The hospitality industry is high-graded and, thus, every moment counts. Kitchen operations through to the front-of-house — the more they can reduce the delays, the more your customers will be satisfied and want to turn tables, and eventually maximize revenues. The restaurant paging system is one of the tools in this area that could be usefully implemented, and it is not very present.
The restaurant paging systems have taken a very much modern twist beyond the primitive buzzers. The systems of today are smart, cordless, and can interact with mobile applications and reservation systems. Below are five important ways in which restaurant paging systems boost efficient operations by improving wait time.
Waiting on a long queue does not necessarily mean the problem — it is the waiting itself in terms of uncertainty. Conventional call-outs by names or posting of waitlists fail to give customers information on the exact time they will be accommodated. Paging systems are an instant and silent call, making guests free to move around nearby without the sensation that someone forgot about them.
This independence leaves the customers less angry and more satisfied while waiting in line. They do not have an urge to make regular visits to the host stand — and the staff are relieved also.
The paging systems simplify host and server interaction. Hosts are able to send alerts to awaiting guests so that once their tables are prepared, they can turn them over quickly. The real-time communication minimizes bottlenecks and thereby results in a more fluid relationship between tables and guests.
The outcome: A much coordinated front-of-house staff that will be capable of handling peak hours with fewer hitches.
The faster the people are brought in by paging them and quick seating, the more efficient the whole dining cycle shall be. This is because fewer delays between the customers ensure that the tables are cleared and ready to receive the next group.
It increases covers per shift with no reduction in the quality of service — thereby increasing the profitability of the restaurant substantially.
Paging systems are also involved in internal coordination. Just as an illustration, it is possible to make kitchen or bar teams available on a page when a certain item is ready or notify bussers that a table must be cleaned.
Such automation reduces oral communication back and forth, and the taking of manual notes — allowing employees to concentrate on customer service. There is no confusion as everyone works with one and the same system, being more accountable.
Complex paging complements the mobile queueing application, POS, and reservation tools. Such connectivity enables more intelligent management of guests, including making more accurate guesses on wait times and tracking peak hours and table occupancy.
The insights can be applied to predict peak times, optimize staffing, as well as improve marketing — making restaurant operations data-driven and good to use.
The restaurant pager system is so much more effective than buzzers; it is a smart device capable of enhancing the guest experience and achieving increased staff efficiency. Paging pays off — either in decreasing wait time anxiety, in creating table turnover, or in coordinating operations more effectively.
Find out more in a comprehensive article by Wipath:
How Restaurant Paging Systems Improve Customer Satisfaction — Learn how to take your restaurant to the next level with paging technology.