Software Tips
Catering companies, canteens, canteen kitchens, system catering or food delivery services - modern software solutions are the key to efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction for all these companies, in addition to the preparation of food. The industry-specific software supports the work of businesses in various areas. Numerous functions are available for the various catering businesses. They range from process automation in commercial kitchens to menu planning and digital offer creation for catering events, order management in food delivery services and standardization in system catering.
Advantages of the software
Optimization of operating processes
Automation of processes
Industry-specific software for catering businesses enables the automation of many time-consuming tasks such as order management, staff planning and billing. Performing these tasks with the help of a customized software solution is clearly faster and more error-free than “by hand” with standard Office programs.
Efficient meal planning
Canteens, canteen kitchens and catering companies can create their menus easily and flexibly in a short space of time by using appropriate industry software. In many cases, specifications can be stored in the software and templates for events etc. can be created. Calendar-based organization refers to a system for the efficient planning and management of menus over a longer period of time and enables a high degree of flexibility in the daily cooking process.
Improved order entry
Digital menu recording and ordering systems facilitate communication with customers and optimize the ordering process. Definable order deadlines and reordering options also improve planning for the catering business.
Cost control and profitability
Precise calculation
Advanced costing functions enable precise calculation of costs per dish. These functions include, for example, current cost of sales, contribution margin and profit analyses per recipe. This helps with pricing and optimizing the use of goods.
Efficient warehouse management
Industry software for catering businesses can support inventory management and enable automated reordering of food. This leads to optimized stock management while at the same time reducing food waste due to overstocking.
Purchasing optimization
By integrating supplier interfaces, purchasing quantities can be calculated based on customer-specific conditions and ordered directly, resulting in cost savings.
Quality improvement and customer satisfaction
Professional menu presentation
The software enables appealing and informative presentations of menus, which increases customers' perception of quality. Industry software in this area often offers ready-made, professionally designed templates that can be easily and simply adapted to your own corporate design. Digital menu boards allow the integration of images, videos and animated effects that capture customers' attention and whet their appetite. Spontaneous changes to daily menus and menu plans can be made in real time, ensuring that the offers are up-to-date and relevant.
Allergen labeling and nutritional information
Automatic labeling of allergens, additives and nutritional values increases transparency for customers and legal certainty. Nutritional values can usually be calculated automatically for recipes and menus and clearly displayed per portion and per 100g.
Improved customer management
Integrated CRM functions enable better management of customer data and customer preferences, which contributes to a personalized service. Some systems allow the direct integration of customer feedback, which enables continuous service improvement.
Scalability and flexibility
Cloud-based solutions
The use of cloud technology enables access to data from different locations and facilitates collaboration between employees and branches. This is particularly important and beneficial for system catering and food delivery services.
Modular systems
Many software solutions offer modular structures that allow you to use only the functions you need and expand them as required. This makes the software adaptable to growing companies.
Data analysis and decision-making
Comprehensive reporting
The software generates detailed reports on sales figures, customer behavior and operational key figures, enabling well-founded business decisions. This data is crucial for optimizing operations and controlling costs. By analyzing customer orders and preferences, patterns in purchasing behavior can be identified. Many systems offer graphical representations of the data, such as charts and dashboards, which make it easier to quickly grasp and interpret complex information.
Trend analyses
Emerging consumer trends can be identified by analyzing past sales data. This enables companies to proactively adapt their offering and adjust to changes in the market at an early stage. Historical data helps to identify seasonal patterns. Companies can use this information to adjust their menu offerings seasonally and plan stock levels accordingly. By comparing their own data with industry-specific benchmarks, companies can better understand their position in the market and take strategic measures to remain competitive. The findings from trend analyses not only support short-term decisions, but also the long-term strategic orientation of the company.
Catering
Catering refers to the professional provision of food and beverages for various occasions at any location. However, catering not only includes the preparation and delivery of food, but also additional services such as staff, equipment and planning aids, which can be provided as required.
Catering
- Event catering (e.g. for weddings, birthday parties)
- Business catering (e.g. for seminars, meetings, conferences)
- Mobile catering (e.g. food trucks, mobile sales stands)
- Care catering (e.g. catering in care facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes or schools)
Transport catering (e.g. catering in means of transport such as airplanes, trains and ships)BBQ catering (e.g. for summer parties or outdoor events)
Food delivery services
Food delivery services are specialized services in the field of sales logistics that enable the transport of prepared food or groceries directly from the restaurant, central kitchen or retailer to the customer's doorstep. The best-known examples include pizza and express delivery services, which deliver freshly prepared meals in the shortest possible time.
Another segment within food delivery services is “meals on wheels”. These are services in which meals are prepared in professional kitchens and delivered on time.
Modern food delivery services are increasingly using digital platforms and apps to simplify ordering, payment and delivery for customers. These technologies maximize efficiency and convenience for both end customers and providers.
Important aspects
Flexibility
- Focus on dishes that are easy to transport
- Adaptability to changing customer requirements and order volumes
Logistics
- Need an efficient ordering and delivery system
- Transport vehicles and personnel for delivery
Packaging
- Special packaging material and transport boxes
Focus on heat retention and cooling solutions for transportation
Legal requirements
- Only need a trade license, no restaurant license
- HACCP concept for food safety
Online presence
- Own website with ordering function
- Digital menu and online marketing
Commercial kitchens
Commercial kitchens are specialized kitchens designed for commercial use, particularly in the catering and communal catering sectors. They are designed to prepare large quantities of food efficiently and quickly. They are typically used in restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and catering companies.
Types of commercial kitchens
- Full kitchens: Mainly process unprocessed or roughly prepared food.
- Production kitchens: Used for the centralized preparation of food for several locations.
- Mixed kitchens: Combine fresh ingredients with semi-finished or finished products.
- Distribution kitchens: Focus on picking and distributing pre-prepared food.
System catering
System catering is a type of gastronomy in which a clearly defined concept is geared towards central control, standardization and multiplication. It is a mixture of production, service and trade that differs from conventional gastronomy. This type of gastronomy includes fast food restaurants, coffee shops and cafés, for example.
Key features of system catering
Standardization
All processes, from recipes to preparation and service, are precisely specified and standardized. This ensures consistent quality, consistency and portion sizes in all branches. Menus can be managed centrally for all branches. Cloud-based POS systems are also often used here for immediate updates.
Uniform appearance
System catering businesses are characterized by an identical corporate identity, centrally controlled marketing measures and uniform furnishing concepts. In addition, uniform standards are set for service and guest care. As a rule, uniform training courses are held for employees at all locations. This ensures consistent communication in the style of the brand.
Efficiency and speed
Centralized purchasing processes generally lead to a better cost overview. Standardized dishes contribute to a high level of calculability of food costs. At the same time, standardized dishes promote efficient warehousing and inventory management. Standardized processes also mean that meals can be prepared quickly and in large quantities, resulting in shorter waiting times for customers.
Multiplication
The concept is designed to be easily replicated, often through franchising or branch systems. There is a uniform brand image, i.e. all stores present themselves with a consistent appearance. Advertising and promotion are managed and implemented centrally. By duplicating the concept, synergies can be exploited in areas such as purchasing, marketing and process optimization. In addition, a standardized concept allows rapid expansion into new markets or regions.