In the U.S., 95 percent of small businesses rely on at least one type of technology to run their organization. If you haven’t started upgrading to digital systems, you’re already behind.
However, choosing restaurant technology involves more than picking the first software you see. Even if you’re excited to get started, it’s important you weigh up business requirements, current problem areas, and audience demands for tech that’s tailored to your kitchens.
Ready to find the most valuable solutions? Take a look at the benefits of different technologies in this guide and find the software that’s right for your restaurant.
Automate Your Inventory and Asset Management
Your kitchen operations rely on efficient inventory and asset management. This ensures you have the right ingredients and tools for your menu, can meet customer demand, and don’t waste money by over-ordering.
Utilizing technology makes managing your inventory a whole lot simpler. A smart inventory management system will:
- Make it easier to monitor your stock and assets
- Trigger automatic orders when supplies are low
- Record data on supply and demand
- Identify trends (such as seasonal shifts in demand for different menu items)
Asset management works slightly differently from inventory management. Rather than focusing on repeat food orders, it focuses on your equipment.
For example, asset management technology can be used for predictive maintenance. It’ll remind you when servicing is needed and use past data to predict future repairs before they’re required.
This greatly reduces the amount of downtime in your kitchen due to broken equipment, helping you stay ahead of potential problems.
It can also track asset value, ensure correct risk management, and help you maintain clear records of all your assets.
Online Ordering Systems
Online ordering systems have been widely adopted by restaurants over the past few years, becoming a staple in the industry.
This software makes it easier for customers to order remotely, opting for either at-home delivery or collection. Some common examples of third-party online ordering systems include Uber Eats and DoorDash.
The US Chamber of Commerce reported that small businesses benefit from these third-party delivery platforms in several ways, including growth, employment, and revenue.
They also provide a brilliant way to diversify your income stream without disrupting your existing kitchen operation, leveraging third-party delivery services and drivers to expand your customer base.
Clever Menu Optimization
- If you’re looking to improve restaurant efficiency, don’t overlook your menu.
- A clear menu enables your customers to find what they’re looking for quickly, speeding up ordering times for quicker turnover.
- You can also use clever layouts to maximize revenue.
Oracle, an online menu developer, highlights The Golden Triangle Concept as part of their main features of a good menu. It’s described as a form of “Menu psychology,” in which your customers “First look to the middle, then the top right corner, followed by the top left corner” of your menu. By placing your high-value items in these spots, you could see an increase in average order value (AOV).
You can also digitize your menu, using QR codes to allow customers to view your options on their phones as soon as they sit down. Enable ordering via your digital menu, too, and speed up service while reducing labor costs.
Point of Sale (POS) Systems
When improving kitchen operations, a POS system is essential.
This handy, all-in-one digital device allows for better management of your kitchen and front-of-house. Your team can:
- Update the menu with real-time changes (such as when an item is out of stock)
- Seat customers quickly with real-time table overviews
- Take orders and payments
- Track orders
- Manage table reservations
It also improves communication between your kitchen and servers by enabling orders to be sent straight to the chefs.
In the kitchen, the POS system helps you keep tabs on key information, including inventory levels, how many guests are in, and upcoming reservations. This improves time management and efficiency, with kitchen staff better able to prepare according to demand.
Kitchen Display Systems
A kitchen display system (KDS) can work alongside your POS. This digital screen displays incoming and existing orders, reducing the chance of miscommunication between servers and chefs.
This is an instant system, too. As soon as an order is placed at a table, it appears on the KDS, allowing chefs to start fulfilling the order immediately for enhanced efficiency.
Combine your in-person, online takeaway, and collection orders in one place through your KDS. This creates a more streamlined system, helping chefs prioritize orders based on when they were placed and ensuring all of your customers are catered to.
The Future Potential of AI Restaurant Technology
The most exciting form of modern technology is artificial intelligence (AI). How could this futuristic software shape the future of your kitchen operations?
There are a few examples already starting to enter the market that we think are worth taking note of. These include:
AI can use past data and upcoming events to predict peak times for your restaurant, scheduling the right number of staff per shift to cater to demand. Not only does this improve efficiency, it can also save you money by only paying for the labor you need.
Automated scheduling
Improved demand predictions
These demand predictions can have benefits across your operations. By taking into account weather, local events, and seasonal shifts, your AI software can accurately order stock to meet demand and help you allocate financial resources to suit predicted income.
Supply chain optimization
Make sure your restaurant gets the freshest ingredients with AI-powered supply chain optimization. An autonomous system can direct your deliveries based on the quickest routes and optimal delivery times. This can also reduce stress in your kitchen, with deliveries set to arrive at predicted lulls in service.
The future potential of AI in your restaurants is virtually endless. Upcoming technologies could generate menus based on specific target audience preferences, monitor food waste, and even track health and safety within your kitchen.
Our advice? Watch this space.
Restaurant technology drives efficiency in modern restaurants. From enabling better communication between servers and chefs to improving inventory management, we hope this article has given you plenty of insight into the potential of tech in your business.
Ashley Harris started her career in hospitality over 10 years ago and has a degree in Global Masters in Management. She is passionate about innovations in the hospitality and food sector and is looking to connect with other professionals in the industry. Follow her on Twitter: @Ashley_Harris91
