To cope with the ever-evolving nature of customer needs, many restaurateurs have recently relied on the rapid advancement of F&B technology. Using restaurant automation, restaurateurs can then drive higher efficiency and boost their profit margins, allowing them to stay thriving in the field.

It is reported that 45% jobs that are paid to do can be automated by utilising existing technologies. Specifically for the F&B industry, up to 54% of tasks performed in restaurants can be automated. This will lead to reduced labour costs and higher convenience for customers. It comes to no surprise that many restaurateurs have already adopted this trend to remain competitive and increase innovativeness. 

Restaurant automation essentially includes the usage of automated or robotic devices to complete certain tasks in operating a restaurant. From preparing meals to delivering the orders to the customers, restaurant automation covers all stages of restaurant operations. 

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Ways to implement restaurant automation

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• Ordering and paying 

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Using mobile devices to self-order is one of the most recent trends in restaurants. This reduces contact between diners and the waiting staff, which is considered safer and more hygienic since the pandemic started. 

By utilising QR codes, websites, and online payment, the ordering and payment processes can be much more efficient and error-free. This also minimises the task volume of employees, and customers no longer need to wait in lines to simply place orders and pay their bills. 

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• Scheduling shifts for employees

Manually arranging shifts for hourly employees can be painstakingly exhausting. Restaurateurs should consider automating this process by utilising credible platforms to sort out shift schedules without having to allocate too much time on this task. 

Automating your employee scheduling will save restaurant managers from trying to manually replace any workers that cannot attend work, and minimize their time from notifying each employee regarding their shifts. Automating this process can make it more standardised and fair, as it is computer generated. 

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• Accounting and reporting

Accounting softwares should also be considered for restaurateurs, as it can increase transparency and generate a more reliable financial report. By having clear access to all the sales and transactions, restaurateurs can have a better understanding of their own business. To achieve this, utilise an integrated POS software to gain detailed accounting reports of your restaurant. 

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• Inventory management

By utilising an all-in-one procurement platform, restaurateurs can save almost 50% of time spent on stock-keeping. The software can help them to track shelf life of the products purchased, while at the same time analyse the requirements of ingredients needed in the kitchen. 

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Benefits of restaurant automation

1. Cost saving

Many restaurateurs are well-aware with labor costs being one of the highest expenses in running a restaurant. Automating their F&B business essentially provides restaurateurs the optimal solution in overcoming the rise of employee wages. 

Food costs can also be minimised as poor inventory management can be avoided. With automated management systems, restaurants can save up to 12% of purchasing costs, which leads to a higher profit margin. 

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2. Driving efficiency and accuracy

As mentioned before, automation removes the risk of misinterpreting food orders, long queues and huge task volumes. This gives the freedom for restaurant’s staff to optimise their time for more pressing tasks and take on other responsibilities. 

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3. Improved inventory management 

With automation, forecasting the restaurant’s inventory needs becomes much easier, as employees can easily scan and track existing items and ingredients in the storage. Restaurateurs also have the means to accurately estimate their food costs, which means food waste can be significantly reduced. This results in more accuracy and cost-efficiency. 

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Is restaurant automation the right solution?

The global market for F&B technology is expected to reach $322 million by 2028. This says a lot about the rate at which technological advancement in this field is growing. As the kitchen is essentially the heart of any restaurant, consider automating it now. 

Start with Food Market Hub, an AI-powered procurement and inventory management platform that helps restaurateurs increase their profit margins by 14%. To know more about digitalisation in the F&B industry, check out this latest article.

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