TABLETOP ORDERING SYSTEM

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Something not many people are aware of, but this is a tabletop ordering system that allows guests and customers in restaurants to order food and drinks from their table on a device given to them by the restaurant or a smartphone. This is sometimes called virtual ordering or contactless table ordering. It works almost like online food ordering from your home and then once receives the delivery, however this works in store as well. The reason behind this was because the traffic in restaurants was starting to increase.  If the in-store point of sale/POS system is slow and inefficient, an online ordering platform is a great alternative.

This system is widely implemented in Japan and the USA .

Why Tablets on Restaurant Tables Are Here to Stay - Eater
Example of the tablets used in restaurants.

Why tabletop ordering?

Tabletop ordering has many obvious benefits. As guests and customers, we spend less time waiting for waiters to take our orders. At the same time, the existing serving staff can provide the over-the-top assistance to customers and guest that require the services and maybe new guests as well that need guidance on what to order.

Tabletop ordering gives control to the guests, these systems allow guests to pick and choose what products they would like. It allows them to customise their orders and cancel certain things without the embarrassment of “bothering” any staff member.

Restaurant, bar, cafe owners on the other side gain better insight into their customers and their business, it shows a more precise number and statistical view of what customers are ordering and what they are neglecting on the menu. This allows owners to pick a different strategy all in the hopes of maintaining customer loyalty and revenue.

This method also focuses on increasing revenue. How you may say since it’s becoming less humanized? Well with these systems there is less being spent on paper menus, less wages to pay out since many restaurants then decrease the number of staff members and more focus on digital systems and sales. At the same time because these systems are new and handy, many guests will spread the word to friends and the recommendations result in more visits and sometimes just for the experience.

This also improves customer experience. There are less mistakes made when ordering, so 100% accuracy, it is very efficient as customers don’t need to wait for staff members to be free for them to be attended to. While adding new technology to a restaurant takes some getting used to, the learning curve with a table ordering system should be easy. A good manager will put measures in place to ensure a smooth transition for both the wait staff and kitchen staff. And chances are, the customers are already familiar with iPads (or other handheld devices) and smartphones. Simple and intuitive system result in easy navigation by customer.

Sources:

www.visionect.com

https://restauranttechnologyguys.com/

One thought on “TABLETOP ORDERING SYSTEM

  1. 46302 says:

    I think it’s amazing solutions for restaurants, considering every person would be able to order by themselves. I guess actually it’s easy enough, to be done by everyone, but I think many people from older generation would be against this way of ordering. Although I personally consider it really great, making everything easier and faster, I think we also have to consider the costs of tablets, it’s probably not the cheapest, taking to consideration that there is about 50 tables in the restaurant, they can easily broke and are not always working properly (I work in a restaurant and as waiters we use tablets, but they don’t work on the tables outside and unfortunately very often lag). Great article, it’s nice to see how the world becomes more high-tech!

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