Gone are the days when technologies used to meet with resistance owing to high costs and low technical knowledge. The food and beverage industry has understood that amidst the pandemic, that has faded away the concept of cosy dinners and larger than life celebrations if they desire to earn more bang for their bucks, they have to incorporate advanced technologies into their functioning.
Contactless is the new hashtag. It has become as important as food and water. Contactless technology has emerged as a solace for the food and beverage industry as it has helped the industry in tackling the hustle and bustles caused by the pandemic. It has helped restaurants in offering advanced hospitality while maintaining the Covid protocols. Thus, contactless technology has met two purposes of safety and convenience efficiently.
The fact is that good food and a good time will never be out of vogue. We just need to learn to deal with the storm like a pandemic that comes in the way. And the best way to overcome such storms is the adoption of contactless technology. Its benefits are endless.
Benefits of contactless technology in food and beverage technology
1. Reduce cost
Who doesn’t like to cut costs? After all, it is our hard-earned money. And the ultimate goal is to yield more profit out of the minimal investment. In the food and beverage industry where vicious competition and thin margins prevail, meeting this goal is even more crucial.
There is a dire need for food and beverage outlets to reduce their costs and contactless technology, that eliminates the need for customers to interact with the server or staff in person for ordering or transactions, this purpose is being served to quite an extent.
2. Streamlined the ordering process
Streamlining the ordering process has not only enhanced the efficiency of restaurants but has also optimised customers' experience. It has allowed customers to browse virtual menus and place orders while sitting in their homes. This has helped them in curbing the spread of the virus. Moreover, it has reduced the error rates tremendously by bringing precision to the ordering process.
3. Good need to carry cash or cards
One of the prominent ways in which contactless technology has incredibly enhanced the customers experience is through contactless payment. Now, customers can pay by scanning the QR code.
This has enabled customers to travel without cash and cards and they no longer need to take the stress of losing them.
4. Better allocations of labour costs
As there is no need for cash, there is no need for a cashier as well. This leads to a reduction in labour costs. This will further increase profits as a single rupee saved is a single rupee earned. It will also ensure that these costs will be used in other spheres of restaurants like ordering, sanitisation and tendering more guests.
It will also reduce the time of the entire ordering process as it can be accomplished within a few minutes with a few taps on the phone.
Moreover, it will prevent the spread of the virus as less crowd means that people's elbows won’t hit each other and there will be distance among them.
5. Contactless seating
By making reservations online and facilitating digital table allotment, restaurants can ensure the convenience of their customers. Contactless seating ensures that restaurants aren’t reserving more than what the social distancing norms will dictate.
Moreover, it will cut the waiting time at the restaurants and this will further ensure the minimal scope of the crowd. This will help in curbing the spread of the virus.
Technology has tossed new terms in the food and beverage industry that ensure the vigorous existence of technology in the post-Covid era.
1. RFID
Radiofrequency identification (RFID), has become a dominant force, with the technology finally approaching mass adoption after years of threatening to.
The technology involves tags or labels that emit a small radio frequency, allowing radio stock counts that are both highly accurate and incredibly fast compared to traditional methods. The result of this is a very up to date, or even real-time, view of the stock.
The main use cases responsible for the technology’s success in the increased process efficiency, superior inventory management without much labour and thus is best for the post- Covid era.
2. Smart vending machines
Smart vending machines have empowered customers with contactless technology that allows them to purchase their favourite meals without any contact. They can do the payment by scanning the QR code present on the machine screen.
This has prevented them from touching the machine and thus, has saved them from the spread of the virus.
3. Cloud kitchens
Cloud kitchens have witnessed tremendous growth amid the pandemic. They have enabled people to enjoy their favourite meals while being safe at home. They have helped the entire nation during the lockdown period.
There were numerous cloud kitchens who have arranged food for hundreds of homeless and helpless people throughout the outbreak of the virus. They have worked round the clock to help the needy.
The surge in the acceptance of contactless technology in the food and beverage industry amid the pandemic is like a silver lining in the dark cloud as the younger generation of customers are already tech-savvy food enthusiasts with an affinity towards food delivery companies that offer convenience, instant information, and social engagement through technology.
The industry must adopt technology to meet the demands of its customers. The companies that resist the changes were forced to shut down in the pandemic and have a minimal scope of opening back.
Though Covid-19 accelerated the acceptance of contactless technology, its future in the post- Covid era is even more robust. Contactless technology has arrived to be eternal. This shift is necessary for restaurants to adopt the new normal and to get their diners knocking on their doors. In the post-Covid era, people are still sceptical about stepping out, touching unsanitised stuff or currency notes.
It won’t be wrong to say that we are living in the era of contactless technology. Technology which was once considered ‘good to have’ has now become ‘must have'. So, it is not the end as there is so much to prepare for in the post-Covid era and any mistake can toss all our efforts in the air.
(The author is co-founder & CEO of Daalchini Technologies)