It’s no doubt that COVID-19 has changed our relationship with technology. As a traditionally pen and paper business, the pandemic has shown that the F&B sector had to accelerate its digitalisation — or it would be left behind. Restaurants were forced to implement QR codes, adopt digital order and payment solutions, and diversify their business by pivoting to delivery and e-commerce.
Keeping up with digitalisation needs and changing consumer behaviour can get pretty overwhelming, especially if you’re an owner-operator or a small operation. Thankfully, Enterprise Singapore and IMDA have fleshed out the Food Services Industry Digital Plan, a step-by-step guide that identifies digital solutions, training programmes, as well as recommended vendors to work with supported by the Productivity Solutions Grant — that includes Getz, Chope’s order and payment partner. Applicable for restaurants, food courts, coffee shops, cafes, food kiosks, pubs, and fast food categories, it’s a handy guide for business no matter which stage you’re in.
Here are four key highlights and takeaways from the guide:
1. Ascertain which stage of digitalisation your F&B business is in
The Food Services Industry Digital Plan spells out opportunities and solutions that meet your business where it is. Whether you’re a newbie who’s still readying digital solutions such as digital order and payment, building a connected business suite, or working on a smart central kitchen management system, you’ll be able to view options at a glance.
2. Chope’s digital order and payment partner, GETZ, is a recommended PSG solution
GETZ is highlighted as a recommended vendor under the digital solution roadmap. Digital order and payment solutions are key to F&B businesses. Not only do they overcome manpower shortage and reduce labour costs, these solutions also lean towards the convenience diners seek with pre-order, pick-up, and delivery.
Chope clients can enjoy preferential rates when you integrate with GETZ for pick-up, delivery, and on-premise dining. Reach out to us at am.sg@chope.co to find out more.
3. Cybersecurity and data protection must not be overlooked
As F&B businesses increase digitalisation of operations and solutions, systems such as customer relationship management involve sensitive legalities around data collection. The Food Services Industry Digital Plan lists out a cybersecurity and data protection roadmap for each stage of an F&B business’ growth. For example, as restaurants build their diner directory on a table management system, they should incorporate basic data protection and security practices to protect diners’ phone numbers and email addresses. They should also have SOPs in place in the event of a data breach.
4. F&B businesses should embrace kitchens of the future
We’re already familiar with robot waiters in front-of-house service — but what about kitchen robotics? When we think of emerging technology and automation, it’s not limited to just robots. The Food Services Industry Digital Plan lays out advanced digital solutions that include food prep tools, smart ingredient dispenser, and robotic chefs. Restaurants should also venture into a smart central kitchen management system to manage end-to-end kitchen operations through Internet of Things, AI, and video analytics.
Access The Food Services Industry Digital Plan here.
