When it comes to restaurant management software, there are endless choices these days with providers offering everything from core functions like inventory control and menu creation to more niche features catering to certain types of restaurants (e.g., fine dining establishments).

As a business owner or a restaurant manager tasked with finding new restaurant tech or tools to improve operational efficiency, where do you begin? What follows is not an exhaustive list but rather a look at some of the best restaurant management software today that will help guide your search when looking at RMS solutions.

Restaurant Management Software

Restaurant management software (RMS) is a digital solution that helps restaurant owners and managers streamline operations. The software allows you to manage everything from inventory and finances to employee schedules and consumer data.

With restaurant management software, businesses can boost efficiency and optimize workflow. The software also helps the restaurant save money by reducing labor cost, food waste, and shrinkage. Additionally, the software can also improve customer service and dining experiences.

Best Restaurant Management Software

To help you choose the best restaurant management software, we’ve compiled a list of the top 16 solutions.

1. Point of Sale System

The point of sale (POS) system is the software that enables restaurants to take and process customer orders. A POS system typically includes a computer, monitor, receipt printer, cash drawer, and a barcode or QR code scanner. Some POS systems also include features such as customer loyalty programs and gift card integration.

See QR code vs barcode to learn more about QR codes and barcodes.

2. Restaurant Reservation Software

Restaurant reservation software helps restaurants manage reservations and waiting lists. You can create reports, schedule tables, and track customer data with it.

This software typically includes online booking, table management, and automatic confirmation emails or text messages.

3. Table Management System

A table management system helps restaurants keep track of tables and seating arrangements. This type of software typically includes features such as table diagrams, reservation integration, and waitlist management.

4. Food Costing Software

Food costing software helps restaurants track food cost and inventory levels. This software typically includes recipe costing, ingredient tracking, and menu engineering.

5. Inventory Management System

An inventory management system (IMS) is a software application that helps businesses manage their inventories by tracking levels, orders, and deliveries on or off-premise. For more information on on-premise vs off premise software, see this article. IMS can be used to create purchase orders, track supplier data, and generate reports.

6. Waitlist Software

Waitlist software helps restaurants manage their waiting lists. It can be used to add customers to a waitlist, track customer data, and notify customers when their table is ready.

7. Restaurant Accounting Software

Restaurant accounting software helps businesses manage their finances. It can be used to track sales, expenses, and customers.

8. Cash Flow Management Software

Cash flow management software helps businesses manage their cash flow. It can be used to track income and expenses and generate reports.

9. Online Ordering Software

Online ordering software helps businesses take orders online. It can be used to create a menu, take payments, and track customer data.

10. Restaurant Analytics Software

Restaurant analytics software helps businesses track and analyze customer data. It can be used to generate reports, identify trends, and improve customer service.

11. Restaurant Menu Builder Software

Menu builder software helps businesses create menus. It can be used to add items, prices, and photos to a menu.

12. Employee Management System

The best restaurant management software will include an employee management system. This will allow you to keep track of your employees’ hours, performance, and payroll. It will also help you to schedule shifts and manage time-off requests.

13. Customer Satisfaction Software

This software helps you track customer satisfaction levels, so you can identify areas that need improvement. It can also help you design and implement customer loyalty programs.

14. Restaurant CRM System

This software helps you manage your customer relationships by tracking customer contact information and preferences. It can also help you design targeted marketing campaigns and track sales and customer service metrics.

15. Customer Loyalty Software

This software helps you build customer loyalty by providing rewards and incentives for customers who make repeat purchases or refer new customers. It can also help you track customer spending habits and trends.

16. Online Marketing

The best restaurant management software will also include tools for online marketing. With online marketing, you can create a website, blog, or social media profile for your restaurant. This will allow you to reach new customers and grow your business. You can also use eCommerce email marketing to reach potential customers.

When to Manage Restaurant Software

There’s much debate over when to manage restaurant software. Some believe it should be done as soon as possible, while others think it can wait until later. Here’s a look at both sides of the argument:

Managing restaurant software early on:

The main benefit of managing restaurant software early on is that you can catch any potential problems before they happen. This way, you can avoid any costly downtime or data loss. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a feel for how the software works and what features it offers. This can help you make better decisions about how to run your business.

Waiting to manage restaurant software:

There are a few advantages to waiting to manage restaurant software. First, you’ll have a chance to see how the software performs in a real-world setting. This helps you determine whether it’s actually worth the investment.

Additionally, you may find that there are features or options that you didn’t know about before. By waiting to manage restaurant software, you can ensure you get the most out of it.

Ultimately, the decision of when to manage restaurant software is up to you. If you want to avoid potential problems, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. However, if you want to get a better feel for the software, you may want to wait until later. Whatever route you choose, ensure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

e-Restaurant Management System

eRestaurant Management System (e-RMS) is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and optimize restaurant operations. It covers all aspects of restaurant management, from front of house (FOH) to back of house (BOH), and everything in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Management Software

What Kind of Software Does a Restaurant Need?

There are many different types of software that a restaurant might need in order to run smoothly. Some of the most common software programs used by restaurants include:

• Point-of-sale system
• Accounting software
• Restaurant reservations
• Loyalty program
• Restaurant online ordering platform
• Google food ordering platform
• Omni channel order management system
• Third-party delivery apps
• Employee training applications
• Scheduling software
• Payroll programs

What are the Types of Restaurant Management System?

There are various types of restaurant management systems, each with its own set of features and benefits. The four common types of system are:

1. All-in-one restaurant management solutions
2. Point-of-sale software
3. Online ordering software
4. Restaurant payroll and accounting systems

What are the Inputs of a Restaurant System?

A restaurant system has five primary inputs: man, material, method, machine, and environment.

1. Man refers to the kitchen staff or personnel who make up the restaurant team.
2. Material refers to all of the physical ingredients that go into making a dish, from raw produce to finished goods.
3. Method refers to the procedures and processes that are followed in order to prepare a dish. This includes everything from recipes to food safety protocols.
4. Machine refers to any restaurant equipment or machinery that is used in the process of preparing a dish.
5. Environment refers to the physical space in which a restaurant operates.

What Is the Scope of Restaurant Management System?

Restaurant management system is a broad term encompassing a wide range of software solutions. Typically, these systems are designed to help restaurant owners and operators streamline their operations, better track inventory and finances, and improve customer service.

What are the Features of Restaurant Management System?

There are many different features that a restaurant management system can offer. Some of the most common and important features include:

• Menu management: The ability to easily add, edit, and delete menu items and change prices and specials.
• Inventory management: Keep track of your inventory levels and receive low stock alerts to ensure you never run out of supplies.
• Customer management: Store customer information and preferences to provide a personalized experience and build loyalty.
• Employee management: Schedule staff, manage timesheets and track employee performance for greater efficiency.
• Reporting: Get real-time insights into your business with powerful reporting tools. Track sales, traffic patterns, and more.