Consumers have recently become aware of dramatic changes in the world of retail and the way they shop – but many haven’t even noticed that a massive upheaval is also going on in the restaurant world.
Because today, digital dining is working for customers right throughout the day – even if they don’t realise it.
Technology is working hand in hand with hungry people 24/7, from kiosk self-ordering at their breakfast outlet to speeding up lunch service and then ordering dinner online – see our short video.
Restaurant EPOS software has been transforming the way food outlets engage with their customers for a while; can you remember a time when you didn’t see Deliveroo drivers whizzing by?
But it’s a quiet revolution. And unlike retail transformation, which is causing disruption in the high street, the digital transformation of the restaurant industry is having huge benefits for both outlets and customers.
So why should you update your restaurant EPOS software?
Well, it’s no longer just EPOS, for a start. Solutions such as Aloha are now comprehensive restaurant management systems that enable dynamic pricing and many other business-boosting innovations.
I’ve picked out 5 of the many reasons you need to implement restaurant EPOS software if you haven’t already done so and keep your system up to date.
- Customer service gets a huge boost
- You can control labour better
- Stock and waste are kept under control
- The risk of allergens is reduced
- Customer loyalty is promoted
Customer service gets a huge boost:
Keeping your restaurant EPOS software in tip-top condition puts a shine on your customer service in a number of ways.
It becomes easier for customers to find your restaurant and book a table online, via apps such as OpenTable, or to place an order for delivery.
Once at your restaurant, the restaurant EPOS software provides graphic seating plans so they are seated more quickly.
They can then self-order on tablets, or serving staff take the order on handheld technology; either way, it’s sent directly to the kitchen.
There, it can be integrated with kitchen automation, and the meal arrives swiftly and accurately.
Payment is also taken tableside, so the whole dining experience is incredibly seamless and satisfying.
You can control labour better:
Finding staff and rostering them effectively is always an issue in the industry, and even more so now that Brexit is reducing the labour pool – it’s estimated that over 300,000 hospitality workers are considering leaving the UK.
Restaurant EPOS software can’t find you skilled staff, but it can provide detailed reports that show exactly what levels of staffing is needed at what times.
The technology also reduces tasks such as running back and forth to the kitchen with orders, which not only saves staff time but gives them more opportunity to engage with customers.
In casual or fast outlets, self-service kiosks integrated with the digital system are a popular choice for customers who need to order, pick up and go. Once again, the customer experience is effortless, while staff time is used to its maximum value.
Stock and waste are kept under control
The data capture facilities in restaurant management technology not only makes sure stock levels correlate with what’s selling, but also provide accurate forecasts to help support your procurement decisions.
In these days of environmental awareness (and spiralling costs), it’s good to know waste can be kept to a minimum.
The risk of allergens is reduced
This is an extraordinarily hot topic at the moment, because of several tragic food allergy-related deaths.
In recognition of the heavy burden of responsibility on chefs designing dishes, Aloha restaurant EPOS software now includes chef-designed Kitchen CUT software that tracks ingredients and potential allergens through every dish.
It also gives chefs complete control over costs while creating their menus.
Customer loyalty is promoted
A great experience will often bring customers back again and again, but restaurant management technology strengthens your engagement with diners.
By capturing information about their preferences, it enables you to create tailored offers that are highly likely to appeal to them and build repeat business.
In addition, the software helps your restaurant monitor its social media reputation, even alerting managers to adverse reviews so they can be addressed immediately.
How should you choose a supplier for your restaurant EPOS software?
Consider what you want to achieve with your system, and how you’d like you to want your staff to use it; ask yourself what sort of reports will help you run your business better.
Potential suppliers should be able to talk to you about restaurants they already supply – and don’t forget to ask for references. To keep costs low, ask if the supplier offers an affordable rental option.
As dining becomes increasingly digital, investing in restaurant management software (or updating the system you already have) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
So take your time and be sure to seek expert opinion; the benefits of making a wise choice are immense.
