December 7, 2022
Lauren Platero

What Is Self Service Technology In Hospitality Industry?

Self service technology in hospitality industry is completely shifting the entire landscape. From restaurant tech solutions to online product offerings, there are numerous ways to simplify resort or restaurant operations, while maximizing profits simultaneously.

Hospitality software companies have been partnering with various business models, from eateries to country clubs. And as new self service tech and food trends emerge, there are more ways to establish product differentiation than ever before.

If you’re wondering what is self service technology or which tech solutions your business should adopt, this article will surely answer many of your questions!

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What is Self Service Technology

Self service technology in hospitality industry consists of digital devices and hospitality software that allow customers to complete tasks independently. For instance, self service technology doesn’t require that wait staff or other employees be present.

Self service technology in hospitality industry is vital for growth opportunities. As new tech solutions become available, it’s crucial that customers have access to optimal services and products. Over time, using state-of-the-art self service technology in hospitality industry will ensure success.

Examples of Self Service Technology In Hospitality Industry

If you’re a business owner or restaurant manager looking to onboard self service technology in hospitality industry, consider the following options. Not only are they modern takes on innovative restaurant technology, but they have the potential to take your business model to the next level.

1. On Course Dining

A sector of the hospitality industry that’s been onboarding tech solutions is golf and country clubs. One of the most unique, convenient, and innovative offerings in recent years is on-course dining.

On-course dining offers different menu types depending on what can be served to the course. These menu items typically include small bites from the appetizer list, soft drinks, various beer brands, and popular cocktails.

Guests can use online ordering apps to choose their items and pay. Then, one of the waiters or waitresses can serve it to their designated spot on the course.

Since golf courses have brick and mortar eateries, offering another dining style on the course can help maximize the ROI. And remember, the ROI meaning refers to the amount of money the business generates vs. invested in it.

2. In Room Dining

In room dining is an effective way to maximize profits. By being able to deliver food and drinks directly to guests’ rooms, you are providing an extra service while decreasing your food costs by charging a premium price.

Many hotel and cruise ship guests have busy itineraries every day. So, offering the ultimate casual dining experience within the comfort of their own room is sure to become a hit.

Thanks to contactless payments, businesses can also offer contactless in room dining. In doing so, guests can retrieve their food, silverware, and glassware without interacting with anyone. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this twist on traditional room service has been a favorable way to bring it back.

3. Pre-Order Food Service

Pre-order food service is convenient for both staff and customers. Both parties know exactly what they’ll get, when it will be ready, and how much it costs. It allows the business and customer to plan accordingly, which is very convenient.

One of the biggest downfalls of hospitality businesses is that they often provoke long wait times for customers. For customers, pre-ordering food minimizes wait times. In doing so, it also makes the staff’s job easier and more efficient.

Pre-order food service also provides more time to focus on other things. For the business staff, they can focus on the customers who are dining inside or ordering at the counter. Meanwhile, customers can spend more time partaking in activities, excursions, relaxation, or their travels.

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4. Concierge Service

Concierge service can provide the ultimate experience to customers. The concierge in a hospitality business is the team available to guests at all times.

Whether you’d like to offer an exclusive happy hour on a high tech cruise ship or would like to elevate the golf course management strategy, there are many benefits of offering concierge services.

Concierge service can also pair well with a hotel, airline, or restaurant loyalty program. Exclusive perks from the concierge staff often go hand-in-hand with some kind of customer rewards program.

5. Reservation Software

When consumers plan their travels and outings, it’s simple when they can do numerous things independently. Hotel and restaurant reservations have been around for a long time, but the hospitality industry has been making it an easier process than ever before.

Nowadays, various types of businesses can utilize reservation systems to allow people to book time slots themselves. It allows larger parties to consult with one another more thoughtfully and saves time for the business’ employees.

When people are able to book their own reservations, it can also allow the company to plan more efficiently. For instance, if the staff is aware of large reservations, they can better plan food and beverage inventory.

6. Kiosks

Self ordering kiosks are some of the most convenient forms of self service technology in hospitality industry. Kiosks allow customers to purchase quick bites to eat on the go. Plus, they require very little maintenance.

Kiosks are also one of the most cost-effective food businesses to launch. If you’re thinking about ways to break into the food and beverage industry, kiosks might be a beneficial starting point.

Since kiosks offer a limited variety of food, they also require a fixed amount of inventory. Restaurant inventory management can be a complex area to monitor. But when you operate a kiosk, managing these metrics is much simpler than in a traditional eatery.

7. QR Codes

Once a business creates a custom QR code, they’re able to display menus in various elements. Customers are also able to use these codes to place orders.

Another reason why QR codes are so convenient is because they help cut restaurant expenses. Let’s say you want to change up the menu–that would warrant printing brand-new ones. But with QR codes, you can simply sign in and make any necessary changes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Self Service Technology In Hospitality Industry

Self service technology in hospitality industry can be very complex. It’s a sector of business that is constantly changing, as older forms of tech become obsolete.

With this in mind, it’s important to stay on top of trends and new product launches. So, without further ado, let’s learn more about self service technology in hospitality industry.

What Is Self Service In the Hospitality Industry?

Self service technology in the hospitality industry are solutions that allow businesses to operate efficiently. Such technologies rely on digital devices and cloud-based software to integregrate with various apps and features.

What Is An Example of Self Service Technology?

A great example of self service technology is kiosks, as they provide customers with a complete DIY experience. Kiosks can allow customers to browse a menu, order food, and pay the tab on their own. They also require little to no staff, which also makes them more cost-effective.

What Types of Technology Are Used In the Hospitality Industry?

Various types of technology is used in the hospitality industry and include:

  • Room service
  • Kiosks
  • Concierge
  • Delivery apps
  • Reservation software
  • Integrated POS systems

What Are the Latest Technology Trends In the Hospitality Industry?

Some of the latest technology trends in the hospitality industry use artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Such features are able to provide consumers with unique and innovative experiences.

What Is the Impact of Technology In Hospitality Industry?

When businesses use technology, they’re almost always able to collect data. In doing so, businesses can use such information to effectively strategize. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, so ensuring that accurate metrics are a part of strategic planning is crucial.