THE AUTHOR:
A Complete Guide to Restaurant Technology Trends for Business Development in 2023
Order and Payment Tech
1. Contactless Payment (Smartphones)
Each year the necessity for digital payment methods is increasing as more and more people stop using cash. Bakeries, cafes, and restaurants should be ready to work with customers who prefer cashless transactions to remain competitive. Today, POS terminals still dominate the market; however, many restaurants in developed countries all around the globe are building solutions that provide customers with the ability to pay for their bills from their smartphones. It’s fast and convenient, eliminating the need for customers to wait longer than they want. A restaurant can quickly and securely accept contactless payment without needing special equipment by implementing the appropriate software solutions.
2. Contactless Payment (QR Codes)
People don’t like waiting, and data shows that each year the average customer visiting a restaurant experiencing annoyance while waiting for their bill is increasing. One of the number one reasons for delayed bill time is outdated POS systems. QR-codes solve this by allowing customers to pay by scanning the code on their table. This feature also empowers customers to view a digital menu and order without speaking with a waiter. This payment method isn’t just friendly for the customer but also beneficial for the restaurant, as it allows the table to be served and turned over faster.
3. Contactless Ordering (Digital Menus)
Service is a competitive advantage. A significant aspect of digitization for the restaurant industry is the rapid introduction of digital menus. The pandemic played a major role in the introduction of contactless ordering, making it safer and more comfortable for customers. Orders are automatically processed and appropriately transferred to accounting and the kitchen. Additional bonuses of such automation are larger average check sizes, quicker table turnover, and easier-to-edit menus. Digital menus can also include advertisements and promotions. Digital menus can also be placed as advertisements in marketplaces, on websites/apps, on search platforms, and even on social networks.
4. Contactless Ordering (In-House Food Delivery)
Ordering food online combines all of the above technologies because it involves having an online menu with quality images and detailed descriptions and the ability to pay online. Plenty of services and aggregators have offers for buying meals from a restaurant and delivering them for a fee. However, suppose the restaurant can provide logistics without extra charges or offer free delivery. Ordering, payment, and delivery are combined into a single digital solution. According to Gartner, this feature boomed during the pandemic and continues to grow in popularity as shown in the delivery-only operation.
5. Contactless Ordering (Self-Service Stations)
Covid times have forced many restaurateurs, especially food court owners, to look for new restaurant technology trends to solve problems. Self-service stations have managed to minimize interaction between customers and staff, automating the process of ordering and paying for food. In addition, computerized kiosks eliminate many human-based errors on the part of restaurant staff and generally speed up and improve service. Interactive kiosk market revenue has reached nearly $29 billion worldwide, and that number will potentially double by 2028, according to a study by Statista.
Computools
Software Solutions
Computools is an IT Consulting and Custom Software Development Company that designs solutions to help companies meet the needs of tomorrow. Our clients represent a wide range of industries, including retail, finance, healthcare, consumer service, logistics and more.
Digital Solutions for Promotions
1. Mobile Friendliness
For a restaurant business that has decided on the path of digitalization, it’s essential to realize the importance of mobile-friendliness. Most customers’ activities are done with their smartphones, so whatever you choose, be it a website, platform, app, etc., the solution should be adapted for smartphones.
2. Digital marketing
Though digital marketing is not a new technology for restaurants, it’s probably one of the most effective for the restaurant business. Restaurant brands can promote through Google Adwords and on social media. This restaurant technology trend allows food and beverage businesses to create an energetic atmosphere online and attract visitors. In addition, with the help of social media, the restaurant can collect User Generated Content, get feedback, comments, and recommendations from existing customers. An online presence helps improve customer service, notify customers of promotions or exciting events, showcase those events, and generally create a positive image. A loyalty program lays the groundwork for repeat restaurant visits. It’s not complicated to trigger push notifications within the app, website, or even email.
3. Automated Management Systems
Automated restaurant business management systems are crucial for automation, analytics, and control. It can apply to an entire business and the work of specific departments or employees. Automating restaurant operations allows, for example, the tracking of financial flows and the logistics of products or kitchen supplies. In addition, an automated system will help simplify the ordering and delivery of dishes from the restaurant. Automated system reports allow for tighter control of working shifts and payroll processes. If it’s food automation, a restaurant owner can control the flow of goods and their quantity, order additional items quickly, and see balances in real-time. According to Forbes, automation ensures high productivity and cost-effectiveness for restaurants.
Conclusions
Technology in the restaurant industry is used on many levels, both in customer service and internal operations. Adopted on time and carefully considered, it can take a restaurant business to new levels.
To develop a digital menu board for your restaurant, reach out to info@computools.com.
Computools was selected through an RFP process. They were shortlisted and selected from between 5 other suppliers. Computools has worked thoroughly and timely to solve all security issues and launch as agreed. Their expertise is impressive.