How can smart dispensing optimise foodservice operations?
Customers come first – and employees in foodservice are continually striving to provide an ideal customer experience. However, it is easier said than done, especially in the fast-paced environment of quick-service outlets and drive-through establishments where every second counts. Adding to that is the shortage of skilled workforce, leading to stressed employees.
Source: State of the Restaurant Industry 2023
Technologies like smart dispensing can be the differentiator in this scenario - enabling employees to focus on value-added work, reducing the time and effort they spend on repetitive, back-of-the-house tasks.
Simplifying complexities
Customised drink orders have soared in recent years, with social media playing a big role, so much so that popular chains are including favourite drinks of influencers on the menu and everyone is raving about the “secret menu” of a leading coffee shop. Although it is a given that hyper customisation is a great way to engage with consumers, the flip side is the pressure it puts on employees. Big and creative drink menus are also hard on employees who have to not only memorise the recipes but also make them quickly and consistently.
Smart dispensing technology, with closed-loop dispensing systems drawing from connected bag-in-box and/or pouch packaging, can step up here, enabling employees to automate dispensing for at least a part of the order. Digital advancements in dispensing coupled with pre-configured precise dosing is all set to play a big role in simplifying beverage dispensing.
Delivering speed and accuracy
As per the QSR magazine, speed is key to not only keep the line moving in drive-throughs but also to ensure customers keep coming back. The turnround time for serving a drink is decreasing while the ask for custom flavours, switch outs, and add-ons are increasing, and some of these are even thought of as basic service, today, such as the choice of milk in coffee or a custom flavour of soft drink.
This is another area where smart dispensing can help – cutting down the time needed for adding customisations or even serving up a regular drink while helping deliver the right order with no room for errors. From simple touchscreens enabling employees to configure an order with ease to fully automated systems connected to the order receipt, the potential of enhancing speed and accuracy is immense with smart dispensing technology.
Prioritising crew and customers
Smart dispensing technology reduces the effort and time required for routine tasks like inventory and usage tracking, management of open shelf life, cleaning of equipment, and even restocking supplies throughout the day. The small automations add up to lighten the workload on employees, enabling them to focus more on providing optimal customer service - resulting in an improved work environment and better customer satisfaction.
Optimising operations throughout
Today, beverage dispensing has evolved from being back-of-the-house, operator-led task to smart automated systems that add to the aesthetics and are a value-add to any establishment. Be it a customer-operated dispenser or a behind-the-counter one, dispensing technology is playing a pivotal role in how beverages and even consumables like frozen desserts are ordered. Furthermore, by cutting down the time and effort required for repetitive tasks, the technology is playing a role in optimising operations across the board – from saving costs and being more flexible to driving efficiency and improving the point-of-sale experience.
In the next part of the series, we will discuss how smart dispensing plays into sustainability. Subscribe to our exclusive bi-weekly newsletter to follow along and get insights on the food and beverage industry in your inbox.
- April 26, 2023