The Importance of Restaurant Management Software | Why You Need It

The Importance of Restaurant Management Software | Why You Need It

POSTED ON NOV 28, 2018 BY CAROLINE SAMS

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.

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!