Smooth operator

WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS CONTINUING TO GROW, SO TOO DO THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPERATORS TO EMPLOY AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR VENUES. WITH THIS IN MIND, OLIVIA FITZGERALD, CHIEF SALES AND MARKETING OFFICER AT ZONAL, SHARES FIVE WAYS IMPLEMENTING TECHNOLOGY CAN ELEVATE A BAR VENUE.

PROVIDES ACCURATE AND COST-EFFECTIVE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Implementing an EPoS system that integrates with digital stock and product purchasing systems can update stock levels in realtime as sales are made via the till. Having access to accurate, live data will enable a business to ensure an appropriate amount of stock for each product line is being held. Ensuring sales data is being captured from the till and other ordering channels will enable bar operators to keep tabs on stock levels, purchasing and costs, all in real-time, meaning they can be quick and agile in making important cost-cutting decisions.

Creates A Frictionless Online Booking Experience

With our research suggesting that 47% of consumers visit a pub or bar’s website before booking, it’s important to offer a simple and seamless booking journey, which flows right from the moment the decision is made, through the entire booking process, right up to and beyond receiving a confirmation email. Furthermore, with a third of consumers using social media to book tables, it’s important that operators leverage the power of social as part of their marketing strategy, integrating direct booking technology into social media platforms, to help drive footfall.

Allows For More Informed Decision Making

Implementing technology that is fully integrated and runs through one central system is essential. For example, EPoS allows bar operators to collect and extract a variety of data, enabling them to better observe customer behaviours and identify the best performing channels and menu items, thus feeding these insights into their wider strategic decision making. This can help create more targeted, engaging and ultimately more successful campaigns to drive increased customer spend and keep them coming back for more.

Enables A Personal Touch For Customers

With over 80% of consumers signalling that they are interested in some form of personalisation when visiting pubs, bars and restaurants, pub operators need to assess if their current programmes deliver on this demand. By analysing the data acquired from your technology, staff can leverage this insight to decide how best to provide customers with personal touches at various points throughout the customer journey. Whether that’s a free cocktail on their birthday or seating customers at their preferred table, leveraging tech is key to providing that extra personalised touch.

Saves Staff Time

Technology is not only vital in helping to streamline the customer journey, but it can quickly and efficiently complete tasks which are often time consuming for hospitality staff. Having a fully connected and integrated EPoS system that links to all other tech in-venue can help staff with tasks such as automatically updating the system with bookings or cancellations, stock takes, update mobile orders and lots more. Technology can do much of the heavy lifting, ensuring staff time is spent efficiently.