Why restaurants need to focus on connectivity

Posted by Karen on Nov 2, 2015 12:00:00 AM

It wasn’t all that long ago that restaurants didn’t need to worry about technology – outside of the latest kitchen innovations anyway – but the internet has become pervasive in recent years. Many of us choose to stay connected almost 24/7 and rely on our ability to check emails and update our social media accounts even when in the middle of a meal. But it’s not only our need to stay connected that has changed. More restaurants depend on connected technology to help the business run more efficiently and to support clear lines of communication between front-of-house and the kitchen. Some restaurants are even using technology to stand out – recognising that for many, eating out is as much about the experience as it is the food and atmosphere. Some restaurants are using technology to improve the ordering process. For example, allowing customers to order and pay for food and drink via their smartphones, or the restaurant’s own tablets. Other restaurants have created entire experiences around ordering food from digital menus. According to one study, almost 70% of restaurant customers preferred to leave a tip via tablets, with 86% preferring to enter the amount themselves, rather than have the server do it for them. Allowing customers to tip via tablet doesn’t seem like a radical change, but it makes the visit more convenient for those customers. Fluidata has worked with restaurant chains, such as Carluccios, helping them improve and implement secure network communications between restaurants by setting up a private wide area network and reducing telecoms costs through the use of VOIP. The chain is also now able to offer customers free WiFi – another feature that is in high demand these days. Modern restaurants operate in a world dominated by constant connectivity and the rising use of connected devices. Naturally, the quality of the food, drink and service are the most important elements of the restaurant business, but by using connected technology, restaurants can offer a more efficient and personalised service to customers. To do this, restaurants need to connect to a high-speed broadband network that is capable of handling the fluctuating demands placed on it. They need a provider that will offer a strong service level agreement and do their best to guarantee minimal downtime. Once you start relying on technology to run communication between front-of-house and the kitchen, you really need a service that won’t crash and burn.

Topics: News