Andrea AbbondanzaAs restaurant owners and managers, staying ahead of the curve means embracing digital advancements, including automated ordering systems for restaurants.
In fact, a well-executed automated ordering system could be your golden ticket to higher profitability, enhanced customer experience, and streamlined operations, whether you’re a small cafe owner or run a multi-chain restaurant.
Let’s buckle up and get ready to take a deep dive into the future of restaurant technology with an automated ordering system!
What is Automated Order Taking?
Automated order-taking is a technology-driven process in the food and beverage industry where customers place their orders through digital platforms, such as kiosks, mobile apps, or websites, rather than interacting with a human server.
This automation system streamlines order processing, reduces human error, and enhances efficiency, enabling restaurants to deliver a smoother and quicker customer service experience.
Benefits of an Automated Ordering System
There are several benefits of an automated ordering system for restaurants, including:
Increased Average Order Value
The automated ordering system often includes suggestive selling features, like recommending add-ons, upsells, or frequently bought-together items. It allows customers to see more of what’s available without feeling rushed, encouraging them to add more to their cart.
Plus, with a clear display of their running total, customers can manage their spending more effectively, leading to larger orders on average.
Speed Up Service
By allowing customers to order directly through digital platforms, it eliminates the time taken for waitstaff to take orders manually. The order goes straight to the kitchen, reducing miscommunication and speeding up the preparation process. This leads to quicker turnover, the ability to serve more customers, and a smoother, more efficient dining experience.
Reduce Pressure on Staff
Automating the process of order-taking helps free up staff from these time-consuming manual tasks. They can then focus more on other important aspects of service like food preparation, cleaning, customer queries, and enhancing the overall dining experience. This leads to a more efficient workflow, less stress for the staff, and potentially improved customer satisfaction.
Top Automated Restaurant Ordering Systems
There are many automated restaurant ordering systems on the market that you can use to streamline your restaurant operation. Here are the best ones.
Xenial
Xenial‘s self-ordering kiosks offer impressive personalization with features like a built-in printer, scanner, and WiFi. It’s user-friendly and easy to navigate. Big names like Tim Hortons and Taco Bell are among its clients.
While it lacks order management, it offers inventory management. Its simplicity is its strength, but it can be overwhelming when locating specific options. Plus, it’s ideal for QSRs seeking a straightforward, personalized solution.
Aloha POS
Aloha POS stands out as a comprehensive restaurant technology provider. With features suitable for both Table Service and Quick Service establishments, it simplifies tasks like order entry, check splitting, and tip sharing. Moreover, its familiarity among hospitality staff reduces training time and costs.
The system’s robust functionality, speed, and accuracy enhance customer service and profitability. Plus, its flexibility to add capabilities and seamless integration of sales channels make it a worthwhile choice for any restaurant looking to improve operations.
Lamasa Tech
Lamasa Tech‘s self-ordering kiosks are a modern, revenue-boosting solution for QSRs. They are available for both outdoor and indoor use. Their ability to display ads, automate upselling, and integrate with your POS system for data collection is commendable.
While they offer a comprehensive, interactive customer experience, the lack of QSR-specific features and space requirements could be potential drawbacks. Despite these, they remain a worthy investment for enhancing operations and customer engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How automated restaurant ordering systems are changing the game?
Automated restaurant ordering systems are revolutionizing the industry by increasing efficiency and enhancing customer experience. They take several forms, including robots for food preparation and delivery, self-service kiosks, and automated voice systems for ordering. These technologies streamline operations, speed up service, and reduce errors.
How do you automate the purchasing process?
Automating the purchasing process involves using digital tools or ERP systems to manage tasks like order creation, supplier selection, invoice processing, and payment. This streamlines the process, reduces errors, improves supplier relationships, and provides useful data for decision-making.
What is a recurring purchase order?
A recurring purchase order is a type of purchase order automatically issued on a preset schedule. It’s used for regular purchases of the same items or services from a specific supplier, reducing administrative work and ensuring consistent supply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embracing automated ordering systems is not just a trend but a compelling tool that can revolutionize your restaurant business. From streamlining operations and improving accuracy to enhancing customer experience and boosting profitability, the benefits of this automated system are manifold.
Remember, a restaurant’s success isn’t just about the food on the plate; it’s also about the efficiency of its service and the satisfaction of its customers. So don’t be left behind; let automation take your restaurant to new heights. Want to learn more about restaurant marketing? Contact us at SEO for Restaurants now!
