How Internet Of Things (IoT) Can Benefits Restaurants & Food Industry?
Technostacks
The Internet of Things has been revolutionary and has transformed various businesses out there, and the restaurant business is undoubtedly one of them. There is no doubt or overstatement in saying that the Internet of Things is taking the world by storm. Global connectivity isn’t a buzz word anymore, and the internet is capable of connecting almost everything. So, what is this internet of things, and how is it going to affect any restaurant business?
Internet of Things is a technology that can connect almost everything with the World Wide Web. For example, people usually connect their wearable with smartphones and smartphones with televisions, etc. Now with IoT, we will be able to connect pretty much everything, from lights in the house to the hair dryers. You can operate anything that you want with just one click.
Benefits Of Using IoT For Restaurants Industry
There are various benefits of IoT in restaurants, and multiple businesses are using it already. So, how IoT benefits in the restaurant industry? In this article, you are going to learn about it.
Streamlined Operations
Every restaurant must have control over their kitchen appliances. There are various kinds of devices present in a restaurant, and all of them have to be adequately monitored and controlled effectively. Usually, the restaurant employees check these appliances from time to time and ensure that they are correctly working. They even note the temperatures of refrigerators and ovens when required. This work takes up a lot of time when done manually, but using technology like IoT will make this easier.
When the appliances in restaurants are embedded with this IoT technology, the situation of appliances is noted, and the details are sent to the cloud from time to time. This way, all the data is stored properly, and the restaurant manager will immediately be notified about the details. This way, human intervention can be reduced. And this kind of system will improve the workflow as well as effectively streamline required operations. It reduces the costs and saves up a lot of employee’s time too. The best thing about this system is that it immediately notifies if there are any issues with the appliances, which reduces potential risks.
Customer Ordering From Table
There are at times when customers have to wait for long hours before ordering. This kind of procedure is quite frustrating for the customers too. In such situations, customers can order directly from their table with the help of IoT. They will be provided with a device through which they can place the order directly. This way, the waiters don’t have to wait for customers to order, and they can spend this time productively on other works.
On the other hand, the restaurant IoT devices will also help customers in ordering the food while they are on the way or at home too. Yes, there are online ordering options that will help customers to order food right at home so that the restaurant will have enough time to prepare for it by the time the customer reaches the restaurant. IoT technology offers faster delivery and proper organization among the restaurant staff too.
Better Food Waste Management
The restaurants usually use food items with a very less shelf life. Sea foods, meat, vegetables, and fruits should be used for the same day or until the next day only. Later this food has to be thrown out. There will be a lot of food waste, and it has become a common aspect of the restaurant.
IoT can help in reducing this food waste. It analyzes the inventory present in the kitchen, along with the items that are going to waste on an everyday basis, and gives reports to the manager. This way, the managers will understand which items are in shortage and which ones are going to waste. This scenario, in turn, helps in proper ordering and better food waste management. So this is the main benefits of using IoT In restaurants industry.
Automation of Tasks
Automation has increased the efficiency of so many businesses out there. No matter whatever the size and niche of a particular business are – the automation makes it easier. The restaurant industry is no exception here. Automation will help a restaurateur in various ways. As the appliances are automated, they don’t need any human supervision, and this makes it easy for the cooks, chefs, and managers to do their job. The automation isn’t only sufficed for appliances, and this technology will also help in finding the parts that need maintenance, shortage of any kitchen supplies, parts replacement, etc.
Remote Management of Kitchen
Chef or the kitchen head can make appliances work even though they are not present in the kitchen. They can turn the oven on, get the HVAC report from ice cream maker, turn the refrigerator off, or do so many other things remotely only. If there are any malfunctions with the appliances, the restaurant management will handle it immediately with the help of IoT technology.
Direct Bill Payment with Table
Similar to ordering the food items directly from the table, customers will be able to pay the bill directly from their tablet only. As said, everything can be automated with the help of IoT, and customers will get to pay bills directly from the tablet they have at their table. There is no need for a waiter to go to the customer and wait there until he gets the cash.
Connecting a Chain of Restaurants
There are so many restaurants that offer as a chain. The data of these restaurants are shared online from one place to another. While this may sound interesting, it is not easy to transfer the data as it will take time, and a person has to stay and check the data before transferring it to another franchise. But now, with IoT, this issue can be solved with ease. IoT collects all the data by itself and uploads it to the cloud directly. There is no need for human interference here, which is a great way to get things done.
More Customization
If you are overly health conscious or a fitness freak and want your dishes to be done in a particular way, you can convey it to the chef directly with the help of this IoT technology. Usually, customers say these things to waiters, but there are times when a waiter misses a thing or two. In such situations, it gives the restaurant a bad name, and customers may not return to it. This is where the restaurant IoT devices do magic. Every table will have a tablet where customers can select the menu, order food that they like, and even customize the food according to their requirements. This is a great way to provide better service for the customers.
Reduced Energy Use
Wastage is a common thing in every restaurant. From food to energy, every restaurant that you see out there has one or the other wastage issue. You can avoid that with the help of these IoT devices. You closed your restaurant on holiday, but your staff forgot to turn off the HVAC, just imagine how much energy it will consume by the time you return and open. But with IoT, you can turn off the HVAC or any other appliance for that matter remotely. There is no need or prerequisite for you to go to the restaurant and turn down the device. The IoT commercial kitchen has a myriad of benefits, and cost-saving is one of them.
Better Customer Insights
The restaurant business is never just about cooking and serving. There are so many other important things like keeping a check on customer’s tastes and providing them with the food they need. IoT will help you in understanding your customers requirements but analyzing their tastes from time to time.
Key Takeaways
These are some ways Internet of Things can be used by restaurants. The world is changing pretty fast, and it is significant for every restaurateur out there to stay on top of the technology. IoT is one such technology that is going to occupy everything in the future, and there is no escape from that fact.
