Features You Should Look For in Restaurant Management Software

Running a restaurant is no easy task. As a restaurant owner or manager, you need tools that can help streamline your processes and make running your restaurant more efficient. This is where investing in good restaurant management software can pay off. But with so many options out there, how do you know what to look for? Here are features you should keep an eye out for when evaluating restaurant management systems.

Reservation and Waitlist Management

Handling reservations and waitlists is a huge part of the job. Look for a restaurant management system that allows you to easily track reservations and wait times. The software should let you note reservation details like date, time, number of guests, and contact information. It should also include waitlist management features like estimating wait times, putting guests on the waitlist, and alerting staff when a table is ready. Optimal seating management will help you deliver better, more efficient service.

Table Management and Floor Plans

Visual table management and floor planning functionality is extremely useful for restaurants. You’ll want software that allows you to create floor plans by simply dragging and dropping table icons. You should be able to assign each table a name or number and view which are occupied or available at a glance. This allows staff to seat walk-in guests at the best table efficiently. Some systems even integrate with paging systems to send alerts when tables are ready.

Mobile Capabilities

Today’s technology allows us to be mobile and untethered. Look for a restaurant management system that offers strong mobile functionality so you and your staff aren’t stuck behind a desktop computer all the time. There should be both a web-based version accessible from any device and mobile apps for tasks like taking orders and processing payments tableside. The ability to handle various processes on the go makes operations much more flexible.

Kitchen Display System Integration

A kitchen display system (KDS) is a must for sending orders back to the kitchen and expediting tickets. The best restaurant software will integrate directly with KDS to automatically send each ticket straight from the point of sale (POS) to the kitchen. This creates a seamless flow and improves order accuracy. Servers don’t have to manually enter items into separate devices. It also allows the kitchen staff to better sequence dishes and enhance coordination.

Inventory Management

Restaurants live and die based on having the right ingredients and products in stock. So inventory management capabilities are hugely beneficial. Look for a system that can integrate with food and beverage suppliers to automatically update your inventory counts. You should also be able to set up reorder points and easily place orders directly through the software when stock gets low. Robust reporting allows you to identify your top selling items.

Employee Management Tools

Your employees are the backbone of your operations. Optimize their productivity with employee management tools. The system should allow you to create different user roles with specific permissions – like server, manager, etc. You should also be able to build schedules and assign shifts based on role and location. Top systems integrate with payroll, allow workers to clock-in, and enable labor cost reporting. Offering online training through the software is also a nice touch.

Analytics and Reporting

Data and insights are invaluable for understanding costs and making smarter decisions. Restaurant management software with strong analytics and reporting is a must. At minimum, you should be able to pull detailed sales reports and get an overview of labor costs and revenues. More advanced systems offer real-time reporting and analysis centered around key metrics like covers, average check size, and table turnover rate. Make sure the data is easy to interpret and actually helps boost performance.

Finding the right restaurant management software takes research – but it’s worth it. The right system with features tailored specifically to your needs can provide a significant competitive advantage. With streamlined operations and staff empowered with intuitive tools, you’re sure to impress guests and keep them coming back. The efficiencies will be felt across your entire operation, from the kitchen to the front of the house. So take the time to understand the options and choose wisely based on the must-have features outlined above. The payoff in time and money saved will be well worth it.