If you have been out to eat, which you probably have, you have without a doubt noticed the increased use of technology in the restaurant industry. From ordering curbside, to scanning a QR code for your menu, you can’t get far without running into some form of technology. If you are a newer restaurant, terms like AI advancements, POS systems and back-office software probably don’t sound so scary, but to restaurants who have had a pen and paper system for years, it might all sound overwhelming and could even seem unnecessary if proper research isn’t conducted. Today we will look at some of the most common objections to technology, and find out why they might not hold up.
Too Expensive
Ok, we get it. When you start adding up the cost of software that helps you schedule your employees and track your inventory on top of a point-of-sale system and the seemingly million other gadgets and apps out there, it can feel overwhelming. The upfront cost of this kind of technology seems like a lot when you are just looking at the numbers to incorporate it into your restaurant, but don’t get discouraged by those numbers! When you look at the amount of money that you could save by increasing efficiency and accuracy, and having insight to help you better schedule the right number of employees per shift, you will start to see how you can actually improve your bottom line.
Why Fix What Isn’t Broke
If you have been in business for a long time, change can be difficult. We get comfortable with how we do things, and it might seem like everything is going well, so why would we need to rock the boat? In some cases, you might notice areas that could use improvement, but are afraid if you make big changes, your customers might not like unfamiliarity and you will lose their business. According to an article in Restaurant Dive, 79% of customers expect to use technology when they order. The majority of diners are used to technology and appreciate the convenience it offers.
Not Tech Savvy
Maybe technology is a little scary because you have limited understanding of how it works and will need to train others on how to use it. That can seem like quite the obstacle! The good news is that there are many forms of technology that are extremely user friendly and most companies offer demos to help you learn how to get the most out of them. As you train yourself and your employees, you will become more familiar and more comfortable with how it all works. Understanding the technology and how it can save your restaurant money is well worth the hassle of stepping out of your comfort zone.
So next time you are thinking about taking a step towards new technology, remember that taking the initial leap is the hardest part. After you begin implementing it into your restaurant, you will begin to see improvements in areas such as efficiency, customer service, bottom line and so much more. Remember, you don’t need every single piece of technology that is offered. Take time to evaluate weaknesses in your restaurant so you can work to improve those specific areas with the help of technology.
