The benefits of implementing cloud-based software into your restaurant.
By Melanie Bradley
The Cloud. This ominous term is tossed around in casual conversation, and has become a staple in our current vernacular. The current generation doesn’t know a world without it. So, what’s all the fuss about? The cloud is not just a technology platform, but is a dynamic and leading influencer in the overall evolution in the culture and lifestyles of consumers. Restaurant owners can adapt to this progressive era via their POS platforms. With Millennials occupying 25% of the population, and representing over $200 billion in annual buying power, their influence in the market is undeniable.
One of the leading benefits of implementing cloud-based POS software into your business is the immense scalability and adaptability of the software itself — meaning it easily supports the evolving needs of consumers and the market, allowing your business to keep up with competitors, and leave customers satisfied with a desire to return. Cloud-based POS software offers numerous advantages to your restaurant, including:
Customer Loyalty Programs
The best way for restaurants to surpass their competition is to create a loyal fan base. Creating a custom loyalty program to drive new customers into your restaurant and retain your current clientele is a fundamental key to your brand’s success. As the business owner, you even have the opportunity to customize your loyalty program to fit your restaurant’s menu and revenue goals. Store important customer data and information, such as:
- Historical buying habits
- Favorite dishes
- Birthdays
- Previous order history
- Contact information
Restaurants and retailers now have the ability to send special offers, promotions or coupons to guests via emails or text messages. Loyalty programs allow businesses to track customer purchases, and reward them with a points system for every item or dollar spent.
Online Ordering
Technology today offers convenience to consumers more than ever before. Online ordering has become an expectation that customers utilize, as 45% of American consumers expect some form of technology as the first point of contact in their dining experience.
Cloud POS software provides restaurants the ability to implement online ordering onto their websites for their customers to take advantage of. Patrons can order anytime, and select their pickup time. Online ordering via a website or mobile app is a valuable feature to take advantage of in order to keep your restaurant desirable in the eyes of Millennials and members of Generation Z — two of the most influential groups of consumers today. According to Technomic Inc, 54% of Generation Z consumers visit QSR establishments more than once a month, and is the generation that is most likely to use technology to their advantage when choosing a foodservice location.
Social Marketing
In a world revolving around mobility, a presence on social media has never been more important for restaurant branding. Social media marketing has a 100% higher lead-to-close rate than outbound marketing, and 84% of B2B marketers use social media in some form.
By using features of cloud POS software such as online ordering and loyalty programs, customers can rate their experience, tweet comments, share their order, post a photo of their dish, or “like” a restaurant’s page on Facebook or “follow” on Instagram. Each consumer who engages in social posting becomes an ambassador for your restaurant and has an impact on your brand.
Automatic Updates
Cloud POS software automatically updates; security updates, bug fixes and increased speed occur automatically without any prompting or effort by from the business owners or managerial staff. This ensures your software operates optimally, and is ready to perform at the highest level. Spend time waiting on your guests, not behind a terminal.
Enterprise Reporting
Cloud-based POS software applications give restaurant owners the ability to generate reports for a single store or multiple restaurant locations. Managers and owners can exercise full control in defining how data is consolidated — whether by city, state, region or country. All reports occur in real time, meaning the information is continuously current, and as up to date as possible. It can then be analyzed anywhere the operator has internet access.
Multi-Unit Management
Menu management and system configuration across multiple units is quick and easy with cloud-based technology. Business owners can now simplify menu rollout, and improve operational efficiency.
Increased Data Security
The level of security in cloud-based software is thoroughly increased, limiting the scope of liability and the chance of credit card breach or identity theft. Some companies do not require a back-office computer, so customer data is safe, secure and accessible in the cloud.
Say Goodbye to Legacy and Hello to the Cloud
Cloud based POS solutions are adaptable, cost-effective and easy to implement, in comparison to traditional legacy POS systems, which are outdated and costly to update. Switching to the cloud when choosing a new POS system is an effective way to keep customers connected and engaged, as well as to eliminate the risk of failing to meet industry standards and regulations, or failure to be compliant. Cloud POS solutions are flexible, valuable and beneficial in a multitude of ways, and their implementation will allow your restaurant to rise to meet consumer expectations and market demands.
With the adoption of the cloud, business owners can align their brand with success by promoting additional conveniences for consumers to take advantage of — such as curbside takeout, customer loyalty programs, online ordering, text message ordering, in-store tablets, kiosk ordering, line busting and pay-at-table devices, to name a few. It’s time to say goodbye to your legacy systems and update your brand with cloud-based software solutions.
— Melanie Bradley is the product marketing specialist for PAR Technology’s POS Restaurant Technology platform. For more information, visit www.partech.com or email [email protected].