If you’ve been in the bar and restaurant business for any time, you know it can be a lot of work. 

Between preparing food, serving customers, and cleaning up after them, there’s always something to do. That’s why more and more restaurants are turning to restaurant automation to help make their lives a little easier.

But what is restaurant automation, exactly? And how can this aspect of the digital transformation in the F&B industry help your business? Keep reading to find out.

What is Automation in the Restaurant Industry?

Restaurant automation refers to the use of various technological systems and devices to streamline operations and increase efficiency. This includes systems such as point-of-sale (POS) and kitchen display systems (KDS), helping manage your restaurant more effectively.

Automated restaurant inventory management and table reservation systems help with ordering and restaurant payment processing to the kitchen and front-of-house management. Restaurants can also use automation in more complex ways, such as self-ordering kiosks and robots that cook or serve food.

10 Benefits of Restaurant Automation System

There’s no question that restaurant automation can help your business run more smoothly and efficiently. But what are the specific benefits of restaurant automation? Here are 10 of the most important perks of restaurant automations:

1. Increased Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of automating your restaurant for improved operational structure and performance. 

When tasks are automated, they can be completed faster and with fewer errors. This improves your overall operations and makes your restaurant run more smoothly.

2. Cost Savings

Another significant benefit of restaurant automation is cost reduction. 

Automation reduces labor cost by eliminating the need for manual tasks to be completed by employees. It also helps save on other operational costs, such as energy and overhead expenses. 

Through inventory costing methods, sustainable technology, and online ordering, software like Revolution Ordering protects your bottom line.

3. Improved Customer Service

In addition to increasing efficiency and saving money, restaurant automation improves food delivery service and customer experience. 

Automated systems streamline the ordering process and make it simpler for customers to get the food they want.By automating specific tasks, restaurants can free up wait staff to provide better customer service. 

Additionally, automation improves communication between front-of-house (see FOH meaning slang) and back-of-house staff, making it easier to resolve any customer issues.

4. Greater Accuracy and Quality Food

Automated tasks are often completed with greater order accuracy than if they were completed manually. This is because automated systems eliminate human error and become like labor-saving devices

As a result, you can be confident that orders are being placed correctly and that food is prepared perfectly. This improves the quality of your restaurant’s food and service.

5. Increased Flexibility

Another advantage of automating your restaurant is increased flexibility. You can customize automated systems to meet the specific needs of your business.

This means that you can choose the features and functions that are most important to you and your customers. You can also update your restaurant tech as your business grows and changes. This will help you keep up with the latest restaurant technology trends.

6. Increased Sales

By automating certain tasks, restaurants can often increase their sales. Automated systems improve efficiency and customer service, leading to more customers and higher sales.

7. Improved Safety

Automation improves safety in the workplace by reducing the need for employees to handle sharp knives, hot food, or other restaurant equipment. This creates a safer working environment and reduces the risk of accidents.

8. Increased Sustainability

Restaurant automation increases restaurant sustainability by reducing food waste. Automated systems are more accurate on average and can precisely portion food. 

These sustainable technology strategies lead to less food being thrown away, which is better for the environment. 

As a result, you reduce carbon footprints in your restaurant and increase customer acquisition among the eco-friendly.

9. Improved Competition

Automation helps restaurants keep up with the competition. Automated systems improve efficiency and quality, giving restaurants an edge over their competitors.

Then, by coming with custom loyalty program software built-in, Revolution Ordering makes it easy to increase sales and restaurant KPIs.

10. Better Workplaces

Restaurant automation creates a better workplace for employees. This is because automated systems free up restaurant labor to provide better customer experience and perform other tasks that improve the work environment.

Automating your business is the right solution when looking for ways to improve your restaurant operations. All these benefits can help improve your business’s overall success and maximize profits. 

Consider automating your processes with these automation tools if you are ready to take your restaurant to the next level.

9 Popular Restaurant Automation Tools

Various tools are available to help automate different aspects of the restaurant business. Here are some of the most popular restaurant automation tools:

1. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

A restaurant or bar POS system is a computerized system that tracks and manages sales transactions in bars and restaurants. POS systems can process payments, track inventory, and generate reports.

There are two main types of restaurant POS systems: on-premise vs off-premise.

On premise systems are installed on the restaurant premises, while off-premise systems are hosted remotely (as a cloud POS) and accessed via the internet.

2. Inventory Management Systems

This system helps restaurants track inventory levels, monitor the reorder point, and manage food costs. 

Like food inventory software, your automations can predict ordering needs more accurately and avoid overstocking or running out of items.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

CRM software helps restaurants keep track of their customers, including contact information, purchase history, and loyalty programs. This way, they can better understand their guests and provide them with personalized service.

4. Marketing Automation Software

eCommerce marketing automation software helps restaurants automate email marketing, social media campaigns, and targeted ads. This saves time and resources that can be better spent elsewhere.

Additionally, marketing automation software improves the efficacy of marketing efforts by providing insights and business analytics tools.

