It’s no secret that the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated demand for digital tools in many consumer-facing environments. While the FES industry has started to recover from the impact of the pandemic, demand for solutions like these remains high as operators and manufacturers begin to see the long-term benefits associated with them. The restaurant industry has benefited from implementing solutions that cut costs with both physical products and data-driven solutions.
Self-checkout is not just a grocery game
Digital products don’t just provide a safer environment; they also present creative opportunities that improve efficiency processes and increase revenue. We’ve seen how mobile and curbside ordering has taken off and continued to thrive through the increased use of apps, but the digital guest experience has moved beyond phones and into physical dining spaces.
According to a recent study, 53% of consumers have used a mobile contactless payment option for the first time since the pandemic began. Self-checkout options are already prevalent in many consumer stores, so it’s not surprising to see a rise in demand for similar tools in restaurants. The study also showed that 85% of consumers say that it is important that a retailer offer the choice for contactless payment, signaling a change in consumer behavior that is already affecting restaurant operations and influencing sales on the B2B side.
Pictured: MONIFY CLOVER FLEX LTE GEN 2 POS System
Point-of-Sale (POS) systems are vital for this strategy, providing an additional safety barrier for customers and staff alike. These systems eliminate the physical interchange of payment by allowing customers to tap or insert cards in the appropriate slot. They also mitigate fraud risks through built-in security technology that automates monitoring business needs. POS system products have increased in popularity in a short time, with a range of options available from countertop to handheld models that can be used curbside or at the table. These products can be found on AQ’s platform under the Point-of-Sale Systems category.
Digital investments begin with data
Data-driven products like POS systems have the added benefit of tracking and reporting sales in multiple ways, allowing operators to streamline further and customize their operations. The solution is cost-effective and comes in a variety of options to fit business needs.
Physical products are just one example of how operators are scaling their strategies by prioritizing technology. Large restaurant groups have shown interest in securities with a hybrid tech model that is chiefly reliant on data. One food giant recently acquired a tech firm specializing in AI technology to drive its marketing strategy. This trend continues growing as corporations seek solutions like innovation labs and diverse partnerships to expedite their digital efforts and stay profitable. Reports indicate that these efforts are accelerating the adoption of digital resources and strengthening market share for companies that partake in these initiatives.
Think big, start with AQ
While digital products continue gaining market share, knowing where to start is key. For manufacturers, AQ’s software provides ample opportunities to optimize your investment in our platform. By monitoring sales performance, you can assess what products are your biggest winners and where you have growth opportunities. Becoming familiar with dashboard data helps you adopt a plan that works for you.
As a dealer or rep using AQ, you can already use these tools to boost your knowledge of which tactics boost sales. This is just the first step in your journey to a tech-first strategy that works for you. In the meantime, team AQ is continuously working on developing new products and enhancing existing software to give you a competitive edge. If you’re interested in listing POS systems, reach out to our team today at sales@AQ-FES.com.
Related Links: Emerging from COVID: 6 Dining Trends That Will Outlast the Pandemic, Ghost Kitchens: Cutting Costs with a Modern Business Solution
