The high-pressure restaurant environment can be a challenge for even the most experienced business owner, continuing to bring new challenges.
Thankfully, advances in technology mean you can switch to a modern POS system for your restaurant that makes everyday operations more streamlined and efficient. By automating processes that once had to be done manually, human error is significantly reduced and employees can focus on what matters the most – the customer experience.
With 52% of consumers in the UK claiming to have higher expectations from hospitality brands due to economic conditions, there is limited room for error from businesses that want to drive repeat customers.
In this article, we discuss how a POS system can help minimize mistakes and make every day that bit easier for restaurant staff.
Customisation Options
When a customer makes a modification request, miscommunication between the server and kitchen staff can lead to mistakes being made. If the restaurant is still taking orders on paper, this can be especially problematic as there tends to be no consistency in how extra requests are written down, causing problems if they cannot be interpreted by other members of the team.
Modern POS systems use touchscreen systems which allow the server to input orders with ease. The menu is set out in a logical manner and customisations can be made on each item. Whether that be adding an extra topping to a meal, removing ice from a drink, or making sure a meal is gluten-free, servers are able to pick from a list of common modifiers.
This not only improves accuracy, but also the guest experience. In fact, 61% of diners agree that servers using handheld tablets improves their experience.
Real-Time Ordering
To ensure all orders are processed in a timely manner, especially during peak times, a POS system will submit orders to the kitchen in the order in which they should be completed.
By removing outdated processes such as order tickets, the likelihood of mistakes being made due to messy handwriting or order tickets being lost is minimised significantly.
A POS system also takes a lot of pressure off of servers, allowing them to submit any order requests in real-time without having to run to the kitchen between each table.
Inventory Tracking
Running out of ingredients can be a huge problem for restaurants, causing disappointment to customers when certain menu items are not available. At the other end of the spectrum, overordering is also problematic, leading to food waste when ingredients go out of date and overfilling storage space.
POS systems can provide automated alerts when the stock of certain ingredients is running low, allowing them time to place an order before they run out. By using real-time data to track quantities, the need for manual stock checks is removed and human error is avoided.
Rota Planning
An understaffed restaurant can have a huge impact on the customer experience, leaving them waiting longer for their food and struggling to get the attention of a server.
To ensure the right number of staff are scheduled for each shift, a POS system can be used to predict how many employees are needed. By analysing historical data to identify peak times, the rota can be planned accordingly to ensure demand is met.
As well as ensuring the smooth running of the restaurant, this is also beneficial when it comes to staff satisfaction. Employees who have to rush around when the restaurant is understaffed are going to become more unhappy at work, so managing the rota effectively can boost staff morale.
Performance Tracking
Employee performance can make or break the reputation of a restaurant, being a big contributor to the overall customer experience. If regular mistakes are being made, such as wrong orders, long wait times, or a lack of attentiveness, then customers are more likely to avoid returning to the restaurant in the future.
A POS system can break down reports based on the performance of each staff member, being able to identify any top performers and spot any employees who may benefit from extra training. Providing support to those who need it and being able to reward those who exceed targets is a great way to make employees feel seen and valued.
The Future Of Your Restaurant Ordering
The restaurant industry has come a long way over recent years, introducing new technologies that help modernise everyday processes so staff can better manage the fast-paced environment.
Implementing a new POS system is becoming a must for restaurant owners, creating a better experience for both customers and employees. By automating processes that were once a time-consuming chore, human error is minimised and efforts can be focused elsewhere to make the restaurant visit a memorable one for customers.
