An electronic ordering system for restaurants is vital for productivity. Online ordering is more popular than ever, so why not use solutions that simplify restaurant operations?

Before we break down the benefits of this innovative restaurant technology, let's define it and discuss its importance. Read on to learn everything you need to know about electronic ordering systems. 

Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants

An electronic ordering system for restaurants is a platform where consumers can place digital orders. This kind of system integrates with the POS software.

A digital system accepts orders, processes payments, and sends orders to the kitchen. It can also notify the front of house staff when a delivery driver is ready to retrieve an order. 

Using third-party delivery apps like Door Dash and UberEats has never been easier. An all-inclusive electronic ordering system for restaurants can do all the hard work. Then, you can focus more attention on real-time issues. 

Importance of An Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants

Online ordering systems are crucial to keep an eatery open in the digital age. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught restaurant owners one thing, it was the importance of having multiple sales channels. 

During times when dine-in options are off the table, restaurants can still generate revenue from online ordering systems. Plus, many consumers prefer it. 

Effortless and timely food service is now a societal norm. It's safe to say that online orders aren't going anywhere. Mobile ordering has led to a multi-billion dollar industry, and it's only growing from here. In this blog, we'll cover several perks of using an electronic ordering system for restaurants.

Benefits of Using An Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants

Are you using an electronic ordering system for restaurants? If not, we recommend you onboard one in the near future! 

It can be overwhelming for team members to juggle dine-in and phone-in orders. However, restaurant tech solutions can assist both staff and customers. Check out these seven benefits of using an electronic ordering system for restaurants.

1. Easy Ordering Process

An online ordering system allows businesses to display updated menu types and remove items that are out of stock. This feature allows customers to view only what's available. In turn, ordering processes are more efficient. 

Ordering systems can also display details about each dish. From ingredients to allergens, customers won't have to rely on wait service for answers. Since safety measures should be a top priority, this feature is a major selling point for ordering systems. 

Customers can also add comments and requests upon checkout. Not only will this help boost customer satisfaction, but it will ensure accuracy. The kitchen display system will show the chefs a digital copy, making it easier to follow along. 

Looking to simplify ordering processes? An electronic ordering system for restaurants can do just that! 

2. Positive Customer Experience 

With online ordering apps, restaurants no longer have to rely on paper and pens. The issue with handwritten orders is that they can be illegible, inaccurate, and get lost. 

Instead, each order can enter the POS system with ease and accuracy. Correct orders will help eliminate the risk of negative customer reviews, too.

An electronic ordering system for restaurants allows back of house staff to be more productive. Over time, this will enhance the experience for all.

3. Accurate Customer Data

An electronic ordering system for restaurants collects consumer data. Restaurant data analytics include best-sellers, food trends, and more. The more data you have, the more competitive you can be.  

Smart business decisions stem from data analyses. Businesses should use historical data for restaurant marketing strategies and demand planning. Specials, paid ads, and events are just a few ideas that data can support. 

Once you implement a data-backed strategy, you'll be more equipped to provide customers with a personalized experience. Planning for the future has never done a business wrong. Knowing what to do well in advance can promote efficiency, productiveness, and higher profits.

4. Increases Exposure to the Public

When operating as a brick and mortar restaurant only, you risk having a limited customer base. Many eateries rely on a great location to reach their sales goals. 

An electronic ordering system for restaurants lets you showcase your menu to the masses. Eateries have an equal chance of being visible to hungry customers. 

Online ordering options are also useful when the dine-in area is small. Even if that's not the case, every restaurant has a seating capacity. So by offering takeout, businesses can maximize sales. 

Many online ordering platforms let people place orders in advance. So, eateries can generate revenue beyond their operating hours. 

Just ensure that menus are clear and the checkout process is simple. More often than not, these are standard features of online ordering systems. So, you should be in good hands. 

5. Online Ordering Is Convenient

Once the hospitality industry went through a digital transformation, online ordering became the norm. It's convenient, a time-saver, and a luxury. 

According to a recent survey, 84% of customers order food via delivery once or twice a week.  The ability to place orders in the comfort of your own home is quite favorable. 

Since the pandemic, contactless payments and service is now a preferred method of dining out. Even if customers choose to dine-in, tools like QR codes and tableside devices are useful contact-free solutions. 

6. Easily Track Revenue and Expenses

One of the best perks of an electronic ordering system for restaurants is its ability to track finances. As you receive orders, managers can view financial data in real time. 

Financial health and literacy are key traits of any business owner or restaurant manager. Understanding which items generate the most money is key for long-term cash flow. 

Identifying what results in the highest expenses is just as crucial for reaching a high ROI. The ROI meaning refers to the money generated vs. the amount invested in the business. 

Use an electronic ordering dashboard to track sales and restaurant expenses. Real-time metrics are fantastic for staying up to date. Plus, such information is accessible 24/7.

7. Surpass the Competition 

Whether an enterprise or small business, an electronic ordering system for restaurants is key. However, competition rises when more brands use them. 

Most people enjoy ordering online. If your brand or menu piques someone's interest, not offering online ordering may deter them. Plus, your potential customer base will have a very low ceiling. 

If you're aiming to excel within a niche market, these factors are even more important to consider. Niche target audiences are more limited. With this in mind, it's important to be as inclusive as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About An Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants

The choice to use an electronic ordering system for restaurants is a smart decision. Read on to learn more about this solution in the restaurant sector. 

Why Should I Use An Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants?

Restaurants should use an electronic ordering system to simplify processes. Try adding an "order now" button to the website, so customers have the option.

What Is An Electronic Ordering System?

An electronic ordering system is a platform used to accept orders. They also operate as payment and fulfillment terminals. 

How Do Restaurants Create Ordering Systems? 

To create an online ordering system, restaurants need to use third-party apps and solutions. First, they need to choose which POS partners to work with. Then, they need to utilize delivery service providers. Finally, they'll use an eCommerce platform to manage all relevant data and operations. 

Which Model Is Best for An Online Food Ordering System?

An integrated model is best for online ordering systems. Integrated solutions are flexible, cloud-based, and user-friendly. 

What Is the Most Widely Used POS System for Restaurants?

Toast is the most popular POS system in the restaurant space. It's also one of the best options for contactless service. 

Choosing the Best Electronic Ordering System for Restaurants 

When you're deciding which electronic ordering system for restaurants to use, keep the user experience in mind. Ordering food and beverages is now a normal part of consumers' lives. With this in mind, you want to make each step of the process as seamless as possible. 

Ensure that the ordering process doesn't coincide with technical errors. Quick and simple systems should be in place at the time of launch. Hungry customers don't want to deal with the hassle of malfunctioning apps or websites. 

In 2019, roughly 60% of food service sales came from off-premise ordering platforms. Want to learn more about advanced solutions for your off-premise restaurant business? Book a demo to learn more!