TECHNOLOGY RESTAURANTS NEEDS TO THRIVE AMID & POST-COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has drafterestaurant it servicesd an unpredictable path for industries worldwide. At the same time, quarantine and social distancing has forced companies to reimagine every aspect of their operations. Every industry has suffered severely, whether manufacturing or restaurants, amid the pandemic, which forced them to adapt to technology to aid in uncertain situations quickly.
The need for having an interactive restaurant’s website and application has become imperative to make their business survive as pickup and delivery services were the only means to run these businesses amidst the outbreak of coronavirus. As a result, the restaurant industry has seen a drastic shift in day-to-day operations.
The restrictions imposed by governments on restaurant operations made the future of business uncertain. Many restaurant owners shut down their business, and others switched to technology-driven techniques as a consequence. The technology has the potential to swivel your business to new heights if used appropriately. Here are the key elements you need to emphasize to grow your restaurant business amid and post the pandemic.
Organizing, tracking, and managing order has made it easy with POS integrations. Not only restaurant owners but customers have extensive benefits using these systems. The POS system is not new in the restaurant’s world, but it’s an updated cloud-based version of outdated legacy Point Of Sale.
Pre-COVID having a cloud-based POS system in restaurants was considered a competitive advantage. However, post-COVID-19, the scenario changed, and it has become a key to drive the challenges ahead. This is due to the cutting-edge features the POS system has to offer restaurants, such as tableside ordering, menu management, table management, and inventory control management.
While it was quite challenging for restaurants to operate with all the posed restrictions, delivery services were the primary methods to keep the business intact. Therefore, making these options more reliable, safe, and hygienic for customers can boost sales and build brand reputation too.
Some restaurants are providing innovative “scan and order” barcodes at drive-thrus and tables for a touchless experience. In contrast, others are allowing customers to place orders through restaurant specific-apps in curbside delivery, drive, and dine-ins. This has also increased the need for WiFi services inside and outside the restaurants. For optimal customer experience, restaurants necessitate IT services and support.
Besides leveraging the POS system, restaurants can take ample advantage of online ordering technology. In order to adapt to changing customer’s needs, online ordering apps provide a more flexible and customer-friendly option. There are three ways to leverage online ordering, including third-party apps, the restaurant’s app, and its website.
According to statistics, online ordering has become extensively popular, and around 85% of people are using at least one food-ordering online platform. While the number of restaurants adopting online ordering technology is proliferating, some restaurant owners still feel hesitant to rely on online platforms due to the high cost of third-party apps and other challenges.
Online ordering apps can be advantageous for restaurants post-pandemic, which makes it impossible to ignore. It is seen amidst COVID-19, even when the restrictions are lifted, people feel more safe and reliable to order food online and enjoy a meal from their favorite restaurant at the safety of their home. As per an industry’s expert prediction, restaurants investing in online ordering apps will have a profitable return faster than others that rely on dining services.
With the proliferation of technology-driven software and systems in the restaurant industry, the exigency for secured networks has increased. For better management, restaurants hire IT services and support providers, streamlining business operations. The restaurant brand has realized that the network connection is directly related to revenue and customer loyalty. If the network gets down just for a few minutes, the food corner may lose many orders. Therefore, restaurant owners are seeking the help of third-party tech vendors to protect their network from malware attacks.
Cashless payment has received an extensive boost during the COVID-19. Research has shown that coronavirus stays active on plastic for two to three days. Therefore, if a customer pays bills through a card and touches the payment terminal, the virus can easily be transmitted from one person to another. The restaurant brands have shifted to contactless payment methods like mobile wallets to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In the wake of COVID-19, technology is playing an important role in the restaurant industry. This not only helps them in running their operations smoothly but also helps in keeping customers safe and healthy.
