Technology used in restaurants helps the management of a restaurant run smoothly and efficiently. Our traditional dining establishments were always slow to adapt to modern changes and technology. For them, the pen and paper were easy to handle. Employees could jot down the order and draw a map of the delivery location without using any software. But for the last few years, technology has rapidly made its way into the restaurant industry.
Competition in the restaurant industry is growing day by day. If you are a business owner, you need to adapt to the market. This means using technology to keep pace with the growth of this industry and enhance your guest’s experiences. These technologies can benefit you both inside and outside the premises of a restaurant. However, depending on the nature of the establishment, certain modern facilities will only work with a specific restaurant type.
If you are unsure where to begin, this article is a helpful guide to point you in the right direction. You will understand why technology is beneficial for restaurant owners, employees, and customers.
How Does New Technology in Restaurants Help the Restaurant Industry?
The new technologies in restaurants make it essential for restaurant owners to keep up with the latest trends. Using touchless menus, advanced kitchen equipment, and automated payment systems is a must for restaurants. Keeping up with customer demands requires you to adapt to the new world of technology. To better understand how new technology helps the restaurant industry, we have to revisit the lockdown days.
During the pandemic, the government shut everything down. Due to that, the majority of the businesses were losing money. They were struggling, and those that could not survive had to close shop permanently. The restaurant industry was no exception.
However, some of them were able to survive this crisis thanks to technology, especially the online ordering system. The online ordering system allowed restaurants to continue serving customers through takeout and delivery services. Moreover, technology also played a crucial role in implementing contactless payment methods.
Even after the pandemic, online delivery is in demand now, and a restaurant has to keep up with this trend. Not catering to online delivery may cause a restaurant to lose customers. Here is where the delivery apps come in. There are various types of digital apps used in restaurants. The technology used in restaurants streamlines all your restaurant’s operations, thus helping you keep the management under control.
Other benefits of technologies that run a restaurant are a smooth management system, streamlining order processes, and improving marketing strategies. Integrating technology can also lead to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to managing resources and reducing waste.
With the use of new technology, traditional restaurants are converting into smart restaurants.
Operational Technology Used in Restaurants
Adapting to the trend of applying new technology in restaurants and going digital will benefit you at various stages. These new technologies in restaurants will pave your way to success in the restaurant business. Going digital is a must-have technology for restaurants.
One category of technology that every restaurant adopts is operational technology. The operational technology that most restaurants use includes digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and software programs. You can improve the performance of every area of your restaurant by integrating technology into your restaurant management system. Let us discuss some technologies in smart restaurants that use digital technology in this modern era.
- Contactless payment
- Digital display system
- Kitchen Automation
- Security cameras
- Inventory management software
- Self-ordering kiosks
- Mobile ordering apps
The benefits of technology in restaurants go beyond these examples.
6 Types of Technology in the Restaurant Industry
All restaurants, no matter how big or small, use some sort of technology. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact type, here is a list of some technologies in the restaurant industry:
#1: Point of Sale System
A POS point of sale is the place where a transaction takes place. For example, a point of sale can be a cash counter, self-payment, mobile app, kiosk, or online payment check page. The main types of POS systems are mobile-based, tablet-based, and cloud-based.
- Mobile POS: A mobile POS helps you manage your business from your mobile device. With this app, you can have control over all the sales accounts.
- Tablet-based POS: This software allows customers to pay at the table and improves customer satisfaction.
- Cloud-based: Most POS systems are cloud-based and secure all your data on their servers. A cloud-based software system that helps you work online and offline as well.
#2: Employee Scheduling and Management Software
By using a software application to manage and schedule their employees, a restaurant can improve the efficiency of its management. This software technology used in restaurants allows managers to easily create schedules, track employee hours, and make any adjustments. It also provides features like shift changes or time-off requests, making it easier for employees to manage their schedules.
Using time-tracking platform technology in restaurants will notify you when the employee checks in for work and their working schedule. You can also schedule time off for your employees by using and automating Google Calendar.
#3: Reservation and Waitlist Management System
A waitlist management software helps your potential customers avoid waiting in queues. The host can text guests when they are ready to accommodate them. This allows the guest to avoid the standing line. The reservation system allows customers to book a table in advance, ensuring they have a guaranteed spot at the restaurant. This improves the guest experience and helps the restaurant manage its seating capacity more efficiently.
#4: Delivery Aggregator Software
A technology used in restaurants is the food delivery aggregator software. This software allows the restaurant to use a single platform for delivery instead of multiple platforms. This system is cost-effective and easy to manage. You can easily manage and keep track of orders as well as keep the menu up-to-date.
#5: Restaurant Kitchen Technology
Restaurant kitchen technology helps you run your cooking area efficiently. This technology has various devices and software that streamline operations, such as:
These tools help reduce errors and ensure consistency in food preparation. By implementing restaurant kitchen technology in your restaurant business, you can enhance the guest experience and increase productivity.
