5 Reasons Restaurants Need Telecom Services
You’ve probably noticed some changes in your local cafes and restaurants over the past two years. Many hospitality venues had been experimenting with technological improvements years before the pandemic, but COVID turned what was once a ‘nice to have’ into a ‘need to have’. The introduction of sign-in requirements, no contact ordering and deliveries and cashless payments meant that restaurants had to quickly adopt many new digital practices to survive.
As we emerge from the pandemic (knock on wood), the industry has come to appreciate the improvements made by these new practices and integrated them into their ‘business as usual’ operations. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 ways telecom services have helped streamline the hospitality industry and how Cloudscene can help your team connect.
1. POS Systems
POS (Point of Sale) Systems are integral to hospitality venues. The POS enables staff to quickly take orders, communicate with the kitchen or bar and process payments from diners. An unreliable POS system can be frustrating for employees and customers, which is why many establishments opt to connect their POS devices to both Wifi and cellular networks.
Wifi networks provide internet access through radiofrequency waves and have a limited range depending on the router location (users outside of the router range are unable to connect). Cellular networks connect through nearby cell towers, offering more reliable internet access than Wifi and can reach customers up to 45 miles away. Connecting to a Wifi and cellular network ensures businesses can use their POS systems if there’s a disruption to either connection. If you’ve even been in a cafe when the POS is down, you’ll know this will save patrons and staff a whole lot of stress!
2. Online Food Deliveries
Online food delivery services were the saving grace for many restaurants during the pandemic. As customer preferences shift towards more convenient options, these platforms enable venues to reach a broader range of customers and operate even when dine-in service isn’t an option.
The US food delivery industry has tripled in the past 5 years and shows no sign of slowing. In 2021, a survey revealed that 64% of millennials and 53% of total respondents stated that food delivery services and takeout are ‘essential to the way they live’. For restaurants, this shift indicates that adopting digital practices is non-negotiable if they want to compete in the current market.
3. Ordering at the Table
The ability to order at the table has made the dining experience significantly more convenient for customers and hospitality staff. Diners can use their smartphones to scan a QR code, peruse and select items from the menu. This practice means that patrons no longer have to line up for service, can order at their own pace and spend more time enjoying their experience with their friends and family.
For hospitality venues, ordering at the table enables them to provide faster service and a more convenient customer experience. It also removes pressure for busy staff members by mitigating the need to manually take orders and process payments.
4. Online Reservations
Online booking systems are another time-saving investment restaurants can make. Reserving a table online is convenient for customers, reduces the risk of human error and enables staff to focus on in-venue tasks while on shift. Being able to book online also means that restaurants can ask patrons to put down a deposit for reservations to avoid significant revenue loss if customers cancel at the last minute.
Because customers need to input their contact details to complete a reservation, online booking systems also present a marketing opportunity for businesses. Once a patron reserves a table online, restaurants can email them about upcoming events or deals to create return customers and generate loyalty.
5. Shift Scheduling
Another technological improvement that can provide cost savings for your business is automated scheduling software. These programs enable managers to easily assign shifts and communicate with staff. A study indicated that companies that used this software saved approximately 31% on labour costs.
Staff costs are a major expenditure for hospitality venues, but using a scheduling platform or software can provide businesses with more detailed information on the cost of labour. This data enables them to allocate hours strategically through busy and quiet periods, so staff is utilized effectively.
The Cloudscene Solution
Cloudscene is a digital procurement platform that helps businesses search and connect with telecommunication providers anywhere in the world. Whether you need a rack colocation, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity, ethernet, dark fibre, wavelength, IP transit and internet access, simply outline your requirements, and we’ll connect you with a vendor that’s right for your business.
73% of diners say that their experience is improved by restaurant technology, meaning venues can no longer afford to skip digital advancements. Hospitality establishments can use Cloudscene to connect with a reliable internet provider to establish contactless services, or find a managed IT provider to help set up shift scheduling software and other restaurant technologies.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with our friendly team to explore the platform and see how we can help your team save time and money on network services.
