable experience for customers and keeping them happy.
