Yes, Tech Is Now Critical To The Success Of The Hospitality Industry. Here’s Why
The hospitality industry, at its best, blends elements of classic service and progressive innovation. During the 2020 global health crisis, hospitality businesses had to embrace innovation more quickly than ever.
Many restaurants and hotels completely altered their pandemic operations, turning to tech-based tools that helped them navigate an ever-shifting business landscape. That doesn’t mean they lost their service-oriented mindset, of course. At Qwick, we often talk about our unique blend of human-touch hospitality and tech. Operators who thoughtfully balance the two can thrive, even during difficult times.
Here are three areas where tech makes a critical difference.
1. Speed
Hospitality businesses are operating at a faster pace than ever. With limited time in each day and unlimited challenges that might pop up, successful managers need both engaged team members and time-saving tech tools. Building even small efficiencies into ordering, billing, bookkeeping and other tasks opens up bigger blocks of time over the long term.
2. Service
Technology has played a huge role in restaurant operations since the start of the pandemic. These days, tech tools are central to hospitality’s rebound, as well.
When doors closed to walk-in dining, for example, delivery apps and online ordering platforms helped businesses provide contactless service. QR code menus grew in popularity, and they’ll remain important in the post-COVID marketplace. Restaurants also used tailored social media and SEO efforts to share menu changes, announce charitable programs and keep customers engaged, even when the lights were off.
3. Staffing and Operations
Tech should help to resolve issues, not create them. At Qwick, we’ve watched hospitality businesses face a variety of pain points as they ramp up operations after a year of shutdowns. We’ve also seen technology help our partners solve challenges, from budgeting to inventory to implementing take-out only menus.
Staffing is one of the restaurant and catering industry’s biggest pain points. On-demand platforms like Qwick make it easier and more seamless, by vetting food service professionals and connecting managers to experienced employees at the touch of a button.
As pandemic guidelines ease and restaurants reopen, the number of tables that are filled from day to day may be unpredictable. With the right staffing partner, however, filling open positions doesn’t have to be.
