Is it possible to order from your table? The pleasure of going to a bistro: a simple joy that had been lost due to the global pandemic we have experienced in recent years. Fortunately, the doors of restaurants have reopened and socializing has returned to what it was before. However, safety measures have given rise to new concepts that will persist in the post-pandemic world, particularly regarding order taking.
The traditional way of ordering a meal is known to all: the customer sits down, browses the menu, and then a server comes to take their order and transmits it to the kitchen, where the meal is prepared. Currently, there is a more modern alternative to this method. It involves ordering online directly at the table. The customer still sits down and browses the menu, but they place their order directly without going through a server.
Different ways to order
For this, there are various means that we will detail later: the order kiosk, or via the customer’s phone, as well as the connected table. We are entering a new world where the very process of order taking in restaurants will be simplified, more fluid, and will allow everyone to have a better culinary and social experience: let’s discover how in this article.
Advantages for customers
For customers, this is a much simpler and faster ordering method than waiting for the server to arrive to verbally give their order. The customer will appreciate the comfort of being able to take their time to browse the menu and the card without having to tell the server to come back later.
Online payment directly
Most kiosks or connected ordering services also allow customers to pay directly online without using the cash register software, which has several advantages. It enables quick and secure payment via mobile, but also allows bills to be easily split amongst friends, family, or colleagues discreetly.
An improved user experience
On the other hand, the connected menu is generally much more visual and enjoyable; it is also updated in real time based on stock and avoids the disappointment of a dish that is ultimately unavailable despite being on the menu. Waiting times will also be reduced, as orders will go directly to the kitchen. Finally, there is no need to worry: if a customer still wants to talk to a server, that is, of course, always possible.
This type of technology allows for a chosen and not forced relationship with staff, which is a significant comfort in our current society. Who hasn’t ever been annoyed by having to ask a server a mountain of questions? Additionally, they will be much more efficient if their workload is made easier with online ordering.
Advantages for restaurateurs
The advantages are numerous for restaurateurs. First of all, the menu can be much more detailed and enhanced thanks to a digital menu: regularly updated photos, reviews from previous customers, options for different dishes without the possibility of them being forgotten by the server.
Furthermore, digital solutions are ultimately very economical. Aside from the potential labor savings by reducing the number of servers, you will also no longer need to print new menus, as changes can be made very easily and even immediately thanks to technology.
It is also worth noting that digital ordering at the table simplifies order management and thus provides interesting comfort for servers. The service is therefore better, especially since the digital kiosk or app can send a message directly to the servers if needed.
All this will impact the restaurant’s reputation and make it a place more recommended by customers, and thus more frequented. The reduced waiting time will also generate a more interesting revenue. Indeed, reduced wait time means more customers and therefore more money!
Therefore, you have every interest in looking into these new technologies provided by computing and the internet. Thanks to them, your performance will inevitably improve, and customers will be satisfied.
Finally, your employees will be more efficient. The end of a typical server’s day is generally difficult since it is a truly exhausting job. With this type of system that significantly streamlines operations, your staff will be much more productive and will no longer end the shift utterly exhausted.
Implementing the digital ordering system
There are several suppliers on the market ready to equip restaurants, but it’s essential to find the best solution for each restaurant. If you choose the menu via mobile, you will need to subscribe to a software service.
This will allow you to create your menu and digital card easily with all the desired options, such as payment via customers’ mobiles, for example. Most suppliers of this type of software offer to train your employees on how to use the ordering platform. Therefore, you take no risk, and the cost of this type of service is very attractive.
More expensive, but also more complete, you can equip yourselves with ordering kiosks. These can be placed directly at each table or grouped in one location (but customers will have to get up to order). Again, there are plenty of companies that provide this type of service. You will also need to ensure you have good quality wifi, as these kiosks operate via the internet, with Android or IOS depending on your preferences.
In any case, you will need to equip yourself with an order management software. There are many available on the market, and you will surely find one that suits you. Get quotes and compare the different options available. Don’t overlook online payment, as this is an additional time-saving for everyone, for you of course, but also for customers. And a satisfied customer returns to your establishment while giving the best publicity to it.
What solution for which restaurant?
There are several types of software and different interfaces. We will detail the most interesting ones based on the type of establishment you are running. It will then be up to you to choose the best solution for a more enriching and simpler professional life.
The app via smartphone
This type of solution is ideal if you do not wish or cannot allocate a large budget for this technology. It will also help you easily familiarize yourself with this way of functioning, before perhaps moving to a more elaborate system.
The app via mobile is still more suitable in the context of traditional dining, frequented by families or young adults. Indeed, customers must be familiar with new technologies to effectively use an app.
Ordering kiosks
Here, there are two scenarios. One where the kiosk is directly integrated into the table and in this case, I invite you to go directly to the section dedicated to connected tables, as this system is closely related.
When the kiosk is only accessible at a specific point in the room and customers must therefore get up to order or order before sitting at a table, it generally concerns a fast food or a very similar place. For this type of dining, the kiosk is ideal!
Gone are the endless queues at the register to order your meal. You can take as much time as you want without feeling like you’re bothering others, and the service will only improve, as the staff will not be occupied with taking orders behind a counter.
Connected tables
Ideal for restaurateurs looking to stand out with their modernity! The ordering takes place directly at the table: no need for an app or mobile for customers, and the playful aspect of it will appeal to many consumers!
The design will also be more futuristic, which will easily attract the younger generation to come see for themselves. More costly, as it requires equipping the entire room, but also more chic and trendy: if you desire a young and dynamic clientele, don’t hesitate!
They will be enticed by this type of technology and will easily talk about it to those around them and on social media, which will give you excellent free publicity. In the current economic context, this is not something to overlook, far from it!
Looking for a good restaurant in Paris? Why not choose the Confidentiel?
Conclusion
Computing is already in our lives at almost all levels. With this new technology, dining will enter a new era that is more economical, smooth, and modern.
Whether for consumers or managers, computerized ordering is the future! No more waiting, more efficiency, the advantages are numerous for everyone. As for the drawbacks, they are almost non-existent, as there will always be employees to address any potential weaknesses: the human touch will always be there, no matter what!
All that’s left is for you to consider the best option for you based on your needs and wants, but also your budget.
