Tech Adoption Tips for Independent Restaurants
Technology has becomeone of the necessary infrastructures in today's highly competitive restaurantindustry, as demonstrated by the world's leading restaurant brands, who arealready in the lead with this, adopting smart technologies into their operations.
While technologyadoption in the hospitality industry has grown tremendously over the last fewyears, by the end of 2022, small and independent operators still needed tocatch up, with 81% of independent operators still using legacy systems.However, the future does look promising, with 55% of restaurants planning toadopt new technologies and 60% planning to automate more online functions in2023.
Transitioning intotech-powered solutions is not a one-step transformation but requires astrategic process to ensure minimal disruptions to existing operations.
Identify business needs
The food and beverage sector has diversified, ranging from cafesand food courts to fine dining venues. Each one of these restaurant types hasneeds that are unique to their own, depending on different workflows,operational capabilities and market segments.
It's essential toidentify the specific pain points of one's business to determine which areascan benefit most from technology. For example, the right Point-of-Sale (POS)solution will help these types of businesses alike but only some companies mayneed robotics to replace their servers. Understanding the unique needs, nichemarkets, and preferences of one's target audiences helps businesses toprioritise their expenses.
Investing in smart point-of-sale systems
Modern businesses are conglomerates of multiple elementsinterconnected with suppliers, consumers, social media audiences and otherstakeholders. These businesses require a smart solution that goes beyond thecash settlements but manages multiple business avenues, including inventory,staff, customer preferences, sales, and menus.
Restaurants justentering the market can benefit vastly from smart or EPOS solutions, which haveintegrated facilities to manage orders, tables, inventory, and staffresponsibilities. Especially the cloud-based systems are easily interfaced withother modules, such as payment processors and loyalty programs, which enablesbetter synchronisation of operations.
Embrace online ordering and delivery
In the era of convenience, online ordering and delivery platformshave become essential for restaurants. Online ordering and delivery became oneof the prime sources of revenue for restaurants during the lockdown, promisingsales and customer engagement even when businesses could not afford to openphysically.
Today, they present amarvelous opportunity; partnering with popular food delivery services to bringadditional income, especially for businesses struggling with space and labourshortages.
With the entire fooddelivery app industry expected to reach a $165 billion market by 2029,establishing one's own online ordering site or system presents opportunities.Cloud-based online ordering modules have facilities to respond to all onlineorders and menu planning and even integrate seamlessly with other relevantsystems.
Establishing smart table management systems
Table management technology helps restaurants efficiently managereservations, walk-ins, and venue seating arrangements, minimising wait timesand enhancing the overall dining experience. A reservation module isconstructive for businesses dealing with large number of customers or lookingto expand their operations.
Digital table bookingsolutions can manage table reservations and floor plans for day-to-dayoperations and special events, reducing waiting times and crowded spaces acrossthe venue. Further, innovative solutions also provide the facility to receivereservations via search engines such as google and other booking channels,increasing reservations and sales and creating a satisfying customerexperience.
Loyalty programs and customer relationship management
Retaining customers is just as important as attracting new ones,and that is why implementing a loyalty program is essential when trying to getyour brand out there and create more conversations around it.
Using the data collectedon digital solutions such as POS or online ordering, businesses can trackconsumer preferences and plan loyalty offers accordingly. Additionally, a CRMsystem enables brands to enhance their communication with customers further andpersonalise communications and promotions, creating a curated experience thatkeeps customers returning.
Loyalty programs alsoentice customers to engage with the brand digitally, further enhancing abrand's digital presence.
Streamline staff training and communication
Digital migration is aprocess that requires several changes to the existing workflows of anorganisation. As such, the current employees must be familiar with the changesto transition to digital operations smoothly and without bottlenecks.
Equipping employees withtechnology skills enables faster order processing, smoother table management,and improved communication, reducing errors and wait times. Additionally,adequate training leads to optimised operations and better decision-making andempowers the staff to provide uninterrupted assistance to customers whenevernecessary. By staying updated on technological advancements, restaurant staffcan deliver exceptional customer service, improve productivity, and remaincompetitive in the ever-evolving restaurant industry.
What is the next step for small and independent restaurants?
Understandably, mostsmall and independent brands start with limited resources and will be concernedwith digital migration. Further, they may lack the technical knowledge orexpertise to select and implement appropriate technologies and evaluatedifferent options. There may also be resistance to change from staff andcustomers alike, especially if they need to familiarise themselves with toolslike ordering apps or digital reservations.
Thus, the way forwardfor those new to digitalisation is to partner with a trusted tech solutionsprovider who can offer round the clock support to ensure a smooth transitionand seamless integration. Further, it is also essential that businessesmaintain a hybridity of technology and human interaction so that hospitalityretains the amicability it is known for.
With careful planningand implementation, tech adoption can be a game-changer for small restaurants,empowering them to thrive in today's competitive landscape and deliverexceptional dining experiences.