Key Features for Selling Technology to Multi-Unit Restaurant Brands
When it comes to selling technology to multi-unit restaurant brands, several key features are incredibly important. These features ensure the technology can handle the complexities of managing multiple locations while providing robust control and reporting capabilities. With only 5,000 multi-unit restaurant brands to pursue in the US and Canada there is a lot of competition for a limited universe of brands.
Here are five critical features to focus on:
1. User Hierarchies with Access Controls
Multi-unit restaurant brands need a system that supports user hierarchies with detailed access controls. This feature allows for different levels of permissions, ensuring that employees only access the information and functions necessary for their roles. For instance, a store manager might have access to daily sales reports and inventory management, while a regional manager could have broader access to financial performance and strategic data across multiple locations. Implementing robust access controls helps maintain data security and operational integrity across the organization.
2. Comprehensive Reporting from Entire System to Individual Stores
Accurate and comprehensive reporting is crucial for multi-unit restaurant brands. Technology solutions should offer detailed reporting capabilities that cover the entire restaurant system and drill down to individual store performance. This includes sales figures, customer feedback, inventory levels, and more. By providing both high-level overviews and granular data, these reports enable management to make informed decisions, identify trends, and address issues proactively. The ability to customize reports and automate their generation can further enhance operational efficiency.
3. Handling Location Variable Data
Multi-unit restaurants often have to manage location-specific variables such as pricing, promotions, and taxation. A technology solution must be flexible enough to handle these differences seamlessly. For example, pricing may vary between urban and rural locations, or promotional offers might be tailored to local customer preferences. Additionally, tax regulations can differ from one jurisdiction to another. The technology should allow for easy adjustments and updates to accommodate these variables, ensuring compliance and maximizing profitability.
4. High-Volume Data Integrations
Efficient data integration is essential for multi-unit restaurant brands that rely on frequent and high-volume data access. Technology solutions must support seamless integration with other systems, such as POS, inventory management, and marketing platforms. This ensures real-time data flow and consistency across the organization. By facilitating data integration, the technology enables better coordination, reduces data silos, and enhances overall operational visibility.
5. Staging and Approvals for Data Changes
In a multi-unit environment, it's important to have a staging process for publishing data changes that require approvals and authorizations. This feature ensures that any modifications to pricing, promotions, or operational procedures are reviewed and approved by the appropriate personnel before implementation. Staging and approvals help maintain consistency, prevent errors, and ensure that changes align with the brand's strategic goals. By incorporating this feature, technology solutions can enhance control and accountability within the organization.
Success Rehash
When selling technology to multi-unit restaurant brands, emphasizing these five features can make a significant difference. User hierarchies with access controls, comprehensive reporting, handling of location-specific data, robust data integrations, and a staging process for data changes are all critical components that address the unique challenges of managing multiple locations. By focusing on these features, technology providers can offer solutions that drive efficiency, ensure consistency, and support the growth of multi-unit restaurant brands.