71% of restaurant business owners agree that digital systems are the future of food service businesses. Technology in restaurants has revolutionized restaurant management, and nowhere is that more clear than with a restaurant operations system.
If you want to improve your restaurant management with restaurant operation system software, you’re in luck! Use this guide to learn more about this powerful software, and to choose the restaurant management software to get you started.
What Is a Restaurant Operations System?
A restaurant operations system, also known as restaurant management software, is software that manages and automates much of the day-to-day aspects of restaurant operations.
This type of software features that allows restaurant owners and managers to take care of inventory management, POS systems, personnel management, sales data, and kitchen management, from one dashboard.
There is a lot of variety in restaurant management systems. Besides these above key features, users can also enjoy advanced restaurant management software solutions specific to their restaurant needs.
Benefits of Restaurant Management Software
Restaurant management software offers users a plethora of benefits that improve restaurant operations. Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits you should take advantage of.
Streamlined FOH & BOH Operations
FOH (front of house) and BOH (back of house) operations are greatly benefited by restaurant management software. Restaurant management systems connect FOH and BOH operations and use real-time data to improve operations.
From guest to inventory management, a restaurant management system is an effective way to distribute labor and other resources and improve operations from one dashboard.
Improved Communication
A restaurant management system will help your staff communicate more effectively, and manage guest bookings and product availability better. If there are problems with equipment or inventory, the waitstaff will be the first to know. If a dish can’t be served, servers can let guests know ahead of time.
The integration of a POS system means waitstaff can also manage orders and payments from almost anywhere in the restaurant.
Superior Customer Satisfaction
Improved restaurant operations and better communication will naturally lead to a better customer experience. With the help of the best restaurant management software, your restaurant can improve business operations and provide a smooth and fast dining experience.
Improved restaurant operations will also positively affect your staff. They’ll be less stressed, perform better, and be more productive–all of which will improve customer satisfaction.
The Best Restaurant Management Software for Your Restaurant
Now that you know how a restaurant management system can improve your restaurant operations, let’s take a look at some of the best restaurant management software options out there.
Toast POS
Toast POS is a very popular restaurant management software option. It is known for providing consistent services and is trusted by many food service businesses.
It’s an all-in-one restaurant POS system and management software with a focus on reducing running costs and improving restaurant operations.
However, where Toast shines is its dedication. It was made specifically for the restaurant industry, which means the software features will fit your restaurant’s needs perfectly.
Main features
- Full POS system
- Open API integration option
- Accounting software and integration
- Guest and customer management
- Table management
- Centralized dashboard
- Analytics and reporting features
- Real-time data
- Marketing programs
- Delivery management
- Inventory management system
- eCommerce management
- Mobile friendly software
- Access filters and controls
Posist
Posist is a cloud-based restaurant management software. It was created in 2012 by Restroworks and has continued to gain traction as one of the top restaurant management software options.
The cloud-based platform aims to be a restaurant management option for enterprise restaurants. It’s also a good fit for owners looking for a platform that can grow with their business. It helps restaurant managers improve efficiency and guest experiences with FOH, BOH, and OOH (out-of-house) software solutions.
Finally, it also offers built-in customer relations management software and robust analytics and reporting features.
Main features
- Cloud-based software
- Inventory management
- Kitchen and menu management
- Menu builder and editor
- Robust analytics and reporting
- Multi-channel marketing
- Customers database
- Mobile friendly
- Order and delivery tracking
- Guest management
- Payment processing
- POS integration
- Employee scheduling
- Labor cost tracking
Restaurant365
Restaurant365 is another restaurant management software dedicated to providing niche-specific features for the restaurant industry. The cloud-based platform provides restaurant management solutions that simplify operations and improve inventory management.
The software also offers integrated payment processing features, staff and restaurant performance tracking, and customizable reporting. It’s a good restaurant management system for small to enterprise businesses, but not freelancers or very small mom-and-pop restaurants.
Main features
- Cloud-based software
- Inventory management
- Inventory management and automation
- Purchasing, receiving, and vendor management
- Customizable reporting and analytics
- Restaurant forecasting
- Budget builder
- Menu management
- Manager logbook
- Employee scheduling
- Open API
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a POS management system specifically designed to be used by restaurants. It’s cloud-based and offers many features related to sales, sales tracking, inventory, and cost reduction. It also improves floor operations management with customizable floor plans and employee scheduling software.
Lightspeed also offers add-on features aimed at integrating and managing deliveries and eCommerce from your restaurant.
Main features
- Cloud-based Restaurant management software
- Contactless payment options
- Fraud Assistance
- Automated stock management
- Menu pricing and management
- Supplier management
- Restaurant sales analytics and Reporting
- Customer tracking and reporting
- Table management
Apicbase
Apicbase is a food and beverage management system with a focus on BOH management. The restaurant management software offers modules for users to choose from, which you can then use to resolve issues in your restaurant.
Main features
- Cloud-based restaurant management software
- Centralized dashboard
- Real-time data and calculations
- Menu management
- Inventory management
- Automate stock take
- Sales reporting and analytics
- Open API
- Restaurant industry regulation compliance checks
- Food production tracking
Conclusion
Restaurant management systems simplify and improve the restaurant management process. With the above software options, you can streamline your restaurant operations, better employee and customer communication, and increase revenue with good and consistent service.
Another way to improve your restaurant operations is to invest in event management software. Perfect Venue is the perfect option. Try it free today.
