Best Practices For Restaurants Selecting Technology Solutions

Technology is an indispensable ally. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experience, selecting the right technology solutions can make all the difference. However, one of the biggest mistakes that restaurants make when selecting technology partners is not being clear on what problem they are trying to solve. They may be drawn to shiny features and impressive demos, but without a clear understanding of their unique challenges and how a solution fits into their operations, they risk investing in technology that doesn’t deliver the expected benefits. This first step, though it seems simple, is very important for successfully using technology in the restaurant industry.

Understanding the Problem

Before searching for new technology, it’s crucial for restaurants to first identify their specific challenges. Are prime costs exceeding 70%? Is there a discrepancy between actual labor versus scheduled labor? Or maybe recipe management is becoming a daunting task? These are just a few examples of the myriad problems that restaurants face daily. By pinpointing these issues, restaurants can then seek out technology solutions that are tailored to address these specific problems. This targeted approach not only ensures that the chosen technology is fit for purpose but also maximizes the return on investment. Remember, technology in itself is not a silver bullet; it’s how you apply it to your unique challenges that makes the difference.

Digitizing Data Sources

Once the problems are identified, the next step is to digitize all non-digitized data sources. Put simply: you need to collect as much data as possible before making any changes. This might seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential. Consider, for example, the process of recording employee punch in and outs to the POS system, or digitizing invoices down to the line item level. These tasks, when done manually, can be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, with the right technology, these processes can be automated, making them quicker, easier, and more accurate. The key here is to capture as much data as possible, as quickly and easily as possible. This not only saves time but also provides a wealth of data that can be used to make informed decisions. Remember, data is power. The more data you have, the better decisions you can make.

Unified View of Key Metrics

With digitized data at your fingertips, the next step is to create a unified view of your key metrics. This includes labor, sales, and cost of goods sold (COGS). Having a daily view of labor and sales, and a weekly view of COGS, can provide invaluable insights into your restaurant’s operations. For instance, you can easily spot trends, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to improve your bottom line. Imagine being able to see at a glance how your labor costs are tracking against sales, or how changes in your menu affect your COGS. These insights can guide your decision-making process, helping you to run your restaurant more efficiently and profitably. Remember, what gets measured gets managed. So, start measuring!

Expanding Technology Use

Once you have a handle on the core pillars of your business, it’s time to think about expanding your technology use. This could include areas like inventory management, recipe management, prep lists, scheduling, online ordering, and events management. The specific areas you choose to focus on will depend on the type of business you’re running and the unique challenges you face. For instance, a quick-service restaurant might prioritize online ordering and efficient scheduling, while a fine dining establishment might focus more on inventory and recipe management. The key here is to choose technology solutions that align with your business needs and can provide tangible benefits. Remember, technology should be a tool that helps you run your business more effectively, not a burden that adds complexity.

Choosing the Right Technology Partner

Once you’ve identified your needs and digitized your data, the next step is to choose the right technology partner. This is a critical decision, as the right partner can help you solve your specific problems and streamline your operations. Start by gaining clarity on what problem you want the technology solution to solve for you. Ask potential partners to demo solutions to that specific problem and provide references to customers who they have solved that specific problem for. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions about how they work with the other partners on your tech stack and to furnish references to support that. Remember, a technology solution is only as good as the support and integration it offers. Choose a partner who understands your business, offers robust support, and integrates well with your existing systems.

In conclusion, selecting the right technology solutions for your restaurant is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires a clear understanding of the problems you’re facing, a commitment to digitizing your data, and a focus on measuring and managing your key metrics. It also involves expanding your technology use as your business grows and evolves and choosing technology partners who can support you every step of the way. Remember, the goal of technology is not just to digitize your operations, but to provide you with the insights and tools you need to run your restaurant more efficiently and profitably. So, start with clarity, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to demand the best from your technology partners. Your restaurant’s success depends on it.

Remember, All Business Solutions offers free consultations for restaurant owners. We will help you identify your pain points, and find the best solution for them. Schedule your consultation here.