
Streamlining Restaurant Operations with Online Ordering Systems
12/16/2024
Restaurants operate on tight margins, leaving little room for inefficiencies that waste valuable resources. One of the most time-consuming back-of-the-house tasks is managing supply orders, especially when working with multiple suppliers. When handled manually, this process can become a major drain on time and labor.
Depending on the number of suppliers and the frequency of orders, estimates show that restaurants can spend 10 to 18 labor hours a week just managing orders. This typically involves creating order lists, contacting suppliers via phone, email, or fax, and following up for confirmation. It’s an outdated and inefficient method that takes time away from more critical activities.
While front-of-house technology has rapidly evolved with online ordering apps, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and self-ordering kiosks, the back-of-the-house has been slower to adopt such advancements.
The Benefits of Online Ordering
Shifting to an online ordering system can be a game-changer. Ordering supplies online saves considerable time, making it easier to track who ordered what, from which supplier, and in what quantity. One restaurant that made the switch saw their staff’s time spent on ordering drop from four to six hours a week to just one to two hours—a 70% reduction in labor time.
For restaurants, these time savings translate directly into financial benefits. For example, in California, where the minimum wage is $16 an hour, reducing hours spent on ordering could save thousands of dollars annually. Beyond the cost savings, staff can redirect their time to value-added tasks, such as improving customer service or increasing sales through upselling and cross-selling.
Order guides—tools that automate recurring purchases—further enhance efficiency. Restaurants often order the same items regularly. Instead of manually re-entering orders, staff can review and approve recurring orders, speeding up the process.
Operational Efficiency Through E-Commerce Platforms
Online ordering systems not only save time but also minimize order errors, resolve disputes faster, and make the entire procurement process more intuitive. With clear product images and detailed descriptions, restaurant staff can make faster, more informed decisions.
E-commerce platforms cover every aspect of the supply chain—from browsing and placing orders to tracking deliveries and handling disputes. This level of transparency and ease ensures restaurants save time at every stage, with significant financial gains in an industry where every dollar counts.
Chef Reilly, WCMC, WCEC, CEC, CCA