Platters with secret sauces, a laid-back atmosphere, and master chefs. How does this translate into running a successful restaurant business and getting an edge over the competition? It doesn’t.
AI, Cloud computing, Big Data, IoT, CRM, etc., have transformed the way businesses operate. IoT & AI are emerging technologies that have received much attention in recent years for increasing sales.
Several industries have already adopted the Internet of Things, including manufacturing, smart buildings, logistics, and operations, so why would the restaurant industry be any different? IoT and AI solutions are now being adopted by restaurants as they create real value for businesses and improve efficiency dramatically.
IoT and AI transforming the restaurant industry
Researchers at the Tuck School of Business estimated that 12-13 billion internet-connected devices will exist by 2021. AI and IoT offer numerous benefits to entrepreneurs as well as improving customer service.
Modern technology solutions are a great asset to restaurants at this point. Improving customer service, personalized experiences, and upscale business is a necessity to succeed. As restaurants make better decisions based on customer data, restaurant IoT and AI are the most advanced technology.
Restaurants have always been known for their smooth operations. The Internet of Things allows businesses to optimize operations and provide a more personalized customer experience. Moreover, it will also help brands rectify problems earlier, even before they occur.
How can restaurants benefit from IoT and AI?
Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are no longer buzzwords in business. They are transforming various industries, such as restaurant-related ones. Restaurants and hotels are very dependent on customer service to succeed. You cannot deny that consumers always want “customizations,” from ordering food to receiving personalized notifications.
Customer experience is enhanced by customization, and IoT and AI provide restaurants with several benefits, such as:
- Operational efficiencies
- Online food ordering
- Improved management
- Task automation
- Greater customization
- Increased productivity
- Reduce wastage
- Provides better customer insight
- Enhances inventory management
- Easy management of food safety practices
As people can order a delicious meal within minutes and to their doorstep, online food delivery apps are becoming increasingly popular. There has been an increase in restaurants receiving orders via apps such as Zomato and GrubHub. Consequently, people want to order their food online. Diners can order and pay online without interacting with a human.
As well as that, the development of Bluetooth and Beacon technologies has made delivering location-based information much easier. Guests roaming around a restaurant’s location can now receive messages at a specific time from the restaurant. For example, an SMS message notifying nearby customers about the newly added dishes. It will eventually encourage customers to drop by or order. The IoT and AI have already reached your restaurant if you use digital ordering solutions. Customers can track the status of their orders in real-time, and find out when they are expected to arrive.
The benefits of the IoT and AI for restaurants
People connect with a variety of devices today, which allow them to have instant conversations without regard to their location. Further, enterprises are no longer troubled by storing and sending large quantities of data. Restaurants are increasingly using the internet of things and AI to streamline operations and improve efficiency in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways these technologies drive growth in the restaurant industry today.
Reduces unnecessary costs
As a result of the Internet of Things, restaurant owners can reduce operational costs and focus on other objectives that will contribute to customer loyalty and growth. With AI and IoT solutions, you can reduce several costs, including:
- Inventory cost
- Maintenance cost
- Optimum usage of energy
- Customer service and experience improvement
Enhance customer service and experience
Currently, IoT and AI technologies such as mobile card readers and real-time tracking systems serve primarily to improve the customer experience. Many restaurants advertise locally to draw in customers. Internet of Things solutions helps them to better cater to their customers. With the use of browsing history and user preferences, restaurants can now deliver an enhanced customer experience and boost sales.
Accurate consumer insight
Customer preferences keep changing with time. AI allows business owners to analyze data, track, predict, collect, and monitor it from social media networks and the internet. The data collected will now help restaurants craft marketing strategies and identify upcoming market trends, leading to a more personalized experience and achieving success. Further, restaurants that gather user data can focus more on cultivating brand loyalty by catering to loyal customers.
IoT is without a doubt a game-changer for restaurants and the customer experience. Artificial intelligence is a cutting-edge technology that enables restaurant owners to monitor and store data so you can make smart moves to expand your restaurant. IoT has a promising future, and in the coming years, it will continue expanding. Restaurants with AI benefit from automation of the process, foster brand loyalty, and maximize their return on investment.
