New changes in technology and innovative business models have optimized social life and business practices. The management amongst a business has even changed. With high speed wi-fi networks, tablets to take the customers order at a table instead of the traditional pen and paper, managers can see things more clearly. “The growth of enterprise-wide information systems with extraordinary rich data means managers no longer operate in a fog of confusion but instead have online, nearly instant access to the really important information they need for accurate and timely decisions.” (Laudon, K. & Laudon, J. 2018) Very few organisations are as numbers driven as restaurants or cafes, and the best tool to have at the front of the data chain than a modern point-of-sale system. A POS will help collect, organize and help an operator interpret a restaurant’s numbers. Some really advanced POS systems will even track current and historical guest counts, transactions, guest order specifics, trends and more. The next important system to have in a cafe is a back-office system, this is the information hub for all others. it manages inventory, purchasing, scheduling and even food safety compliance. (Synergysuite.com) The handheld ordering system is another exciting innovation that may be seen in your modernised restaurant or cafe. It’s efficient, fast and easy to use. Some of the benefits are; Customer Service - “The handheld systems can if the restaurant wishes, pull up the picture of any dish to show the customer. Another benefit is to using these systems is when a customer asks about nutritional information, can get it instantly from their handheld system.” (CostaSystems, 2016) Saving Money - “The handheld POS systems will reduce costs significantly, as more tables can be assigned to servers without compromising service. The menu information is available for the server at table side so less staff training is required as the servers do not have to memorise all the options, they have it instantly.” (CostaSystems, 2016) Another important system used in any cafe or restaurant, is a financial system or accounting system. The system should be able to manage costs and cash flow. A cafe needs a stable cash flow to buy more supplies, pay employees etc. The system should be able to show what is needed, what costs are to be covered, such as wages, expenses and capital. Information systems and technologies are a major enabling tool for businesses to create new products to make life easier for the service industry, When a business really knows it’s customers and give them a good experience, they should return. Not only is it important for a cafe to take care of its customers, it is also important to take care of their staff. Creating a positive organizational environment and culture is essential for happy staff. “Organizations and environments have a reciprocal relationship.” Information systems are key instruments for “environmental scanning”, helping managers identify external changes that might have an impact on the business environment. (Laudon, K. & Laudon, J. 2018) For cafes and restaurants, it seems that adapting and growing with technology and innovational changes can absolutely turn a business upside down, in a good way. Sources K, Laudon & J, Laudon. (2018) Management Information Systems. Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson Education Ltd. Harlow, England. The 3 Most Important Systems Your Restaurant Needs. Synergy Suite. [Online] Available at: https://www.synergysuite.com/blog/3-most-important-systems-your-restaurant-needs (2016) Benefits of a hand held terminal. Costa Systems. [Online] Available at: https://www.costasystems.ie/benefits-of-a-costa-systems-handheld-ordering-system-in-restaurants/
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April 2018
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