Machinery simulating human intelligence, or artificial intelligence (AI), might sound like a lofty, highly futuristic concept. In reality, various industries are already using AI. Although it’s part of our present, AI can help your restaurant predict the future. Here’s how.
Machine learning (ML) is a type of AI in which software can accurately predict outcomes by accumulating data and learning from this data. It’s very simple: more data, more knowledge, better sales. Many restaurants have already experimented with this exciting technology, revealing AI’s nearly endless benefits and ability to predict outcomes. By integrating this type of AI with a POS system, your business will always be ahead of the curve.
So, how can AI work as your restaurant’s personal fortune-teller?
Improving Ordering
Customers appreciate the ease that comes from an employee knowing their typical order. AI provides this sense of familiarity but, critically, without the wait time. Customers won’t have to wait in line— self-ordering kiosks can include cameras that can determine if a customer is a regular. Conversational AI, which allows customers to speak to the kiosk, is also being developed, a great way for kiosks to gather data. According to QSR Magazine, consumers can then order and pay for their favorite meal in under 10 seconds.
Even if customers have only visited your restaurant once before, the kiosk will remember their order history and make recommendations based on that history. Of course, AI will always suggest relevant upsells to maximize profits. Entirely new customers can receive recommendations based on gender, age, and even mood. Don’t worry; customers have to specifically opt-in to facial recognition, assuaging privacy concerns.
According to Emerging, fast casual chains like BurgerFi, UFood Grill, Wow Bao, Malibu Poke, and CaliBurger have all started to take advantage of facial recognition AI. It’s not hard to see why: AI processes visual and auditory data, ultimately providing important insight into your target customer. Your restaurant can then carefully direct its resources to attract that demographic.
Optimizing Scheduling
Predictive scheduling laws in several states dictate that employers must post their employees’ work schedules in advance and failing to do so will result in a penalty. Advanced scheduling, especially for businesses with on-call shifts, is deceptively complex as circumstances are ever-changing.
AI’s got you covered: the technology can predict labor demand based on factors like weather, local events, foot traffic, and more. AI can even determine which employees achieve the most up-selling, aligning all of these elements accordingly to increase your sales. Your most effective employees can be scheduled for high-volume shifts and, most importantly, this intricate analysis will take up none of your precious time.
Inventory Management Made Easy
In addition to lending you a virtual hand with scheduling and taking orders, AI can upgrade how your restaurant manages its inventory. When combined with a POS system, AI can compare food sales, recipes, and supply levels, locating (and eliminating) possible sites of waste. Is your kitchen staff making portion sizes too big or too small? AI will tell you. Did you overstock a perishable ingredient? AI will recommend a discount. In dealing with your restaurant’s minutiae, integrated AI allows you to focus on the bigger picture.
All About the Data
From what your customers order to when they order it, every piece of data your restaurant can collect is crucial for growing your business. Accumulating this information, however, is a tedious task. Delegate the details of ordering, scheduling, inventory and more to AI, and your restaurant will soon start reaping the rewards.
