Is tech really that important in the restaurant and food industry?

Yes, technology has benefited restaurant operations by standardizing processes, reducing human error, scaling operations, and more. No wonder why the global food technology market is worth a whopping 220.3 billion US dollars!

If you’re a restaurant owner, continue reading for a quick summary of what you need to know about tech and how it plays a role in your restaurant.

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How Does Technology Improve the Restaurant Operation?

Investing in technology is the only option for most restaurants to stay ahead of the competition, whether you are looking to create a safer dining experience for your guests or allow them to taste your delicacies from the convenience of their own homes.

Here are some statistics that tell you all about the importance of investing in tech systems today.

For over 95% of restaurants, technology is playing a vital role in helping them improve their operation efficiency.
65% of guests prefer to order from a self-order kiosk, especially when dining at a quick-service restaurant.
The global self-service kiosk market is worth over 28 billion US dollars - and it is expected to grow to 45 billion dollars by 2028.
Also due to the impact of Covid-19, the online food delivery market is today worth over 111 billion US dollars - and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.51% over the next two years.
For over one-third of customers, contactless and touchless solutions are of particular importance, especially in this post-pandemic scenario.
Nearly three-quarters of customers report enjoying an improved experience at a restaurant thanks to technological features.
90% of chain restaurants and nearly 80% of independent restaurants say that technology is one of their main competitive advantages.
Introducing a self-service kiosk - and using its upselling and customization features - can lead to a 6% increase in revenue.

The restaurant technology sector is growing at an unprecedented rate - mostly thanks to the increased adoption of new and emerging technologies by restaurateurs.

But the right tech can also help you reduce your staff turnover, cut down waste, build loyalty, and boost revenue. Here is how to use it right!

How Most Restaurants Use Technology

Technology can be used in many ways to help your business grow. Below are some of the most common ways.

Improving the Customer Experience

In 2019, over 80% of restaurants allocated a larger budget to their technology spending - and they have done so with the primary goal to improve their customers’ experience. And, indeed, the right tech can help you do so. Here’s how:

Using QR codes and contactless systems can provide customers with a safer and more streamlined experienced.
A smart reservation system can help you and your team prepare to welcome a customer by noting their names, special requests, and dietary requirements.
Using handheld and cloud-based POS systems can reduce service timings and limit errors.
KDS (kitchen display systems) can improve communication and timings in the kitchen, which can result in better service.

Managing and Training Staff

According to a Fortune study, the hospitality industry has been by far the hardest-hit sector by the countrywide Great Resignation. The sector is struggling to acquire and retain employees with millions leaving by September 2021. At the same time, most people today would stay in a job if given adequate training and growth chances.

The use of technology can reduce expenses and disruptions. If you want to improve your employees' personal and professional growth, you could invest in a customized online training platform.

Reducing Waste and Optimizing Inventory

One of the main reasons for restaurants to adopt technology is to increase efficiency while maintaining high standards and reducing operational costs. Can technology really do so?

The right investments can. Some of the options you should consider include:

A cloud-based inventory system that can replace your current pen-and-paper processes
Employee scheduling software can reduce labor wastage and optimize your employees’ productivity
Self-order kiosks, QR codes, and automated systems can help you reduce the number of employees needed while maintaining high service standards
An automated ordering system can help you prevent shortages and avoid overspending

Collecting Client Data and Highlighting Market Trends

While technology can't replace your employees' talent, it may help your company in many ways. Providing superior service to your consumers also allows you to collect valuable customer data.

Today, most of the information restaurants are able to collect is not used to improve their customer experience and the company’s operations. There is a lot that you can do to put your customers’ data to good use:

Hand out surveys and ask customers to leave a review. This simple gesture can help you collect their name, email, and feedback, which provide a great opportunity to start building a relationship with them
Leverage your reservation system. Customers will be asked to provide their names, contact information, dietary needs, and preferences, which can be utilized to amaze them when they return to your restaurant.
Offer free WiFi - It's impossible to know every customer's name and surname. But they'll probably use your WiFi. Set up a login page that asks for names and emails.

Once you get this info, don't waste it. You can utilize the names and contacts to send emails and create relationships. But you can also employ a comprehensive strategy to analyze your clients and future market trends.

Improving Service Standards and Efficiency

One of the main reasons to invest in technology is that it can significantly improve your business’s standards and efficiency. It does so by increasing the speed of service and minimizing labor wastage. At the same time, automated systems allow you to pinpoint areas of risk and improvement, and can help you maintain your high standards while you scale up your operations.

Disadvantages of Technology in Restaurants

The advantages of investing in technology outweigh the drawbacks - especially if you are planning on creating a business that remains sustainable in future years. At the same time, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind and prepare for. These include:

High adoption costs - Especially for small businesses, the cost of investing in technology can be high. But so are the returns!
Staff training and operational changes - Your business will work smoothly once you become acquainted with a new piece of technology. After implementing a new solution, there is an adjustment period that might substantially alter your daily operations. Also, train your management and personnel!
Investing in the right technology - Every company is different, and if you are on a budget, you need to know what technologies will be most beneficial. This is difficult for many independent restaurant owners, especially without a clear digital transformation roadmap.
Technical issues - Technical issues happen often and across all industries. When a restaurant reports a small technical issue - such as the WiFi being down - this can easily turn into a severe issue. In this case, being able to count on professional outsourced IT services for restaurants like Science On Call can help you resolve your issue quickly and without a loss of revenue.

I always tell myself not to make fast decisions on big strategies or purchases. You might want to do the same when it comes to choosing technology because a lot can go wrong quickly. That’s why having an expert in your corner can help.

Call us today at 312.521.0016 and we’d love to answer any of your questions about restaurant tech.

Conclusion

Restaurants are dependent on technology to run their business. But when the internet goes out or their POS system causes issues, it disrupts operations, devours potential revenue, and leaves customers upset.

Outsource your restaurant tech to Science On Call. We guarantee that your restaurant technology tension will be eliminated in 30 days or you will owe us nothing.

It’s 24-hour technical support with one number to call for any of your tech issues.

We will resolve tech problems fast, free up your time & bandwidth and keep customers happy

Book your free discovery call with us by clicking here to see if it makes sense.

Is Technology Really Improving Restaurant Operations? (Here's What You Need to Know)