#6: Digital Signage
Digital signage is a technology used in restaurant display systems on a plasma screen. It is a digital signage media player that displays the restaurant’s menu. Colorful visuals, images, and animations are constantly running to capture the customer’s attention. A digital display board is a new technology in restaurants. You can also use it as a marketing tool by displaying new promotions and special offers to attract more customers. This modern technology enhances the overall dining experience and also allows for quick and easy updates to the menu.
Must-have Technology in Restaurants
Every dining establishment uses some form of digital equipment to streamline its business operations. However, keeping up-to-date with the latest restaurant technology trends in today’s rapidly growing tech environment is vital. A recently launched piece of equipment or idea can become the new must-have technology in restaurants.
Smart Ovens
One feature of a smart oven is the oven’s ability to connect to WiFi or a Bluetooth device. You can control and monitor your smart oven’s different modes from a distance through an app, making your cooking easier. Some smart ovens offer two separate oven spaces that allow you to cook two meals at different temperatures. Automated kitchen equipment streamlines the cooking process, ensuring precise and consistent results. These ovens often come with pre-programmed recipes and temperature settings. This takes the guesswork out of cooking and allows even amateur chefs to create delicious meals. By far, this is a must-have technology in restaurants.
Drone Delivery
Drone service is a new technology used in restaurants to transport food directly to the consumer’s doorstep. Drone delivery is fast as the man-driven, remote-controlled device avoids traffic jams and reaches its drop location in less time. The advantage of drone delivery is that it is cost-effective and time-saving. The food arrives fresh and hot, without fear of mishandling. Further, you can convert potential customers into loyal customers when the food delivery is to the customer’s satisfaction.
Drone delivery is the future technology used in restaurants. But there are a few setbacks to this delivery operation that need solutions. First come the unpredictable weather conditions; if it’s too windy, a drone delivery will not be stable. A heavy food package will also pose a hindrance because a remote-controlled drone is a light vehicle. Luckily, these minor setbacks are in the resolving stage of the future food technology in restaurants.
The Kitchen Display System (KDS)
This will help your kitchen staff keep track of all the orders they receive. The POS system can instantly display the food orders of new customers. Once the order is complete, it disappears from the kitchen display. This improves the efficiency of the staff in preparing the meals.
Security Technology in Restaurants
A foolproof security system is a must-have technology in restaurants. It is essential to keeping your business, guests, and staff safe. Surveillance camera installation must cover all the sensitive areas of the restaurant, including entrances, exits, dining areas, and kitchen spaces.
Alarm systems work with the connection to the phone lines. They alert the authorities as well as the owner in the event of a break-in or emergency. Additionally, regular maintenance and updates to the security system are crucial to ensuring its effectiveness and reliability over time. Easy access to evacuation exit plans must be visible on every floor.
Maintenance of the water sprinkler system is necessary to ensure the system is in working condition in any fire emergency. Additionally, training staff members on proper security protocols and procedures can further enhance the overall safety of the restaurant.
Keycard entry or biometric systems can further enhance security by restricting unauthorized individuals from entering sensitive areas.
Regular testing and drills should also be part of security. It ensures that employees are familiar with emergency procedures and can respond effectively in the case of any crisis.
Food Processing Technology in Restaurants
Consumers today are becoming aware of the value of nutritional food. To ensure healthy food, restaurants are implementing different ways of processing food. Many eateries use advanced technology in restaurants, primarily for their food processing systems. This includes using high-tech equipment such as:
- Automated cooking machines
- Precision cutting tools
- Smart ovens
- Smart sensor systems
This tracks and analyzes ingredient sourcing, ensuring quality and safety standards for food maintenance. Apart from software and equipment, restaurants also use processing methods like blockchain and HPP.
Blockchain
A blockchain method carries all the information about the product and its origin. The consumer can scan the products with their smartphones to track the process from start to finish.
High-pressure processing (HPP)
High-pressure processing kills inactive viruses, microbes, and any natural enzymes. HPP is a non-thermal preservation technology that applies high pressure to food using cold water. This technique does not affect the quality or texture of the food products.
Some benefits of HPP are:
- Less treatment time
- It preserves flavor, color, and nutrition
- Vegetables and fruits do not turn brown
- Safe for probiotic products
- There is no evidence of toxicity
Nowadays, food preservation technology has become more important in the restaurant industry.
Marketing Technology in Restaurants
This may come as a surprise, but many dining establishments depend on marketing tools to attract new customers. Apart from traditional methods such as advertisements and SMS marketing, restaurants now utilize advanced technology to enhance their marketing strategies. This includes the use of:
Most of these marketing strategies may appear difficult to adopt, but if you use Beambox, they can assist you. The technology used in restaurants by Beambox is their all-in-one marketing platform. With this, they can capture and connect with customers. Learn more about Beambox and start growing your business.
Get Started With Free WiFi Marketing
Beambox helps businesses like yours grow with data capture, marketing automation and reputation management.
Sign up for 30 days free
