New technology has revolutionized how industries operate, including the restaurant sector. The general concept of a restaurant – delivering or serving meals to customers- might remain the same, but how restaurants do this will probably continue to change.
Recently, technology trends like delivery apps have enabled restaurants to serve a broader customer base. Correspondingly, automation technology has played a crucial role in driving efficiencies across the restaurant industry. It has helped restaurants reinvent themselves to stay relevant and competitive.
Moving forward, restaurant operators will continue using various technological innovations to their operations more efficient. Below are restaurant technology trends that are here to stay.
1. Online ordering and delivery apps
Delivery systems are transforming the way restaurants can reach their customers and how people eat. Delivery apps connect restaurants with customers and offer delivery logistics that enable restaurants that did not provide delivery services in the past to do so. The usage of these delivery apps will continue to increase, allowing more restaurants to serve meals off-site via online ordering.
2. Self-service kiosks
While numerous established chains have employed self-service kiosks in specific locations to keep their queues short and serve customers more efficiently, more kiosks will continue to pop up in the coming years. By reducing waiting time and accelerating the speed in which consumers move through the queues, this trend will make ordering more accurate and ensure customer satisfaction. Order customization is one of the major areas affected by human error, but self-ordering will help alleviate this problem.
3. Scheduling software
Scheduling is an integral part of running a restaurant. Nevertheless, operators struggle to balance having enough employees to serve clients and having so many that they start losing money. Scheduling software simplifies this process by automating and improving staff scheduling. It eliminates the need for creating a calendar that suits all employees, freeing up managers to concentrate on the restaurant’s performance and simplify employee communication.
4. Contactless payment
Touchless technology is moving mainstream, and it’s not only about making orders online but also paying using a touchless device or a smartphone, smartcard, or smartwatch through an app. With no cash at hand, human contact becomes unnecessary, making it more hygienic, safer, efficient, and convenient. Restaurants with POS systems that support numerous touchless payment methods will continue to have an added advantage in addressing customer concerns and improve their operations in the coming years.
5. QR codes
Already a common trend in mobile-first countries like China, QR codes are becoming popular across the globe and popping up at most established restaurants worldwide. Auto-scanning using smartphone cameras on tables, posters, doors, coasters, or websites allows consumers to access menus, place orders, and make payments without contact. This innovation doesn’t need downloading an app. In this “no-touch” era, this restaurant technology trend will be a must in the coming years to help operators keep their customers and workers safe.
6. Inventory management software
Inventory management is integral for restaurateurs to cut costs and maximize profits. Issues associated with tracking food costs, maintaining the required inventory level, and preventing employee theft can decrease profits and increase operational costs. For these reasons, digital inventory management will be one of the vital restaurant technology trends in the coming years. From assisting in tracking and minimizing over-pours at the bar to predicting and preparing for an unexpected increase in sales, digital inventory management can help restaurants cut costs and maximize the profitability of their items.
Technology in the restaurant industry is set to improve and spike in the coming years. Although the fundamental aspects of a restaurant, such as great location, food, and service, will continue contributing to a restaurant’s success, taking advantage of the technologies outlined above can give restaurants a competitive edge.
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