Page 44 - RLI September 2019

RLI LEISURE INSIGHT

How to Make the

Most of Technology

Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis sits down and takes some time
out to discuss with RLI how the restaurant industry can utilise
technology, new applications and online bookings within the
leisure sector to gain the most benefit

The hospitality industry has a new necessity: technology. Be and pay for drinks at the tap of a thumb. Thus, cutting out the
it a grab-and-go diner or a Michelin-star reserved for special need for the customer to stumble over to the bar, order, wait
occasions, technology has become a necessity for restaurants and then pay for their desired beverages. It allows customers
across the board to ensure high quality service (both front to relax in the knowledge that they are being catered for and,
and back of house). So, to serve customers better, like your according to Ordamo, 51 per cent of customers are annoyed by
taste buds, it cannot be ignored now. having to go to the bar counter to order - that’s over half your
Whether its websites or apps for reservations and placing target consumers supplied and satisfied by a simple mobile app!
orders, technology has quickly become a key interactive aspect Additionally, an integrated EPOS system helps in omitting staff
for meeting servicing standards and is imperative in ensuring hindering activities such as walking to and from the kitchen/bar
satisfactory customer service as well as business growth. in order to check customer orders or to pick up card payment
As an award-winning finance provider for small businesses, machines. Use an app and it’s all done – well, almost.
Liberis are always keeping in the loop with SME trends so Giving technology an overhaul will forego any hinderances
today we’re discussing the best ways of using technology so caused by outdated payment systems, and that’s a win-win
restaurants can better benefit. for both staff and customers alike, as it makes organising
orders easier and helps make an all-important sale.
The Infamous ePos sysTem
One of the most popular examples of how technology onlIne bookIngs
can enhance your business is by using an innovative and Technology can seem conflicting when you run a high-end
interconnected EPOS (electric point of sale) system. dining establishment which guarantees the experience rather
Many restaurants use a modern tablet system when taking than the efficiency, but it can be beneficial to have elements
orders and dishing out the dishes, thereby eliminating the of modernisation. Little things like creating a website makes it
possibility of human error. It makes efficiency the be-all and end- easier for potential customers to research and book tables at
all of their service. Wetherspoons for instance, a gastro pub with your illustrious establishment. Modern online booking tools are
a particularly innovative mobile app, allows customers to order so advanced now, they can assimilate with company calendars,
staff timetables and alert customers of the potential waiting
time for a table and how many bookings are ahead of them.
This way customers are well informed, and you and your staff
are aware of the incoming business.
If anything, consider a website and try to utilise keywords to enable
search engines to raise awareness around your company - alert
any potential customers that may be looking for care and attention.

old school Tuesdays
Even if you would want to stick with traditionalism, do not
fully ignore modern technology, perhaps consider a tech-free
night once per week? Instagram is the perfect platform to get
customers’ reactions and reviews on your signature dishes,
even though it may seem disconnected at times.
For instance, the Heliot Steakhouse, situated within the
Hippodrome Casino in London, combats this by implementing
No-Tech Tuesdays; encouraging customers to refrain from their
phones and take part in the old system of communication - talking.
It works well, as it caters to those who would rather put their
phones away during dinner, while only limiting it to one day a week.
Technology and hospitality go together, and the idea of
completely ignoring modern advancements could impact
business. While it’s up to businesses as to how they want
to proceed, Liberis encourages them to consider integrating
new technologies as part of the business plan, if only to
bolster influence while increasing potential footfall.
Moreover, if you need some extra cash to permit said
changes, then consider taking out a Business Cash Advance.
This is a simpler, speedier funding solution which only takes
repayments when your customers pay you.

44 ReTaIl & leIsuRe InTeRnaTIonal SEPTEMBER 2019