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Call Sales: +1 (833) 437-3835
Julie Holkeboer | February 4, 2020 |
With the arrival of each new year, a wealth of predictions and trend forecasting precedes industry shifts and innovations. There’s increased speculation around “what’s next.”
At Revel, we capitalize on industry-shifting predictions. This focus on challenging the status quo is the very reason we are the pioneering cloud-based point of sale (POS) solution. Let’s dive into some of the trends we’re forecasting this year.
Digital-first companies are 64% more likely to achieve their business goals than their peers, according to a Forbes article on digital transformation. This isn’t a trend; it’s a movement. To keep pace in today’s competitive restaurant and retail markets, businesses must consider how digital experience factors into their customer journey.
McDonald’s chief executive officer Chris Kempczinski has placed a big emphasis on sustainable, appropriate technology innovations for the fast food giant after taking the helm in November of 2019. Calling it the “Experience of the Future,” self-serve kiosks emerged at the fast food giant’s flagship store in New York City. Kiosks have since popped up across the country, and analysts have noticed an increase in revenue.
Restaurants and retailers don’t need the size or budget of giants like McDonalds to offer customer-first experiences. POS providers — like Revel — now offer integrated self-service kiosk options. Kiosk technology often leads to higher checks because it offers customers the ability to quickly, and accurately, place orders. Additionally, kiosks offer operators the ability to integrate their CRM and loyalty programs, allowing customers to earn rewards, quickly view their order history, and easily reorder their favorites.
Similarly, mobile order takers are becoming increasingly common amongst businesses looking for increased ordering flexibility, and a better, more technology-driven experience for their customers. Mobile order takers offer the following benefits:
While options like self-service kiosks and mobile order takers exist today, the technology is still new and there’s constant speculation around what’s next. Both voice and facial recognition are frequent subjects when it comes to the next level of interactivity in self-service kiosks.
Due in part to the popularity of voice activated devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo, customers are more comfortable than ever using their voice to interact with technology, according to Kiosk Industry. Additionally, facial recognition technology can apply to kiosk engagement. The tech can speed up the process for unlocking previous orders, preferences, and customizations, and even use the customer’s voice to complete the order.
However, the argument around the importance of human to human interaction will always remain. As this technology becomes more widely available, business owners will have to decide which option is the best fit for their business model and clientele.
Legacy POS solutions still fuel businesses today, but are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Advancements in technology allow for more modern, space-saving solutions. When you’re considering a POS, make updating your system as simple as updating your phone.
Employees and customers demand solutions that are easy to use. They are more inclined to accept a POS that resembles technology they use in their personal lives.
In general, legacy solutions lack the flexibility operators need to keep up with demand, resulting in a shift to cloud-based solutions. As more antiquated solutions begin to require larger investments to maintain, it will be interesting to watch the shift to cloud-based solutions evolve even more rapidly.
According to Tacit, 60% of restaurant operators believe delivery offers incremental sales, and mobile app delivery will rise to more than $38 billion by 2020. As delivery, and delivery through third party delivery apps, continues to increase in popularity, operators must meet the growing demands in order to capitalize on the booming market.
Aligned with this forecasting, POS solutions can play a major role in easing the worries associated with consumer’s shifting behavior towards delivery, and can help businesses unlock the increased revenue potential associated with it. Tacit recommends upgrading your POS so you can integrate all ordering channels within your POS solution.
Revel’s online ordering helps businesses maintain menu consistency by updating online and physical menus with one click. It creates a seamless omnichannel approach to delivery. By integrating your online ordering platform with your POS solution, businesses can easily sync CRMs, gift cards, and loyalty program information across platforms, increasing engagement amongst customers. Lastly, integrating online ordering with your POS gives you immediate access to valuable data. Instantly gauge menu demand, peak ordering times, and more.
The new year has just begun, and our talented team of product-enthusiasts are always eyeing trends and building features that not only align with the industry in its current state, but also features that propel the industry forward.
As you embark on forecasting of your own, consider a POS platform that offers the latest technology, is easy to learn, and provides a multitude of features to help you better manage your business. Learn more about our leading iPad POS System and see how Revel Systems can help.
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