The Importance of Restaurant Management Software | Why You Need It
The restaurant management software you use is essential to your business' success. Many owners and managers get caught up in the human aspect of management, but if the support software being utilized isn't user-friendly, then it's a disservice.
5 Ways Restaurant Management Software Can Help You
The importance of integrated restaurant management software systems is often overlooked in the restaurant business. At times, this software is seen as a kind of mobile cashier, and nothing more. However, restaurant management software systems do much more than that. They streamline operations, reduce wait times, and greatly affect your customers' satisfaction, which directly affects your restaurant's success. Some of the key benefits include-
1. Organized Operations - Restaurant management software systems manage inventory, facilitate menu changes, aid in scheduling, and assist in many other important tasks.
2. Boost Customer Loyalty - Some systems have the capability to use value features, such as coupons, as well as extensive gifting options.
3. Successful Server Stations - They help to improve server efficiency, as well as contribute to empty counter space, with smaller and more productive stations.
4. Faster Service - This means quicker table turnover while lowering the risk of errors, as well as improved communication through the front and back of the house (FOH and BOH).
5. Automatic Payments - Fast, reliable, and safe payment processing is something you cannot have without good restaurant management software.
These are, of course, just a quick summation of the benefits that good restaurant management software, like that by Hubworks, a complete business management platform featuring a cloud-based suite of apps, provides to a restaurant. Aside from the above points, given the amount of cash and credit cards that are processed through a restaurant each day, it's vital to have one. However, not all restaurant management software is created equal.
The Importance of a Quality System
We all know that in the restaurant industry, the management of time is extremely important. As we live in a very modern world, the use of software and technology is essential to helping us streamline and shorten the time it takes us to carry out tasks. Considering this, if the technology is not up-to-par, the customers will notice. A slower, more inefficient restaurant management software system means that it takes longer to do everything. It takes longer for servers to put in orders, perhaps due to the system not being user-friendly or intuitive. It takes longer for the servers to run credit cards or calculate change. It may take the hosts longer to seat customers, or longer for the BOH and FOH to communicate. All of these delays add up and affect the customer's overall experience.
Consider Your Budget
There are various aspects to consider when choosing a restaurant management system for your business. The first is the budget allotted. Before you dive into your research and get your heart set on the Maserati of POS systems, its best to know what your budget is. This allows you to narrow the pool down initially, and realistically know what kind of features you can afford. Keep in mind that you'll also be paying for license fees, monthly support fees, as well as any hardware you may need to purchase in conjunction with your new product.
Typically, a locally installed software system has a one-time license fee that ranges from anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500. If you choose a web-based system, this fee is typically not charged. The monthly support fees vary but are less than $100 for locally installed systems. Web-based systems may charge up to $200.
High-Quality Features
Aside from budgetary requirements, take the time to look into the features that a high-quality restaurant management system features. If your budget can allow it, try to get as many of these features as you can because they will come in handy, even if you don't think so right away.
1. Quickbooks Integration - Most vendors will offer this, but not all offer real-time integration, which saves you a lot of time by not having to export and import files.
2. Online Orders - Some systems have built-in functionalities, and some feature integration with third-party apps such as Eat24 or Postmates.
3. Online Reservations - Just like the last feature, some have built-in capabilities, and others offer third-party integrations with OpenTable.
4. Credit Card Processing - Make sure to find out which processors your restaurant management system POS works with, as they aren't all compatible. If they're not, your credit card sales will need to be processed outside of the system, which slows down time and can increase the risk or error.
5. Mobile Payments - The future is now, and many vendors will offer NFC and EMV capability, meaning they accept payment wallets such as Apple Pay.
6. Tips - The system must accept tips, as this increases tipping!
Ease of Use
One of the most important functions should be the intuitiveness of the restaurant management software. Sure, it could have all the latest and greatest functions and features, but if it doesn't make sense to you and your employees, then it's going to waste time and be a waste of time.
Most software systems offer a free trial, like Zip Schedules by Hubworks which allows a 14-day trial, which you should take advantage of as we all know that things can look much different on paper than when used in real-life situations. When using the trial, use it just as if it were in a live environment. Make sure the employees who will be using this restaurant management software are using it during the trial, as well. This will let you know if it's straightforward and simple for them to use and understand. This is also a great time for you to discover potential pain points. Make sure to test every feature and try out every kind of scenario you can think of so that you don't receive any surprises later on.
A system that creates minimal friction while integrating is obviously ideal. Managers and employees should never have to worry about their restaurant management software acting up or not allow them to perform the basic functions essential to their job. Unfortunately, there are many POS systems that freeze or shut down without warning. The key is to save time and resolve the issues before they even happen. This will make your employees and customers happy, which will, in turn, create more success for your restaurant, and make you happy!
For more valuable information on mobile restaurant management software and its benefits, feel free to visit the Hubworks Blog. Hubworks posts informative articles like 7 Astounding Benefits of Time Clock Apps and The Definitive Guide to HACCP and Food Safety | 7 HACCP Principles from a software provider perspective.
