Labor saving devices are some of the most valuable investments. Labor solutions are especially important within the restaurant industry, as there are so many working parts. From staff development to stellar customer service, there are various elements that restaurant tech can enhance. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the best examples of labor saving devices and how they can improve your food service business. So without further ado, let’s dive in. 

Labor Saving Devices for Cutting Costs 

Labor saving devices may be some of the most groundbreaking products a business invests in. Sure, they can reduce the amount of work required by each staff member. But you know what’s even better than that? Saving a significant amount of money!

The cost of labor is one of the highest expenditures that businesses encounter. By limiting the amount of duties for each worker, you’re simultaneously reducing the necessary team size. In turn, you don’t spend as much of your funds on wages, benefits, and other employee-specific expenses. 

7 Best Labor Saving Devices

Unsure of which labor saving devices will be necessary to support the financial health of your business? Check out the following options to save time and reduce the labor cost: 

1. An Integrated POS System

Opt for the right POS software, and you’ll be able to reduce the labor cost over time. Restaurant payment technology is capable of numerous POS system features. Many of which can reduce the amount of labor necessary to run smooth restaurant operations. 

For instance, restaurant POS systems can produce a frequent point of sale report. Or, it can manually track restaurant loyalty program points. The more functions you can put on autopilot, the fewer staff members you need onboard. 

2. Self Ordering Kiosks 

Considering that “self’ is in the name, it’s pretty obvious that kiosks can reduce a business’ labor cost. Fast casual eateries are especially accustomed to this food tech solution, as they don’t require a team of servers. Instead, they just require a culinary team to prepare the orders. 

Self-ordering kiosks might seem like a hefty expense right off the bat. But once you consider the amount of money you can save on labor expenses, it’ll end up paying for itself, tenfold at least.

3. QR Codes 

QR codes function as digital menus in modern restaurants. You’ll typically find a custom QR code on each table. The way it works is that customers scan the unique barcode with their smartphone’s camera app. Then, they’re redirected to a menu. 

QR code links that allow customers to order menu items are ideal for reducing the wait staff. While customers are taking their time browsing the menu, the wait staff can tend to more pertinent tasks, like serving dishes.

Want to learn more about creating a QR code for your food service business? Schedule a demo with SproutQR! Demos are easy, and you can begin today.

4. Restaurant HR Software 

In order to reduce labor costs, you need to be smart about how you delegate shifts. Use computer systems and apps to execute features of HR software. After a while of running your business, you’ll find that some shifts are busier than others. Use this information to your advantage by assigning more staff members to work during these periods. 

If you employ just enough staff members to fill the busiest shifts, and there’s only a few remaining for others, you should be okay. As long as your staff doesn't feel a sense of work overload during busy shifts, operations should run smoothly. And if you’re ever understaffed while reducing labor costs, consider what the most time-consuming tasks are. Then, see if there’s a solution for it.

5. Tabletop Devices 

Pay at table restaurants accurately represent the idea of doing more with less. There’s a digital device on each table that customers can use for numerous tasks. They’re able to view the menu types, place orders, and pay the bill. Did we mention that they can do all of this without a server?

The time it takes a server to distribute menus, collect orders, and accept payments can add up. Tabletop devices will be some of the best labor saving devices in your restaurant. After all, they literally require your staff to do less. Despite doing less, this feature will also let them be more productive with the time they do have. 

6. Kitchen Display System (KDS)

A KDS can reduce the time necessary between the servers, hosts, and kitchen staff. Before the introduction of this tech solution, servers would manually add the items to the POS system. Then, they'd give the written order to the kitchen staff. These extra steps take time. But more importantly, they boost the risk of errors and miscommunication. 

There are cases where customer-facing technology and the KDS don’t require a middle person, AKA, the waiter. For instance, if a customer chooses an item from a QR code menu or tabletop device, it’ll land right in the POS system and the KDS. So in theory, a KDS system can support the reduction of servers.

7. High-Tech Kitchen Equipment 

Some of the best restaurant equipment you’ll invest in are the products that let different types of chefs multitask. One of the biggest drivers of negative customer reviews is long wait times. With traditional kitchen appliances, there’s only so much the sous chef can do in a given period. This issue trickles down to the waiters, prolonging the time it takes for customers to receive their food or drinks. 

Fortunately, there are appliances that allow for doing more with less. Tools like stand mixers, electric kettles, and pressure cookers are very time-efficient. These labor saving devices are sure to save you a significant amount of time preparing food and beverages. In turn, they’ll help boost efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Saving Devices

Labor saving devices are essential for all industries. However, they’re increasingly popular throughout the food service ecosystem for good reason. Want to learn more about them? See below for extra insight:

What Are Five Examples of Labor Saving Devices?

Five popular examples of labor saving devices include:

1. Self-service kiosks 
2. Digital reservation system
3. Tablet devices in restaurants
4. Digital loyalty programs 
5. Editable and digital menus 

What Are Labor Saving Devices?

Labor saving devices are products that cut down the amount of labor needed from the worker. They either speed up processes, reduce errors, put tasks on autopilot, or all of the above. As labor saving devices continue to evolve, they become increasingly necessary in many industries. Without them, companies can face setbacks. 

What Are Examples of Labor Resources?

Labor resources consist of the work an employee does to deliver a product or service. For instance, a labor resource is what a server does behind the scenes before bringing you your dish.

What Are Examples of Labor Productivity?

Labor productivity is a term that refers to the amount a worker can produce in a given time period. There’s a basic formula you can use to determine this metric. Divide the total number of goods produced by the number of workers. Then, multiply this decimal by 100. 

What Are Labor Technologies In the Restaurant Industry?

Labor technologies in the restaurant industry are solutions that reduce labor in eateries. Some of the most common tools are kiosks, kitchen display systems, and ordering apps.

Doing More With Less

If your eatery is capable of doing more with less, you’re on the road to restaurant success. The fewer resources you need, the more you can save. Over time, this practice can completely level up your restaurant business. But how does a business owner begin? Luckily, Revolution Ordering has an advanced suite of off-premise tech solutions. With our innovative features, your eatery will learn how to do more with less in no time. Sounds like a plan? Book a demo with us today!