What Type of Ordering Innovation Fits My Business?

As a hospitality entrepreneur, you face an important choice: stick with traditional ordering methods or transition to digital solutions such as QR ordering, self-service kiosks, tablets, or online shops for takeaway and delivery. The way guests place orders has changed significantly in recent years, driven by technology and evolving consumer expectations. But which solution is best suited for your business? In this blog, we address the key questions about digital ordering technology in the hospitality industry.

Let's explore the main digital ordering options and how they can transform your hospitality business.

Guests scan a QR code, browse the menu on their smartphone, and place their order instantly. Additionally, they can pay directly through the software and even earn loyalty rewards. This minimizes wait times, increases efficiency, and enhances guest engagement.

But is it the right fit for your establishment? QR ordering works exceptionally well in casual dining and fast-paced environments but is less suitable for high-end fine dining, where personalized service and staff menu expertise are key. QR ordering also offers advanced features such as AI-driven upselling, suggesting extras or upgrades based on guests' choices.

Self-service kiosks are particularly popular in fast-service restaurants, honesty bars, airports, amusement parks, and snack bars. According to Hospitality Net (2022), self-order kiosks increase the average order value by 15% because guests feel less pressured by time constraints and are more likely to choose extras.

Kiosks can also utilize AI-powered recommendations to boost revenue and improve the guest experience. By adding kiosks to your business, you're hiring the most cost-efficient solution out there, which will earn back the investment in the blink of an eye. The entire process of taking the order and processing can be skipped, meaning a significant reduction in operation costs.

Scared that it will impact guest satisfaction? It won't. Guests will always have the option to walk up to the counter if they want to, and because of the quicker process, guest satisfaction has proven to increase.

For hospitality businesses that want to combine digital efficiency with personal service, table-side tablets can be an excellent solution. Guests can browse the menu at their own pace, place orders, and even pay directly.

This system is particularly effective in all-you-can-eat concepts, where additional features such as round counters, minimal wait times, shared live carts, and various package settings are required.

More and more hospitality businesses are expanding their services with an online ordering platform for takeaway and delivery. According to Statista (2023), online ordering has increased by 30% over the past three years. This presents opportunities but also requires a solid logistics process to ensure order quality.

Online shops can include smart ordering features, such as time slot distribution and personalized upsell options based on previous orders. Having your own takeaway and delivery webshop reduces dependency on major ordering platforms and allows you to maintain full control over your branding and customer experience.

Benefits:

• Efficiency – Orders are processed faster and with fewer errors, allowing staff to focus on service.
• Increased Revenue – Smart upselling features and automated recommendations help boost the average order value.
• Lower Labor Costs – Digital systems alleviate some of the workload, which is particularly valuable during staff shortages.
• Direct Integration with Your POS System – Ordering software can sync with the POS system, ensuring that menu updates and price changes are instantly reflected.
• Seamless Workflow – Digital ordering solutions can work alongside traditional handheld devices and POS terminals, ensuring smooth operations.

Challenges:

• Implementation Costs – The initial investment in digital technology may seem high but often pays off quickly.
• Guest Experience – Some guests may miss the personal touch, making digital ordering less suitable for high-end hospitality.
• Technical Issues – A digital system must be stable and user-friendly to avoid guest frustration. Choosing a reputable software provider with strong reviews and reliable support is essential.

The choice of a digital ordering solution depends on your type of establishment, target audience, and business model. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much do I prioritize personalized contact over efficiency and profit?
• Do I have enough staff, or do I need to reduce workload?
• Do I want to increase my average order value?
• Can my kitchen handle additional orders from a webshop, kiosk, or tablet system?
• Am I fully committed to innovation and will I get my team on board, or do I want to stay traditional?

Digital ordering solutions can help hospitality entrepreneurs work more efficiently, increase revenue, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. The key to success lies in selecting the right technology and software provider that best suits your business.

Want to discover which technology works best for your hospitality concept? Contact us for a free demonstration!

Sources: Statista (2023). "Global Hospitality Trends Report." | Hospitality Net (2022). "The Rise of Self-Ordering Kiosks." | McKinsey & Company (2023). "Consumer Expectations in the Hospitality Industry." | Forbes (2023). "AI-Driven Upselling in Hospitality." | TechCrunch (2023). "The Future of Digital Ordering in Restaurants."