15 innovations to transform your canteen

The foodservice industry is a constantly evolving sector, facing a variety of challenges, from cost control to optimizing the customer experience. To remain competitive and meet the demands of today's consumers, restaurateurs must turn to innovative solutions. At Innovorder, we firmly believe that technological innovation can modernize foodservice, making it more sustainable and user-friendly. Here are 15 examples! 

‍

7 technological innovations

1. Management technologies and integrated management

Efficient management of your facility relies on the integration of advanced technologies. Automated inventory management systems enable you to monitor stock levels in real time, forecast future needs and place orders automatically when levels are low. These tools will enable you to both reduce food waste and optimize costs.

Integrated management solutions combine multiple functionalities (human resources management, scheduling and performance analysis) within a single platform, facilitating the overall management of your restaurant. These systems allow you to coordinate and centralize kitchen, front-of-house and cashier operations, giving you a complete overview of your business. 

2. Automation of repetitive tasks

Here's another innovation that should grab your attention: theautomation of repetitive tasks such as food preparation, cleaning or guest checkout. This technological advance frees up time for your employees, who can then concentrate on higher value-added tasks. 

For example, the"IA scan" flatbed scanner eliminates repetitive, low-value-added tasks such as cashiering. It also helps reduce employee stress and fatigue, improving job satisfaction.

3. Meal planning software

Meal planning software is an invaluable aid when it comes to creating balanced, varied menus tailored to the nutritional needs of your guests. They take into account budget constraints, food preferences and seasonal availability of ingredients, saving you considerable time. These tools also enable you to calculate costs per dish and optimize the use of ingredients.

👉 To find out more : How is the catering industry reinventing itself?

4. Digitization of ordering and payment processing

Digitizing ordering and payment is crucial to modernizing your collective restaurant. By integrating fun solutions such as order terminals or a dedicated Click & Collect site, you can offer your guests a faster, smoother experience. Thanks to these tools, you can cut queues, reduce ordering errors and facilitate payment management. What's more, these systems can be integrated with your cash management system for real-time analysis of your sales.

👉 Find out more: talk directly to our Innovorder experts and find the best solutions for your restaurant!

5. Meal customization

Personalizing meals is a trend that has recently taken hold in the foodservice sector. By mobilizing certain digital tools, it is possible to offer customized options based on the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. Diners can compose their meals online, choose suitable portions and indicate any allergies or intolerances they may have. In this way, you can offer them a tailor-made culinary experience. 

These solutions also make it possible to provide detailed information on the nutritional values of dishes, reinforcing transparency and consumer confidence.

6. Artificial intelligence and data analytics

By collecting and analyzing sales, consumption and customer satisfaction data using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, you gain a clear view of your performance and can make informed decisions to improve your operations. 

AI, for example, can help you predict guest flows, optimize menu planning and personalize promotional offers. 

7. Omnichannel 

Make life easier for your guests with omnichannel solutions! Let them reserve their meals in advance, serve themselves at any time of day, pre-order for quick pick-up or even have them delivered to their door. Online booking and pre-ordering platforms and connected fridges offer guests great flexibility, while helping you to better manage service flow and anticipate kitchen needs. 

These additional services are an excellent way to stand out from the crowd, improve customer satisfaction and build loyalty.

‍

5 sustainable innovations

8. Sustainable procurement

Sustainable sourcing has become a priority for many restaurateurs. By favoring local suppliers and organic products, you support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint of your supplies. Digital platforms can help you identify and manage sustainable suppliers, ensuring full traceability of your products.

9. Local, seasonal and organic products

Using local, seasonal and organic produce not only improves the quality of your dishes, but also reinforces your commitment and your establishment's positioning towards sustainable development. These choices prove that you are in tune with consumers' growing expectations for healthier, environmentally-friendly meals.

👉 F urther information: Contract catering: the organic and local trend

10. Reducing food waste

Reducing food waste is a major challenge for the catering industry. Innovative solutions, such as smart composters and automated sorting systems, help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and recover bio-waste. You can also turn to portion and leftover tracking applications to help you adjust prepared quantities to actual demand.

Not only can you reduce your ecological footprint, but you can also make your guests and employees more aware of the importance of sustainable development.

11. Energy-efficient equipment

Energy efficiency is an integral part of sustainable restaurant management. By using energy-efficient equipment such as convection ovens, high-efficiency refrigerators and energy management systems, you can significantly reduce your operating costs while minimizing your environmental impact. 

12. Reducing carbon footprint

To further reduce your canteen's carbon footprint, you can also opt for : 

• the use of renewable energies to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions,
• promoting environmentally-friendly modes of transport for deliveries,
• energy recovery systems,
• installation of charging stations for electric vehicles,
• optimizing delivery routes,
• more plant-based menus,
• Reducing packaging (reusable or compostable containers),
• employee training and awareness.

‍

3 customer experience innovations

13. Comfortable, connected spaces

The design of your catering areas plays a key role in the customer experience. Modern, ergonomic furnishings, combining comfort and aesthetics, can transform the atmosphere of your establishment and make dining more enjoyable for your guests. So opt for comfortable seating, good acoustics and appropriate lighting.

Connected spaces, equipped with digital technologies (augmented reality and virtual reality), offer an interactive and personalized experience. Guests can access Wi-Fi, charge their mobile devices and use apps to interact with your establishment, order meals, get information or even enjoy a virtual tour of your kitchen.

14. Loyalty programs

Traditional loyalty cards, shunned by many consumers because of their impracticality, are being replaced by apps or loyalty cards. loyalty cards loyalty cards. These dematerialized loyalty programs reward your most loyal guests with discounts, points or exclusive advantages, encouraging them to return regularly. 

15. Customer satisfaction monitoring

Use satisfaction tracking technologies, such as online surveys or feedback kiosks, to collect your guests' opinions in real time. These tools will enable you to quickly identify areas for improvement and respond proactively to your guests' expectations. 

👉 To find out more: How can you improve guest satisfaction in foodservice?

By adopting these 15 innovations, you can transform your canteen into a modern, efficient and attractive establishment. At Innovorder, we'll be happy to support you in this process, and provide you with solutions tailored to your needs.

-

You want to offer an innovative catering service? Our experts will accompany you from A to Z in your digitalization project.