 Research released by the National Restaurant Association this year found that 60 percent of restaurants plan to make technology investments in 2024, while 76 percent of operators say technology gives them an edge. That adds up to a whole lot of operators who are trying to identify the right technology to help them thrive in current market conditions. If you’re among them, it’s not likely that you will be able to implement all of the changes you desire at once, so developing a carefully thought-out roadmap can help ensure you’re making the right incremental changes along the way. What are your restaurant’s most pressing needs? How can you make sure that each new investment you make builds on the previous one in a way that streamlines processes across your operation? Once you zero in on your biggest pain points and goals, you can create a list of priorities — and from there, you can assess associated costs, determine how much staff training is required for the smooth adoption of new processes, and plot out the necessary phases and time frames for implementing changes.
 In the past few years in particular, restaurants have become especially valued for their experience factor — their ability to effectively bring people together and provide an enjoyable experience that feels seamless. Your technology can make your interactions with groups (and your guests’ interactions with each other) feel more smooth. But according to 2024 State of the Industry: Future of In-Restaurant Dining, a report produced by Incisiv in partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, restaurants are leaving a number of opportunities on the table here. For example, only 13 percent of the restaurants surveyed offer digital experiences to simplify group dining — to include the ability to split bills easily or streamline ordering. Just 25 percent of restaurants have integrated proximity sensors and AI to help manage dine-in, collection and delivery services. Less than one-quarter of restaurants have interactive digital menus that track choices and preferences for future personalization. Only 5 percent of restaurants use augmented reality experiences to help guests understand the journey of their meal. If you’re in a position to fine-tune your tech, how might you remove some of the logistical hurdles around order placement and payment, as well as the overall enjoyment of the dining experience, so you can better manage traffic and build loyalty?
 Restaurant operators have to manage an ever-shifting list of requirements to comply with the law. From food and beverage safety regulations to specialty licenses to labor compliance laws, there are many priorities (as well as changes) for operators to track. If they don’t, the legal or financial consequences can be steep. But as a recent report from Modern Restaurant Management explains, AI-supported tools are making compliance tasks easier (and simultaneously removing some tedious responsibilities from employees’ to-do lists). AI-powered workforce management is helping restaurants automate compliance tasks while bringing insights from them into clearer focus, so operators can know more readily what areas of the business need attention. For example, workforce management can provide a labor-management plan that includes predictive scheduling so you’re able to adequately staff your business to uphold safety regulations and minimize your food safety risks. In the process, staff gain greater flexibility to plan around shifts and operators can better avoid burning out staff. These tools can also keep accounting tasks current. This technology is becoming an industry standard, so if you’re in the majority of restaurants making technology investments in the near future, these capabilities are likely to be woven into them.
 In the past few years, your restaurant has likely expanded the number of sales channels it offers to guests. Many full-service restaurants may have permanently ramped up their delivery and curbside pickup businesses, while quick-service restaurants may have made significant investment in their drive-thru business. But regardless of restaurant category, being able to deliver a consistent brand experience in every available ordering channel is critical – particularly if one channel seems to be getting more focus/investment/attention from guests than others. It starts by having a strong central nervous system in the form of a POS that streamlines all of these different business strands, makes it easy for staff and guests to process orders through them, and has functionality that allows the business to track and prioritize orders and other information in real time. Still, a recent report from Restaurant Technology News says many restaurant businesses are holding off on implementing such an all-in-one tech solution, largely because it might be too difficult for staff to learn in the midst of handling daily tasks and serving guests. However, it says, “utilizing these solutions can eliminate vendor fatigue for hospitality staff and free them up for higher-level activities…These solutions are giving them more time to prioritize, execute tasks, and delight guests, which ultimately increases efficiency and revenue for the business.”
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