What is HoReCa?
The HoReCa industry (an abbreviation for Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) encompasses a vast network of businesses that provide food, beverages, and accommodation services, catering to both locals and travelers.
Innova Market Insights research suggests that 37% of Millennials try a new restaurant weekly or more frequently. A key factor driving this trend is their preference for social dining – whether it’s hanging out with friends, family, or coworkers. As a result, modern restaurants are focusing not just on food quality but also on creating immersive and engaging dining experiences.
In this highly competitive environment, HoReCa solutions help businesses tackle the challenge of meeting ever-growing customer expectations while maintaining efficiency and reducing costs.
Hospitality Industry Challenges
The HoReCa sector thrives on efficiency, precision, and excellent customer service. However, behind the scenes, managers face complex logistics, high costs, supply chain disruptions, and the growing expectations of today’s consumers.
Staff shortages make it even more difficult to provide outstanding service. On top of this, customers now expect real-time order tracking, contactless service, and lightning-fast deliveries. As a result, these demands are a struggle for any business still relying on outdated methods.
But what if technology could transform these challenges into opportunities?
IT-Driven HoReCa Solutions
AI-Powered Inventory Software
Tracking multiple suppliers, varying stock levels, and fluctuating demand can be a logistical nightmare. AI-driven inventory management software eliminates the guesswork by helping businesses:
- Automate stock tracking.
- Predict demand patterns.
- Minimize waste, cut unnecessary costs.
In Action: Migros, Switzerland’s top supermarket chain, is transforming retail efficiency by leveraging the power of AI. With this intelligent system, Migros can predict demand patterns with greater accuracy.
This ensures the right products are always available at the right time, avoiding both overstocking and running out of popular items.
IoT-Enabled Sensors
Ensuring the safety and quality of food is crucial for maintaining customer trust. IoT-powered HoReCa solutions ensure compliance with food safety standards by:
- Monitoring temperature levels in real-time to prevent spoilage.
- Sending instant alerts when conditions fall outside safe thresholds.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance with automated reports and tracking.
In Action: McDonald’s is revolutionizing its operations with IoT-enabled sensors across its 43,000 restaurants globally. These smart sensors monitor kitchen equipment in real-time, tracking temperature, cooking times, and performance.
The magic happens when the system predicts potential equipment failures before they happen, allowing McDonald’s to act proactively and avoid costly downtime.
QR Code Ordering & Digital Payments
Today’s consumers expect seamless service. Hospitality businesses can improve convenience with:
- QR code menus for instant, wait-free ordering.
- Contactless digital payments.
- Self-service kiosks, allowing customers to place and customize orders effortlessly.
In Action: One of our clients, a beverage ice supplier, faced issues with their outdated ordering system: customers had to call in, leading to long wait times and frequent errors.
We transformed this with a simple, modern solution: now, customers just scan a QR code, select the amount of ice they need, and hit “submit”. This change saved time, reduced errors, and cut CHF 7,000/month in labor costs.
Transportation Management System
In an industry where speed, quality, and efficiency are essential, adopting IT solutions like TMS can provide a crucial competitive edge.
Advanced TMS solution, helps streamline logistics by:
- Optimizing routes to reduce delivery times and fuel consumption.
- Automating fleet management for improved driver efficiency.
- Offering real-time tracking and notifications to keep customers informed about their order, boosting satisfaction and repeat business.
In Action: Imagine the power of automation transforming your delivery process. With our TMS 8Move, every day begins with the system automatically generating a customized route sheet. More than a list of addresses, this sheet is a full delivery guide with recipient details, photos, barcodes, and instructions.
At each stop, the recipient provides an electronic signature, confirming the delivery, while making payment instantly, all through the system. From start to finish, TMS 8Move guarantees a seamless experience for both drivers and customers.
AI Agents & Robotics
With persistent labor shortages and high turnover rates, technology is stepping in to fill the gap. HoReCa industry is adopting:
- AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants to handle customer inquiries 24/7.
- Robotic kitchen assistants to automate repetitive tasks.
- Self-service kiosks to reduce reliance on front-line staff.
In Action: Domino’s Pizza has embraced conversational AI and robotics to improve efficiency. Their AI chatbot, “Dom,” handles customer orders 24/7, while robotic assistants automate pizza preparation. Self-service kiosks allow customers to place orders without staff interaction.
The result? Faster service, reduced labor costs, and an enhanced customer experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
The rapid evolution of the hospitality industry presents both unique challenges and exciting opportunities. As businesses strive to meet the ever-growing demands of customers while managing rising operational costs and staff shortages, smart HoReCa solutions offer a transformative path forward. In fact, they represent a strategic and reliable investment for the success and sustainability of your business.
Is your HoReCa business ready for the next big leap?
Reach out for a free consultation, and together we’ll explore how these game-changing solutions can optimize your operations and take your service to new heights.
