Influential technology has been shown to make waves in the hospitality industry. Restaurant technology and hospitality software companies constantly work together to make the most groundbreaking solutions. 

Even though the best is yet to come, influential technology has already proven to be impactful within hospitality. Throughout this blog, we’ll cover everything from influential technology examples, to six ways that technology has changed the hospitality industry. Keep reading to learn more! 

Influential Technology

Influential technology refers to innovations that impact an industry or business. In recent years, the hospitality and restaurant industry have evolved in more ways than we can count. 

When you’re striving to accelerate business in a saturated market, it’s necessary to find ways to stand out amongst competitors. For many restaurants, country clubs, hotels, and other resorts, technology has been the primary solution for significant growth. 

Influential Technology Examples

The influential technology category consists of many products and services. In fact, some business models might not even utilize certain technologies, while such solutions are key components of others. 

For instance, casual dining establishments heavily rely on digital devices to run restaurant operations. Meanwhile, front and back of house duties rely on cloud-based solutions. To name a handful, some of the most influential technology examples in this day and age include:

• Self ordering kiosks 
• Mobile payment systems
• Voice ordering for restaurants
• Tableside payment devices 
• App integrations for delivery services 

How Has Technology Changed the Hospitality Industry? 

Influential technology has changed the hospitality industry in more ways than one. Read on to learn about six ways that technology has influenced the hospitality landscape:

1. Technology Can Boost Customer Service

Tech solutions like QR codes and tableside devices can speed up standard processes. In doing so, customers are able to receive much quicker service. Speed and efficiency are two major factors to consider when enhancing customer satisfaction. 

A positive customer experience can also make your business more memorable. Despite their importance, customer retention strategies can be hard to maintain. What you need is to ensure that your environment is superior to competing eateries. 

It’s also important to remember that word–of-mouth marketing is the most effective type of promotion. And the happier you can keep your customer base, the more likely they’ll be to tell their inner circle and write positive customer reviews. 

2. Technology Speeds Up Table Turnover

Similar to the ways that technology can enhance customer service, it can speed up table turnover rates. To be clear, the restaurant table turnover rate refers to the number of tables served in a given period. This means that the higher the turnover rate, the more sales a business can reach.

Tech solutions can help a wait staff achieve a higher table turnover rate in numerous ways. For example, menu QR codes can allow customers to view their choices at a quick glance. Mobile payment processing methods also allow customers to pay the bill faster than if they were given a paper check. 

3. Technology Promotes ADA Compliance

By law, every business must abide by ADA compliance standards. However, digital devices help establish a much more inclusive environment within the hospitality industry. 

Guests at hotels and resorts benefit most from these features. For instance, many hotels are bringing back in room dining to guest rooms. In-room devices can offer visual and audio features so that anyone can place an order. 

ADA-compliant features like these are also beneficial for online ordering apps, concierge services, and more. Plus, it creates a comfortable experience for each and every guest.

4. Technology Reduces Food Waste

One of the best inventions in the food tech space has been restaurant inventory management platforms. Whether you work as a restaurant manager of a local eatery, or as a food and beverage director of a hospitality enterprise, proper inventory management techniques will do wonders for your business. 

Did you know that food spoilage is one of the largest restaurant expenses? When businesses order what they think they’ll need rather than what they know they’ll need, it’s easy to go overboard. But now, inventory forecasting tools make it easier than ever to take inventory and order sufficient goods. 

5. Technology Helps Save Time

Time is money, and influential technology can help you save both. As we’ve previously mentioned, tech solutions can save customers time while speeding up turnover rates. It can also help management personnel save time when ordering inventory. 

Hospitality and restaurant automation tools can also speed up standard processes. Many devices and software options offer the ability to put tasks on autopilot. A prime example of this is how a kitchen display system (KDS) can send orders between front of house and kitchen staff in an instant. 

When features are put on autopilot, it allows people to multitask. In a single shift, an entire team can accomplish much more than they would in a traditional, tech-free setting. 

6. Technology Can Ensure Accuracy

One of the best parts about using technology in hospitality is the ability to reference orders. Considering that health and safety should be a top priority for every business, using tech solutions to ensure these efforts is imperative. 

When customers place digital orders, whether it be on an app or at their table, the kitchen will have them at their fingertips. Or, if a server submits an order through the POS system, the KDS will immediately send it to the back of house staff. 

A digital copy of each order is much clearer than a hand-written order. In traditional settings, chefs run the risk of getting an illegible order. There’s also a greater risk of a server not jotting down a complete order. 

Whether customers have dietary restrictions or severe food allergies, it’s vital that restaurants get their orders right. If there’s one reason to onboard innovative restaurant technology, let it be the health and safety of your customers. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Influential Technology 

Influential technology comes in many forms. For instance, some technologies are invisible, as they exist only in “the cloud.” On the other hand, there are tech solutions such as kiosks, which can physically change a space. 

Tech solutions can be quite the investment. No matter which kind of technology you’d like to onboard, we recommend thoroughly learning about all your options. Read on to learn more about influential technology in hospitality. 

What Technology Is the Most Impactful?

It’s hard to pick the most impactful technology. However, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing many industries. From software processing capabilities to data storage, there are countless uses for these technologies. 

What Are the Top Five Trending Technologies?

The top five trending technologies are:

1. Artificial intelligence
2. Machine learning
3. Blockchain 
4. Cloud computing
5. Full stack development

What Technology Has Changed the World the Most?

Computers have changed the world more than other forms of technology. The ability to store data, compute complex functions, search the internet, and more was at one time incomprehensible. Computers are also a product line that is ever-changing into something more innovative. 

What Technology Is Growing the Fastest?

Virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are three of the fastest growing technologies. These industries are growing at a rapid pace. Not only do they boast numerous innovations in their own circles, but in other industries, too. 

What Are Five Emerging Technologies?

Five of the most popular emerging technologies include:

1. Artificial intelligence
2. blockchain technology
3. Smart automation 
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
5. Quantum computing

Influenced to Onboard Technology Yet?

As you can see, influential technology has the potential to revolutionize entire industries. All advancements in technology have one goal in common–to streamline processes and create a better experience. Want to be a part of the revolution? Book a demo with us today to learn how innovation can advance your hospitality business.