Work Smarter, Not Harder: Essential Tech for Restaurant Operations
Let's be honest - running a restaurant is like juggling flaming plates while riding a unicycle. Everyone promises their fancy new tech will "revolutionise" your operations, but which tools actually deliver? Here's our no-nonsense guide to tech that genuinely saves time (and sanity) in the kitchen.
1. Digital Inventory Management That Actually Works
Remember the days of clipboard counts and Excel spreadsheets? Yeah, let's not go back there. Modern inventory systems are game-changers because:
They scan invoices directly from your phone (goodbye, data entry!)
Track real-time usage patterns - no more random stock-outs
Connect directly with your POS system (finally, accurate COGs!)
Pro tip: Look for systems that integrate with your suppliers, or even better your suppliers accept email orders. When your inventory can automatically trigger purchase orders, you've just saved yourself hours of weekly admin work.
2. Smart Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)
Ditch those paper tickets that get lost, burnt, or covered in sauce. A proper KDS will:
Route orders automatically to the right station
Track prep times so you can actually improve them
Show real-time alerts when orders are backing up
The real magic happens when your kitchen staff stops playing Chinese whispers with modifications and special requests.
3. Staff Scheduling Software That Predicts the Future
Okay, not quite - but modern scheduling tools come pretty close. They:
Use historical data to predict busy periods
Factor in weather forecasts (because nobody wants a packed patio in the rain)
Handle shift swaps automatically
Game-changing feature: Look for ones that integrate with your payroll system. When you stop manually entering timesheet data, angels sing.
4. Mobile Ordering That Makes Sense
The future of ordering is mobile, but it needs to work for both your team and your guests:
Seamless integration with your POS
Upsell and sponsorship opportunities
Customer-friendly interface that doesn't make your guests want to throw their phones
Key benefit: When done right, mobile ordering lets you reallocate staff to where they're needed most - actually taking care of guests.
5. All-in-One Payment Solutions
The days of servers running back and forth to a single POS terminal are over. Mobile payment systems now:
Split bills without needing a maths degree
Process payments tableside
Handle multiple payment types seamlessly
Money-saving bonus: Many modern systems have lower processing fees than traditional card machines. Ka-ching!
Need Help Making It All Work Together?
Here's the thing - having all these tools is great, but making them work together smoothly? That's where it gets tricky. That's why we at Preshift offer:
The Full Package
POS & payment solutions that actually save you money
Mobile ordering that increases revenue
Smart scheduling that optimises your labour costs
Inventory systems that reduce waste
Marketing tech that drives real customer engagement
Reporting that gives you actionable insights (not just endless spreadsheets)
Tech Change Management
Guide you through the sales process (no pushy salespeople in sight!)
Keep everyone aligned during the transition
Project manage the whole thing so you can actually sleep at night
Ongoing Support
24/7 support with a single point of contact (goodbye, multiple help desk numbers!)
In-depth training for your whole team
Regular check-ins to make sure everything's running smoothly
The right tech isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for running a smoother, smarter restaurant. Before you invest:
Test drive everything thoroughly
Get feedback from your team
Calculate the real ROI (time saved × hourly rate = actual value)
Consider getting expert help for implementation
Remember: The goal isn't to have the most tech - it's to have the right tech that lets your team focus on what matters: creating great food and memorable experiences.
