In recent years, artificial intelligence is no longer part of a trial and error process to prove its efficiency to the restaurant business and the entire food and beverages industry. We often hear it but do we understand its meaning, roles, and importance to one's business? AI is everywhere. It is already prevalent in our daily lives. From using delivery apps on your phone, asking directions when driving, and even taking a cab thru online bookings. These activities are backed up by so-called intelligent algorithms. Business experts believe that AI technology enhances the lives of individuals and entrepreneurs from all walks of life and leverages it to maximize the efficiency of their operations. One thing for sure is that AI technology is the way of the future.
What is AI for restaurants?
AI solutions for restaurants are primarily based on intelligent algorithms. It generally uses machine learning and takes the role of a virtual assistant. It is interesting to know that AI systems can handle restaurant operations and predict consumer behavior. Moreover, they can also gauge and influence customer satisfaction. Furthermore, in the restaurant industry, AI solutions include AI-controlled kiosks, voice ordering, AI-powered online ordering systems, etc.
How can restaurant intelligence increase restaurant sales?
As an advanced technological virtual assistant, AI solutions can automate most restaurant operations and upsell customers unobtrusively by recognizing patterns in customer behavior and restaurant business trends.
Benefits of artificial intelligence technology for the restaurant industry
1. Cost Cutting
Automation can reduce the number of regular tasks restaurant operators need to perform, thereby reducing the use of resources associated with these tasks. Virtual assistants can also reduce the workload on staff, minimize food waste, and lower operation costs by increasing the overall efficiency of restaurant processes.
2. Reducing Errors
From monitoring the expiration date of ingredients to organizing customer orders, artificial intelligence is of great help in optimizing the operations of a restaurant business. A human server can mishear the customer's exact order, while an AI solution receives direct input from the customer. Machines are capable of multiple tasks and never get tired or distracted. Apart from that, AI is supported by data, which is analyzed by intelligent algorithms real time.
3. Loyalty Program Integration
Clients of eatOS' online ordering system can sync loyalty programs and gift card management systems with the app. It is believed to improve customer experience by offering easily redeemable and personalized rewards.
4. AI-driven kiosks
Since their inception in the global market during mid-1980s, interactive kiosks have been used by all industries to provide communication, entertainment, education, and commerce solutions with the help of a computer terminal. Nowadays, kiosks can pay phone bills, check in at the airport, buy movie tickets, and order food.
Self-ordering kiosks can work with cashiers, using impacting visuals to guide and entice customers. In addition, kiosks for restaurants include product-building functions, allowing users to customize and pay for their orders. While this might seem impressive, there is much more artificial intelligence can do for interactive kiosks.
The future of restaurant kiosks may lie right in the hands of customers. By taking advantage of QR codes, the functionality of AI-driven kiosks can be delivered to customers' smartphones. This allows people to view menus, place their orders, and pay for them on their mobile phones, and, even better, they do not have to stand in the queue.
5. Voice Ordering
Voice commerce is on the rise. Research performed globally by GlobalWebIndex found that more than 25% of people use the voice functionality features of their phones (source). Some of the biggest technology companies, like Amazon, Google, and Apple, constantly try to be firmly positioned in this market. For the restaurant industry, voice commerce offers a world of opportunity.
6. Smart marketing tools
AI's best feature is its ability to collect users' restaurant queries inconspicuously. As a result, it applies knowledge that provides unbiased information about their needs and desires. Furthermore, customers interacting with the platform benefit from timely and personalized promotions.
The future of AI for restaurants
While the covid-19 pandemic might have forced the restaurant industry to adapt, many changes are for the better. People have quickly adapted to online ordering systems, while restaurant owners have fewer logistical issues. From reducing delivery time by optimizing travel routes to knowing what sells best on the weekends, there is no doubt that restaurant AI and innovative ordering systems can improve many aspects of the food industry.
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