Automation is a trend that is going on across all industries. Restaurants are no exception. With each passing day, countless new technological innovations are being created to make daily kitchen processes easier. However progressive this may sound, most of this futuristic technology is still in its early stages and is far from taking over the industry as we know it.
Even if this is so, the global food automation market is poised to reach $14
billion by 2025. These new technologies will bring more improvements to customer service, lower operational costs, and big boosts in productivity. This blog post will outline some benefits and challenges that may arise with the automation of the restaurant industry.
How Automation Is Impacting the Restaurant Industry
The automation of restaurants might seem too distant for some, as compared to some other industries. Yet, this progressive shift is being felt more and more as the years pass by. However, as of right now, automation is still in its infant stages. The majority of automation systems are still being tested and perfected. This might be the reason why kitchen automation has not reached a tipping point yet despite the fact that its market is on the rise.
The Restaurant Industry is a Changing World
With the advent of the IoT and a myriad of sensors, automation has become a safer and more manageable world. In fact, many of these technologies are becoming more affordable and accessible. In short, the future of the whole of the Food Service Industry is to embrace the upcoming benefits and challenges of automation.
While automation is being introduced in kitchens in a big way, there is a lack of a full-proof system. If an automated system breaks down, there is a higher chance of loss in productivity and revenue. This is because there would be a shortage of manpower to replace it. Moreover, many of these systems also require the installation of new equipment that might not be available all over the world.
The Challenges that Plague the Restaurant Industry’s Automation
There are two main types of automation processes. These are the automated process and the automated system. An automated process is a process done by a machine or computer. On the other hand, an automated system is a system in which machines or computers are used for the process.
One of the biggest challenges in automating the restaurant industry is the human aspect. The old saying that the human touch is the best is true. Mind you, chefs and cooks are not machines. It is well known that automation can outperform humans in terms of speed and accuracy. However, human error is a big part of what brings flavour and personality to the food.
There is also a competition aspect that comes with automation. Many restaurant owners and managers might be reluctant to embrace automation because it disrupts the industry’s norms. Restaurant owners often value their employees and prefer to keep them happy and safe. This means that the transition to automation is likely to be slow and steady.
There’s also a need for greater integration between systems. Many systems are not compatible with each other. As a result, there is a lack of communication between them. An automation system is only as good as the data it receives. This further complicates the process.
Conclusion
The key to coping with automation (when it happens) is knowing how to integrate personalization. The future of automation of the restaurant industry is bright. It will transform the way restaurants operate. Instead of thinking of employees as employees who need to be replaced by robots, automation will allow restaurants to treat their employees as partners. Instead of thinking of automation as a threat, restaurant owners should think of automation as an opportunity.
If you are ready to integrate an automated all-in-one food business software into your kitchen, come to KitchenFuel. Manage your meal prep, engage your customers and grow your business all in one place!