Restaurant of the Future: 7 Must-Have Technologies
The reality about the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) has made every business modeler begin to conceive the operations of their enterprises in a manner that overtly embraces technology. The restaurant industry is principally one of them. Even customers expect this paradigmatic shift for an all-round, optimal improvement of the industry.
The culinary industry is one of the sectors that is beginning to utilize invention to bolster the chances of success and prosperity that the restaurant can envisage. Indeed, the need to address the technological improvements that have changed the way we perceive the industry cannot be overemphasized.
A number of these technologies are likely to be implemented in the restaurant industry in the coming future. However, they can either improve the existing service or food preparation process; or as well borrow from other industries or be invented in the years to come. Here are seven (7) of the must-have restaurant technologies of the future:
1. Mobile Payments
It is no point stating that beyond the use of credit cards and the payment of cash the restaurateur has got to incorporate the use of mobile payments into the operations of the business outfit. Mobile payments are speculated to be one of those areas that would be a top R & D project in the years to come. As mobile payments becomes more affordable, customers tend to see more reasons to use it for their day-to-day affairs. If we can utilize mobile payments to conveniently pay for your groceries, hotel reservations, and even transport services, why can’t we use it when paying for meals?
The benefits are quite overwhelming, and it factually considers the simple thing that consumer behavior is tracked and they can dig for statistics and trends. It also enhances the speed of service to a great length. It would vastly improve the mode of accuracy in transactions by the operators and many other things.
Some technologists and information analysts have considered that those restaurateurs who do not weld the mobile payment options into their operations would begin to lose the younger generation customers fast while those who do would appreciably flourish.
2. Robotics
Don’t laugh, in a short while to come, many businesses including the culinary industry will begin to use robotics, both in their hardware and software forms. This is because the restaurant’s need for business efficacy and efficiency would compel the allowance of technology innovations. Making these tech investments would undoubtedly cut down overhead and running cost more than by a whole half. It should be noted however that this has to do with emerging technology development.
These robots would likely take on streamlining payment orders, maintenance practices, self-diagnosing devices which report and maintain matters related to managing culinary activities. One disadvantage that can be spotted however with this sort of restaurant technology is essentially it’s entirely replacing human value. It would cause an under-utilization of human resources.
But this can be effectively managed by mandating the extent of human presence to augment the procedures to be undertaken by the robots. Specific tasks may be left to the exclusive discretion of only humans.
One significant shortcoming here is that; only human employees can considerably recognize with and interact facially and socially with fellow customers. Notwithstanding, fingerprints readers that facilitate a customer profile which details the records and loyalty of the customers can be developed to aid human-robot dealings.
3. Delivery Means Facilitation
Very importantly, many quick-service restaurants (QSR) will always want to optimize their delivery strategies. Restaurant owners can deliver their food to customers according to their different locations. And this would mean they provide the food in its most edible and consumable state – this is why some restaurant owners may even process their foods or products on the go in the transporting trucks as they deliver them.
The addresses and ZIP Codes of the customers are collected, and the multiple orders are advanced to the relevant locations based on the time and place. Indeed, as some information forecasters and analysts have underscored, the importance of mobile delivery facilitation is essential.
This necessity has made it compelling for restaurant owners to begin to employ an organized, efficient transport system that would meet the needs of the ever-increasing customers. One setback that the restaurants may encounter however is in achieving heightened and cost-effective mobile delivery systems.
4. Feedback Technology
Most diners who visit a restaurant for the first time often try to adapt. They make specific observations which if the restaurant key into the proper manner would make the restaurateur achieve optimal improvements in their net profits. It is needful to analyze the feedback of customers reaching out to the restaurant again.
This can be attained through several social media handlers that would ultimately give the customers an honorable reach-in in the restaurant’s affairs and make valid use of its Restaurant Managment System (RMS).
5. Guest Wi-Fi
The installation of a free Wi-Fi would go a long way in improving the services of the restaurant enterprises. Many customers would be delighted to make use of, and better still exploit a high connectivity medium that helps them undertake businesses or have some fun all the same. Wi-Fi is a technology that helps promote your guest experience and should be efficient for customers so they are more likely to consider your outfit on a next mealtime.
It essentially enhances customers’ interest in the restaurant. It can however disappoint customers if the Wi-Fi facility is not of gradable quality as the customers expect. They might get pissed-off and completely irritated with the restaurant altogether. So, it is best advised you secure best Wi-Fi service providers.
6. Automated Inventory Follow-up
Many well-to-do restaurant owners are beginning to leave traditional spreadsheet options because of the failures linked to manual data entry and secretarial errors. Restaurant POS software like Harbortouch can conveniently manage your inventory and run inventory reports for your restaurant.
7. Digital Menu Board
Installing digital menu boards with LCD screens that showcase all your cuisine, pricing and menu electronically can help remove the cost for printers and save your employees the stress of chalkboard listing. This sort of tech prompts the customers with needed info on the food to be served and other associated factors. An important challenge however, is maintenance of the digital tools for optimum service delivery.
Conclusion
The contemporary culinary industry is quite dynamic technology-wise, with the end view of attaining customer satisfaction and maximizing profits. Technological innovations can make better growth in the restaurant workspace. Restaurants seeking to prosper have begun to take advantage of the paradigm shift in technology.
Learn More
Harbortouch is the future of POS technology, find out how Harbortouch can benefit your restaurant business by visiting https://www.harbortouchpossoftware.com.
