Process automation in the HoReCa industry is gaining momentum, and more and more entities realize there's no turning back from this path. However, in practice, implementing digital processes raises several questions, especially since most businesses have relied on specific POS/ERP systems for many years. What benefits do QSR chain operators gain by choosing Ordering Stack software?
The philosophy of Ordering Stack, a cloud-based software, is founded on the premise that it functions as an overlay for a given POS system. As a software provider, we don't expect restaurant chains to use a POS system designated by us. Moreover, we assume that these systems are less prone to dynamic modifications, so it is easier to adapt other components, such as the customer mobile app, food delivery panel, or loyalty mechanisms, to an existing POS system rather than forcing HoReCa business owners to incur additional costs for a new system.
A key principle of Ordering Stack is to simplify the IT environment in the restaurant chain to the greatest extent possible, which consequently reduces operational costs while increasing revenue through the features in individual modules (such as the upselling mechanism in self-service kiosks).
Integrating various modules of the Ordering Stack software, such as self-service kiosks, integration with aggregators like Wolt, Uber Eats, and Bolt, as well as handling orders from the online food delivery channel, mobile app, and loyalty mechanism, with an existing POS/ERP system is the biggest challenge in the implementation process.
POS/ERP systems, which serve as the foundation for businesses by storing product definitions and managing inventory and accounting, generally do not undergo rapid changes in a short period. Restaurant owners typically commit to these systems and their providers for years. If a particular solution is effective in practice and employees are accustomed to it, there is little reason to change it. So, where do potential difficulties and obstacles arise during integration?
Restaurant chains that decide to implement automation must choose their suppliers with great caution. It often happens that although companies offer integration with the POS system, they use intermediary services for integration with POS in the background, and the client – the restaurant owner – only receives a POS overlay and API. In practice, such integration is limited to the application of simple mechanisms of the chosen POS system and does not fully utilize its potential. The HoReCa industry entrepreneur also cannot count on full technical support, which becomes painfully apparent in situations such as failures or the need to upgrade already automated processes.
The method of implementing integration is crucial. It is unacceptable for a customer to be unable to place an order because of discrepancies in product descriptions or menu items. All key elements of the integration should occur in a way that the restaurant customer does not notice any disruption. Therefore, it is essential that the POS integration process runs smoothly without disturbing the daily operation of the restaurant.
In the restaurant business, time is also critical. This process should have a detailed schedule because prolonged integration with the POS generates unnecessary costs for the restaurant owner. Therefore, integrations should be entrusted to a single, reliable supplier who has the necessary resources (including an experienced team) and precisely plans the integration timeline.
Ordering Stack software integrates directly with existing POS systems to seamlessly implement additional processes related to digital channels and loyalty programs. As a result, restaurant staff can continue to use the software they are already familiar with while receiving orders from new channels (web, mobile, aggregators, kiosks).
The main idea behind Ordering Stack is to simplify the IT environment as much as possible and build a modern, digital restaurant ecosystem that optimizes all operational processes. Additionally, the so-called POS Integrator is developed by experienced specialists with the goal of activating as many functions and capabilities as possible provided by the chosen POS system.
As a certified Oracle partner, the Ordering Stack team has successfully integrated, among others, the online sales system with Oracle Symphony, which the American restaurant chain Popeyes uses in the Polish market. They have also undertaken POS system integrations in Burger King locations in Poland and Romania, as well as in KFC locations in Bulgaria.