5. Reservation Systems

A reservation system helps restaurants manage their tables and bookings more effectively, maximizing seating capacity and reducing no-shows. It also helps optimize bar setup, table layout, and design to accommodate more guests and reduce wait times.

6. Food Cost Analysis Software

Food cost analysis software is an essential tool for any restaurant business. You can see where your money is going by tracking your food cost, types of menu, and recipe costing. This will help you make better decisions about your menu and recipes.

7. Order Management System (OMS)

An order management system (OMS) helps businesses keep track of customer orders, inventory levels, and payments. It can also help businesses process reservations and manage their customer base.

8. Business Intelligence (BI) System

A BI system can help you make better decisions by analyzing data and trends in your restaurant. Understanding your customers’ preferences and buying habits can tailor your offerings to meet their needs. You can also use BI to track your competitors’ movements and adjust your strategies accordingly.

9. Accounting Software

Restaurant accounting software is crucial for managing your finances and keeping track of your income and expenses. With this software, you can streamline your invoicing, billing, and payroll processes, saving you time and money.

When choosing the right automation tools for your restaurant, it is essential to consider your unique needs and requirements. Choose the best fit for your needs and start streamlining your business today.

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Robots in Restaurants: The Future of Restaurant Automation Systems

As the world becomes increasingly automated, it’s not surprising that robots are starting to make their way into the food service and hospitality industry. Many tasks need to be done by people, but robots are becoming better at doing simple tasks, like preparing food and delivering orders.

Robots are already working in restaurants worldwide, and their numbers are only expected to grow in the future. There are several advantages to using robots in restaurants.

For one thing, they never get tired or take breaks, which means they can work longer hours than human employees. They’re also more precise and efficient than humans at certain tasks, which helps improve food quality and decrease waste. Moreover, robots don’t need to be paid wages or benefits, which helps reduce operating costs.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to using robots in restaurants. For instance, they can’t yet provide the same level of customer service as humans. Sometimes they may not be able to handle complex orders correctly.

Additionally, some people may feel uncomfortable eating food that a machine has prepared. Nevertheless, as robots become more advanced and capable, they will likely play an increasingly important role in the restaurant industry.

Can Restaurant Automation Feed Your Business?

There are three reasons why restaurant automation is becoming more common. Consumers are increasingly looking for convenience and value, and automated systems can help provide both.

In addition, labor costs are rising while technology costs are falling, making automation more financially attractive to the restaurant manager and owner. Finally, many countries’ government policies make hiring low-skilled workers more challenging, increasing the incentive to automate.

While there are many benefits to restaurant automation, there are also some potential drawbacks. Automated systems can be expensive to install and maintain and may require specialized staff training.

In addition, they can sometimes cause disruptions in service if they malfunction. Finally, some consumers may prefer the personal touch of human servers.

Overall, the trend toward automation in the restaurant business seems likely to continue, as the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Automated systems can help restaurants save money, improve efficiency and provide a better experience for customers.

How to Automate Your Restaurant Business

Restaurant owners can implement innovative and simple automations for online orders and business development. 

Revolution Ordering offers a simple and effective solution to enable restaurant automation using online ordering technology. This integrates seamlessly with your POS systems, making it easy for you to use automations that encourage repeat business, build loyalty programs, and reduce expenses. 

Follow these five steps to enable restaurant automation using Revolution Ordering:

1. Sign up for Revolution Ordering and integrate it with your POS system.
2. Create digital menu ordering that is easy to navigate.
3. Promote your online ordering page to customers through your website, social media, and email campaigns.
4. Encourage customers to sign up for loyalty programs.
5. Analyze customer surveys, CRM and loyalty program data to determine areas for improvement and make necessary changes.

Schedule a demo to see how Revolution Ordering's technology makes it easy to build repeat business and reduce costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Automation

You’ve seen how enterprise restaurants use automation tools to drive business benefits like lower operating expenses and higher customer acquisition.

What is an automated order system?

An automated order system is a computerized system that streamlines the process of ordering goods or services. 

It allows businesses to take orders faster and more efficiently and can be customized to fit the specific needs of any organization.

How to automate a restaurant business?

Automation can take your restaurant business to the next level by streamlining operations, improving customer service, and increasing profits. 

Here’s how to automate your restaurant:

1. Use automated ordering systems.
2. Implement self-service kiosks.
3. Use of online ordering apps for online menu ordering and contactless payments.
4. Automate your kitchen with robotic assistants.
5. Streamline your front-of-house operations with digital menu signage.

What is automation in the food industry?

Automation in the food industry refers to using technology and machinery to automate various processes in the food production line. This includes everything from ready-to-sell packaging and labeling to transportation and storage.

Will robots replace waiters and restaurant staff?

Some experts believe robots could eventually replace human workers in many industries, including the restaurant industry. 

While this may sound like a far-fetched idea, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. After all, robots are already being used in some restaurants to help with tasks like cooking and serving food.