Top Five Technology Trends of 2023 For Point of Sale Software
We have scoured every corner of the internet to discover the biggest consumer trends of the new year. What are they? Consumer’s desire for connection, value, and convenience. In a widespread societal backlash against mandated isolation and lockdown, people are looking for human contact. But they have become accustomed to a certain level of convenience.
The popularity of off-premises experiences and services has created a pent-up desire to get back out and see friends and family. Consumers are looking for socialization, celebration, and unique experiences and exploration.
Here are five ways you can cater to consumer demands with a look at technology trends for point-of-sale software in 2023:
1. Zero Waste, Sustainability, and Upcycled Foods
People love a good story. They go to your restaurant as much for the story as the food. Market experience has shown that customers, especially younger customers, are willing to pay more for food they perceive to be environmentally sustainable. As a result, the popularity of food that is marketed as environmentally friendly continues to grow.
Your restaurant can capitalize on this trend and save money by focusing on eliminating waste from your business processes. One of the hottest technology trends right now is the adaptation of kitchen display systems (KDS). These systems are helping restaurants eliminate food and paper waste by vastly improving order accuracy and kitchen response times. Unfortunately, paper tracking systems are prone to human error and can lead to wasted food. Make sure you are telling the story of how your restaurant is taking meaningful action to eliminate waste, thereby protecting the environment.
2. Customization Capabilities
Consumers will continue to want more customized experiences in 2023. If your restaurant does not happen to be located on top of a Qatari skyscraper, no need to despair. You can still offer your customers the option to customize their experience.
Restaurant operators who take advantage of the best technology trends can set their point-of-sale software to offer personalized greetings and order recommendations for your returning diners. Whether your patrons want gluten-free pasta alternatives or meatless veggie options, you can make it easy for them to set their preferences to what they want.
Use your POS system for data collection and customer management so that whether dining in or ordering online, you know what they want, and you can offer them the options they crave.
3. More Data Please
With demand high for personalization and customized experiences, you can expect a higher reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Your customers are used to social media giants collecting data from them and offering them personalized recommendations based on their likes and dislikes. Your restaurant must keep up. This means you need to start collecting data from your customers.
The time of relying solely on third-party delivery apps like GrubHub is long past. You must guard your customers’ data and get the most out of your POS system’s reporting and analytics. These basic AI functions will boost your bottom line by making your customers feel like you know exactly what they want when they want it.
4. Better Computing and Connectivity
All of this data means a lot of 1s and 0s running your point-of-sale software. Do you have the data processing power and edge computing (aka cloud computing) you will need?
To offer the kind of experience your customers are demanding, you need to make sure your systems are backing up quickly and efficiently so that you don’t lose your data in the event of a crash. Get your data backed up to the cloud and communicate for better-streamlined experiences. Ensure your ordering tablets are up to date for faster computing and better connectivity.
5. Security For Devices
With so much riding on your IT, it is absolutely vital that your point-of-sale software provides advanced security for your devices. The best POS systems secure your equipment with an embedded operating system that is resistant to spyware and viruses. The ability to continue to operate even if your internet connection goes down adds resiliency to your business operations.
Customers will continue to order online in 2023. Make sure technology can handle this continuing trend with advanced cyber security to best protect the trust your customers put in your digital business.
Consumer demands are changing, but one thing that is not changing is that technology will help you to keep up with the trends. Keeping up with the wants and wishes of the dining public doesn’t have to be overly difficult. A trusted POS partner can help you make sure that your point-of-sale software keeps on top of this year’s technology trends.