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QSRs are all about quick service. Less wait time, fast table flips, short and fast moving queues and so forth. Modern day technology can help you achieve this.
For instance, an integrated cloud based restaurant management system will help you streamline your operations, speed up the customer service process, automate key work functions, help manage online orders and so forth.
In this article, we will present to you the key pieces of technology that you would need to run a successful restaurant operation.
What is the right technology for your QSR?
Choosing the right technology for your QSR is important to strengthen your operations that can help you increase sales. There is a great development in technologies, and you should select the latest ones for your QSR.
Kitchen Display System (KDS)
A Kitchen Display System (KDS) automates order processing and fastens the whole process. Fast food orders are displayed on KDS, the KDS then directs the orders to ]the relevant kitchen counter and all in all, reduces preparation time. This helps avoid confusion amongst chefs as well. This is replacing the traditional Kitchen Order Tickets (KOTs) that were printed and delivered manually. That’s how customer wait time is also drastically reduced.
Kiosks
Kiosks are your saviors. They give customers the privacy to place their orders, take their time with orders, and complete payments. Your staff is already divided between in-house customers and drive-thru. Kiosks free up their time so they can focus on customers that are present.
Order Confirmation Board (OCB)
Order Confirmation Board (OCB) are screens that have menus displayed on them. These are specific for drive-thru and are readable even in daylight. These boards help customers track their orders at every stage of processing. OCB in combination with an efficient Point of Sale system simplifies operations for employees to a great extent.
Integrated Point of Sale system
The Point of Sale system is the brain of all our operations. To put it simply, it’s a modern-day register that helps run transitions. This makes the life of employees easier in fast food joints where the transaction is taken care of. A POS which is compatible with QSR empowers your establishment further. Together they collect employee data. It helps you figure out what food is selling, which marketing campaign fits best for your restaurant, and gives you analytics reports on your key QSR metrics. With the systems, you analyze data from different outlets and locations at your fingertips. You can also plan your Customer Relationship Management and Loyalty Programs with this data as well.
Digital Signage
QSRs can use this signage to display menus, show offers, or even give football updates or news to keep your customers engaged while they wait for their orders.
Tabletop tablets
Several QSRs give out tabletop tablets to further engaged their customers. Customers can use this to place orders, check loyalty programs, and browse through the menu without needing the staff to intervene.
QSRs that do not use cutting-edge technologies often suffer, here is how:
1. High staff attrition rate
Retaining employees is a struggle for QSRs. The fast-paced environment of quick service and the high volume of orders often make employees leave the workplace if they don’t like the work.
2. Multiple unorganized order tabs
QSRs need to process orders fast and that is hard to do if order processing is done manually.
3. Poor customer loyalty
Many QSRs don’t use customer data in their favor. Especially traditional QSR POS systems didn’t have features for restaurant marking. It is vital to use technology to acquire new customers and retain old ones.
4. Cumbersome system and long queues
QSRs need to be prompt, with traditionally POS systems though there is a low processing time and long wait lines. Implementing efficient queuing solutions can help streamline operations and reduce customer wait times.
Why are cloud-based QSR POS systems the solution to all your woes
Traditional Point of Sale system stores data on local servers and run on a closed network and need you to be physically present to access the software. This brings data security issues.
So, for your QSR, you should use a Cloud POS system. It helps you access data from anywhere and provides high security for data. What’s best? They work offline too, so any glitch won’t lead to data loss.
To help you decide whether you should upgrade to cloud POS, the following are ten must-have QSR POS features for success:
1. The necessity for speed
QSR is supposed to provide prompt customer service and deliveries. So, a restaurant POS system helps automate operations and make service quicker.
2. Real-time Inventory Management
Once you update your inventory and punch in the quantity of the ingredients in the QSR POS system, it provides real-time inventory management integration. This means that the system will alert you if you are low on stock.
3. Provides Data Analytics and Reports
Having simplified data reports help you understand your restaurant better and fix anything that might be broken.
4. Mobile POS
A mobile POS in large QSRs helps you process the initial order processing and avoids long lines. This process can be managed by more than one employee.
5. Calculating tip percentage
The system helps calculate employee tips making it easier for customers and cashiers, and even adds its employee salaries directly.
6. Quick delivery management
A QSR POS helps organize and prioritize orders and also track the status of delivery orders.
7. Customize the menu easily
A good QSR POS system helps you add and remove specials easily.
8. Helps with CRM Management
The data a QSR POS system provides helps with CRM management and create a reward system and loyalty points to improve customer service.
9. Flexible payment option and Theft control
Customers should be able to enjoy their meal and then have all the options for paying.
QSR POS allows real-time tracking of inventory and cash register, and gives access to only limited staff members, helping with theft control.
10. Integration with third party food aggregators
A QSR POS system provides integration with third-party online food aggregators and shows all orders on one dashboard.
While there are many, here are 5 benefits of QSR POS systems:
- Fast service
- Real-time inventory management
- Helps customize menu easily
- Data reports that help manage customer experience
- Supports employees and helps in staff retention
Now it’s your call
As technology rapidly evolves, the competition in the restaurant industry will only become fiercer. It is vital to use technology and integrations for your benefit. Understand QSR POS and make an informed decision on what your restaurant needs to stay ahead in the game.
What QSR POS do you have in place? Let us know in the comments.
Author Bio
Sabah Batul is a young professional with a background in Journalism and Literature. She is currently working in the Marketing and Communications domain.
