When we talk about automation and AI in the foodservice industry, the first thing that comes to mind are robots flipping burgers and delivering drinks to customers. Introducing some of the most innovative tech trends available in the market doesn’t necessarily mean that restaurants need to eliminate human involvement from their operations. It simply means they can upgrade from pen-and-paper processes to AI-supported back-of-the-house tasks with “invisible technology” that improves overall process efficiency.
Operators today are already exploring cutting-edge solutions that involve automation and AI to solve some of the biggest problems faced by restaurants nowadays – issues with the supply chain, inflation, and labour shortages. Some of the biggest restaurant chains such as Chipotle, Subway and Domino’s superior customer service.
AI implementation holds limitless potential. It can address some of the most burning challenges, such as:
Supply Chain Disruptions:
AI and ML algorithms assist restaurants in predicting demand, preventing food waste, and optimizing inventory management, which is crucial in managing supply chain complexities.
Challenging economic conditions:
AI-driven analytics help restaurants analyze market trends and adjust menu prices dynamically based on ingredient costs and demand. This ensures profitability despite the ongoing inflation.
Labor shortages:
AI and robotics, such as self-ordering kiosks and robotic servers, mitigate labour shortages by streamlining operations and allowing staff to focus on customer interaction and food quality.
Poor customer experience:
AI can enhance customer experience by offering personalized recommendations tailored to their preferences.
By analyzing data from customers’ purchase histories and their social media profiles, AI systems can create customized menu suggestions and promotions. This personalized approach provides a unique dining experience, different from the traditional one-size-fits-all menu.
“One of the areas that is essential when it comes to AI is personalization”, said Marlon Koch, VP of Product, MENU. “Being able to deliver a more personalized experience is a big part of that, leveraging the data that you have about the consumer in the right way.”
The Path Forward: Embracing the AI Revolution
At MENU, we are constantly optimizing our solutions so that we can offer sophisticated technology that improves performance of multi-unit restaurant brands, while also boosting customer satisfaction.
Based on an intelligent algorithm, MENU’s Dispatch solution can automatically assign delivery orders to the most suitable driver from the best matching Delivery Service Provider’s fleet. Estimated delivery times based on the automatically assigned driver’s location are immediately updated on all channels, which helps restaurant brands reduce staff workload and improves processes.
