It is nothing new that technology is increasingly present in business. So restaurant technology is no different.
Therefore, if you are an entrepreneur and need to distribute your time between managing your establishment's resources and processes, technology can be a great ally in scaling results.
Therefore, knowing the main trends available in the sector is essential to scaling the enterprise, enhancing customer relationships, increasing the effectiveness of processes and optimizing costs.
So, with that in mind, we have put together a collection of information for you to stay up to date on the subject.
Technology for bars and restaurants
First of all, is restaurant technology for everyone? When we talk about innovation, it is important to know that it is not just for large businesses and is not only within their reach, but also for small and medium-sized companies looking to update their processes and resources.
In this way, the delivery market grew from 18% to 36% during the pandemic – data from Brazilian Franchising Association in partnership with Galunion consultancy. Consequently, a large part of the food trade felt the need to adapt its source of income to digital to recover from the crisis.
Technology does not need to be synonymous with high initial investments, especially if you are starting out. So, a great way to start is to include your restaurant in delivery apps or even test new tools that help with customer satisfaction.
A survey carried out by Sebrae showed that there was an increase in revenue from micro and small companies that changed the way they operate, focusing on online deliveries during the crisis. Furthermore, among the sectors analyzed – bars, snack bars and restaurants – 92% of those that increased revenue adapted their business to the delivery delivery.
How important is technology for restaurants
When we look at the technology scenario for restaurants, it is important to highlight the evolution of the customer and how the company needs to follow this challenging process between maintaining a humanized relationship and distancing. In this sense, a recent study of Delivery Much, points out that 73% of delivery consumers use practicality as a factor of choice.
Business management is also impacted since, through technology, time can be optimized and potential profit and reach in publicizing the restaurant. After all, we cannot lose sight of the high competitiveness in the bar and restaurant sector (according to Abrasel it is estimated that there are one million active businesses), which demands constant updating of enterprises – and entrepreneurs – so as not to lose ground in the face of competition.
Therefore, the possibilities for innovation are countless, from productive chain of the food until it reaches the customer's table. The process of implementing new technologies in a restaurant, even at an initial stage, allows you to focus on the essentials and automate operational processes.
In this way, service, deliveries, inventory control and purchasing, for example, are affected. In addition, controlling costs, cash flow and other demands that take up time.
Finally, once automated, you can put efforts into the macro view of the business and guarantee a much more strategic role.
Restaurant technologies you can use in your business
Investing in more modern processes also demonstrates care and efficiency for loyal customers or even in attracting new ones. Thus, using technology for restaurants available on the market is a way to stand out in the consumer experience, ensuring preference and recommendation, the famous word of mouth marketing.
So, have you ever thought about which technology to invest in your business? We’ve put together some that might inspire you to get started.
Diversification of payment methods
The possibilities for diversification in payment methods They are diverse, from the most popular means such as credit and debit cards and cash to the most modern ones, such as pix and contactless payment. The latter uses technology known as wireless communication and is already frequently required by consumers due to the agility and security it provides.
Already the pix is the Central Bank's instant payments system in force since November 2020. Known for revolutionizing transactions that can be made in a short period of up to 10 seconds regardless of time and place. Another advantage of the system is that it is free for individuals, unlike TED and DOC.
As an alternative to facilitate payment methods and the consumer-restaurant connection, IFood created its own benefit system. In it, through a physical Elo card, employees can have access to restaurants and markets for delivery and an accredited network with more than 4 million establishments spread across Brazil.
Furthermore, the iFood Benefits provides a platform for centralizing information about team benefits, exemption from social charges and zero costs with no extra fees.
Management software
Having a tool to centralize information is essential for organizing your business. Look for software with the ability to gather information about inventory, financial, performance analysis and productivity.
If a high initial investment is not possible, opt for free Google tools, such as spreadsheets. The important thing is to choose something that works.
Digital Menu
O digital menu, which offers a personalized layout with the restaurant's visual identity, is an agile option for orders and possible edits to the menu. In addition to being a practical option for the user and an opportunity to increase brand recognition.
iFood itself makes this option available to partner restaurants as an incentive to digitalization of establishments. The option allows you to publicize the menu, with the establishment's own link, through social networks and messaging services, which increases the potential for prospecting and conversion into orders.
Chat support
It provides greater freedom and autonomy to the customer when placing an order. Who doesn't like to be well attended to, right? An automated process minimizes the possibility of error and ensures efficient information management.
Review Sites
It is very common before making a purchase to look for reviews on search engines to understand the reputation of the establishment. Make sure your restaurant is present on these platforms, such as Tripadvisor It is Google Places, and beyond being present, remaining active in responding is important for the credibility of the place.
Stay up to date with restaurant technology trends
In addition to delivery and other points mentioned, other trends are gaining ground when it comes to technology for restaurants.
Consumers increasingly demand a certain type of demand in details, such as packaging that requires a touch of originality. Far beyond appearance, it is estimated that 42% from consumers Brazilians are changing their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment, that is, opt for reusable materials.
According to the Brazilian Consumer Protection Institute Conscious consumption has become increasingly popular in the country. Look for suppliers who work with organic inputs and provide healthier habits to your customers, both in materials and food.
The pandemic also brought new forms of interaction and social distancing was one of them. In addition to the digital menu, many restaurants have adopted other preventive measures such as the use of QR Codes, advance reservations or even loyalty schemes.
We cannot forget social media and the impact of digital in business expansion. Start by understanding who your audience is and what channels they use. This way you can make assertive choices when it comes to promote your restaurant in digital. Invest in quality photos and a good marketing strategy to boost your results.
How does iFood encourage technology for restaurants?
Finally, one of iFood's purposes is to share innovative solutions and knowledge in favor of the prosperity of businesses in Brazil, whether micro or large. The company invests in training and support initiatives for partner restaurants to generate more growth opportunities.
Check out this and other initiatives to accelerate the digitalization process of restaurants.
