What are new technologies in restaurants?
Some new technologies in restaurants include- -Tablets for ordering and paying -Digital menu boards -Self-service ordering kiosks -Robotic bartenders and servers -Virtual reality experiences
How New Technologies in Restaurants Are Driving up Sales and Profits
What is Restaurant Technology?
Restaurant technology is a broad term that covers any type of technology solution used in the restaurant industry. This includes everything, from point of sale systems (POS systems), to kitchen display systems (KDS), and online ordering platforms or food delivery mobile apps.
In recent years, more and more restaurants are investing in new technology solutions to improve business operations along with guest experience. For example, some restaurants are now using tablets and other mobile devices to allow customers to order and pay for their meals sitting at the table without having to wait in line at the restaurant counter. This service is called tableside ordering, which boosts customer service to a great extent and also speeds up restaurant operations by allowing servers to accept multiple orders and process payments at the same time. Restaurants are also using sensors and beacons to track guest movement through the dining room and using this data to improve service time and customers' dining experience.
From artificial intelligence to data analytics and automated business processes, technology is being used in every sphere of restaurant management today. Irrespective of the size and scale of operations, most businesses have already made the digital switch and adopted restaurant technology solutions such self ordering kiosks, POS systems, kitchen display units and contactless payment methods. In this article, we explore some of the most popular restaurant technology trends that are dominating the industry.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 1 Automated Inventory Management
If you wish to run a successful restaurant business, you need to focus on efficient inventory management, which is a key part of restaurant management. Restaurants run on the back of their inventory. When your inventory stocks fall short, your customer service and guest experience can suffer. And if you are always overstocked with a large number of unnecessary goods rotting on the shelves, you will incur losses that may be hard to recover. This is why efficient inventory management is key to a successful restaurant business and an automated inventory management system provides just that efficiency and accuracy.
Cloud based inventory management systems are designed to speed up the otherwise tedious process of stock-take for each product. Restaurant owners can get real-time updates on inventory stocks based on their usage. And when a product is about to run out, their mobile apps will notify them and can even automatically place orders to replenish stocks.
Inventory management systems also use barcode scanners and QR codes to fast-track inventory counts and tracking. With this, the restaurant staff no longer need to read labels and manually search for a bottle or package that may be lost somewhere on the racks. One search in the inventory management software will help them locate the item within seconds.
You've run your restaurant the old-fashioned way and don't see why you should now use restaurant technology?
The right technology can help you improve your service and ratchet up your sales in a short span of time.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 2 Online Ordering Apps
One of the key restaurant technologies to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic is the online ordering and food delivery app. According to a survey by Deloitte, 40% of restaurant customers said they are now more inclined to online ordering and food delivery services than in-person dining experiences. This change in consumer behavior has led to a rapid growth in the online ordering business and restaurants still recovering from the pandemic will do well to adopt this restaurant tech.
Facilities such as online ordering, takeout, and food delivery elevate consumer convenience to a great extent, as a large number of customers now prefer at-home food experiences over dine-in services. With just a few taps on their smartphone and mobile app, customers can order whatever they want and have it delivered right to their doorstep without having to go through the hassle of venturing out. What's more, restaurants also offer heavy discounts and offers on their online ordering platforms, and these help customers save money. So if you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to grow your business, an online ordering app is the way to go.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 3 Ghost Kitchens
Ghost kitchens are professionally managed cooking facilities that serve customers using their own food delivery chains or third party services. These cloud based online ordering, cooking, and food delivery services do not offer on-premise dining. While they may work as individual brands, some may even be contracted by established restaurants as their online ordering and food delivery partners. With restaurants affected by Covid-19 lockdowns, ghost kitchens have started to thrive. Reason- ghost kitchens are often shared by multiple food businesses, and they allow these businesses to expand their food delivery services without needing to invest in a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Not only do ghost kitchens save food businesses money on rent and utilities, they also provide access to a wider range of equipment and personnel than most small restaurants can afford on their own. In many cases, sharing a space with other businesses also helps build a sense of community among coworkers.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 4 Self-Ordering Kiosks
In recent years, self ordering kiosks have become increasingly popular in a variety of businesses, from quick service restaurants, to grocery stores. Self ordering kiosks provide a number of advantages for both, businesses and customers. Self ordering kiosks can help businesses reduce labor costs and increase efficiency by freeing up staff members so that they can provide a better guest experience. On the other hand, self ordering kiosks are a faster and more convenient ordering option for customers.
It's no wonder that self ordering kiosks have grown in popularity. If you are considering setting up a self ordering kiosk, there are a few points to keep in mind. First, you will need to make sure that your kiosk is easy to use and navigate. Second, you will need to train your staff on how to work the kiosk and assist customers with problems they may have using it. Finally, you will need to promote self ordering at your restaurant, so that customers are aware of the existence of this facility and learn how to use it.
You want to invest in new technology for your restaurant business, but don't know which to go with.
This article tells you which software solutions are driving the market at the moment.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 5 Restaurant POS Systems
Restaurant owners have many moving parts and processes they need to track constantly, from inventory management to Order Management. A good restaurant POS system streamlines all these processes. A POS system can help you keep track of inventory, customers, employees, and sales and can help you run your business more efficiently and effortlessly.
There are a lot of different restaurant POS systems on the market, so it's important to do your research and find one that will work best for your business. Also consider the features on offer, the ease of use it promises, and the price range. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution that will cover all of your bases, a restaurant POS solution is the foremost restaurant tech you need. This all-in-one restaurant management solution covers point-of-sale, front-of-house management, back-of-house management, online ordering, gift cards and loyalty programs, and furnishes reports and analytics. In other words, it has everything you need to run your restaurant smoothly.
Popular Restaurant Technologies- No. 6 Contactless Payments
Contactless payments are financial transactions that do not require physical contact between the customer and seller. Contactless payment methods are typically carried out through debit or credit cards, mobile phones and other digital devices, and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and PayPal. Many restaurants now offer contactless payment options in addition to traditional methods like cash and check, as a growing number of customers want to avoid contact of any kind, thanks to the Covid-19 scare.
There are many advantages to using contactless payments. They are quick and convenient, and save customers the trouble of carrying around large wads of cash. Contactless payments also help reduce fraud because they can be tracked, and are more secure than traditional methods like checks.
If you want to setup contactless payment at your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. You will need to have the right equipment in place, such as QR code scanners and tap devices. You will also have to train your employees on how to use the new system and let your customers know that you accept this type of payment as well.
Why Restaurant Technology is Integral to the Growth of a Business
Technology has changed the restaurant industry in a number of ways, from the way customers order their food, to the way restaurants track inventory. In many ways, restaurant technology is integral to the growth of a business.
One of the most important changes that restaurant technology has brought about is the way customers order their food. In the past, customers would have to wait in line to place their orders with a cashier. Today, however, many restaurants offer self ordering kiosks or mobile apps that allow customers to place their orders before they even step foot in the door. This not only saves time for both, the customer and restaurant employees, it also allows restaurants to upsell items and increase profits.
Another important change that restaurant technology has brought about is the way restaurants track inventory. Earlier, restaurants had to manually keep track of their inventory levels and often ran into problems when items ran out unexpectedly. However, today there are a number of software programs that help restaurants keep track of their inventory and reorder supplies automatically when necessary. This not only saves the restaurant time, it also helps reduce waste and keep costs down.
You want to beat the competition. This means investing in the right restaurant technology.
This article tells you which software to put your money on.