5 best ways to improve efficiency in your hospitality business
11th April, 2017
It can be tough to make it in the hospitality industry, but technology is helping improve the odds by improving efficiency and customer experience.
Adopting the right technology in your hospitality business can be a game-changer, and the industry is catching on.
From cloud-based accounting tools and new ways to think about customer loyalty programs, technology is opening up both business efficiencies and creativity to win repeated business.
Here are five such tech pieces which can help you do both:
1. Cloud-based POS systems
Cloud-based point of sale (POS) systems are becoming more and more sophisticated, allowing hospitality businesses to operate more efficiently – leaving you more time to provide better customer service.
POS systems are quickly becoming the go-to choice for easily managing real-time data of your sales, inventory and performance indicators.
Because the POS system is in the cloud, it can be accessed from mobile devices, opening a world of possibilities for the busy hospitality business owner.
Kounta, for instance, works on any internet-enabled device.
You can add an unlimited number of products, customers and users, while adding and managing multiple stores and registers.
A variety of add-ons let you build a system that’s perfect for your business.
2. Online booking
Online bookings are now extremely widespread in many hospitality businesses, with many restaurants also beginning to accept them as their popularity increases.
There will always be some people who prefer to pick up the phone, but online booking systems mean that customers can reserve a room or a table outside the venue’s business hours.
This brings a new dimension to customer service and marketing.
Many industry insiders now consider it essential to have an online booking service, which also requires a well-designed, mobile-friendly website with a simple interface.
3. Boosting customer loyalty
Thanks to advancements in mobile and POS technology, rewarding loyal customers is easier than ever.
No need to worry about those physical coffee cards or physical forms that sit on your counter, taking up space.
With the right tools, you can run a rewards program that’s seamless, easy and automatic.
For example, businesses can implement rewards programs like Collect Loyalty by switching it on in their Kounta, online POS solution.
READ: Customer loyalty programs: Should your business have one?
4. Offer free wifi
Offering free in-store wifi so your customers can surf the internet on their smartphones is the easiest way to do this.
Your customers are conscious about using up their data plans, so they’ll be happy to grab a chance to access the web for free.
Cafes and restaurants are even becoming de-facto workplaces as internet-enabled mobility allows people to work from pretty much anywhere with a decent internet connection.
If you offer that decent internet connection and a decent cup of coffee, there’s no reason why you can’t become the place customers camp for the day.
5. Online accounting software
Imagine what being more organised would mean for you – more time to focus on growing your business or more time with your family.
It could also mean less stress because you know what position your business is in, how profitable it is and who owes you what.
Here at MYOB, our goal is to simplify success. Whether you’re big or small, MYOB has the tools you need to succeed in business.
If you’re not using MYOB online accounting software, you can try FREE for 30 days.
It’s packed with payroll features and tax updates, ensuring you’re always up-to-date so you can get back to what you do best rather than worrying about the nitty-gritty.