Blog Assignment #4

SUMMARY

As the demand for bigger and better technologies in the hospitality industry grows, companies are looking to upgrade their current technology solutions. This is the case not only with five-star hotels and restaurants, but also in more humble locations, such as quick service restaurants. We can see how technology demands are being met in the quick service segment by taking a look at one of the examples provided in the article, Westshore Pizza.
This small, mom-and-pop chain in Florida has recently moved to an Aldelo POS system. The owners rave about this product, called “Aldelo for Restaurants”, because of its affordability, convenience, and functionality. Westshore Pizza uses the POS for integrated credit card solutions, delivery, and training. It has also started an online ordering system that operates through the POS. Technology has given the small pizza company all of the advantages of a large chain, and at a great price.
Thanks to offerings from both Aldelo and other hospitality software companies, quick service restaurants like Westshore Pizza have been given a step up in the market. POS packages can be customized to the business’s needs. For more information, read the full article, which offers five more examples as to how quick service restaurants are taking advantage of the hospitality technology boom.

Powers, Vicki. POS Software: The Quick Service Perspective. Retrieved April 16, 2008 from http://www.htmagazine.com.

URL: http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=2A627D6FDED54083B4270EE10FBFC459


REFLECTION

I personally have seen the affects that hospitality technology is having on quick service and mom-and-pop restaurants. POS systems are springing up where I had never seen before, such as in my local diner. The small, old-fashioned, diner has moved away from the good old paper and pencil method and has moved onto a POS system with terminals in the dining room that communicate with the kitchen staff. The technology seems so out of place in the little Smyrna Diner, a popular stop for truckers and farmers grabbing an early breakfast or late dinner. The waitresses rave about the system, saying that it saves them time, mistakes, and sore feet from running back and forth to the kitchen.
Another technology that I have recently seen at a quick service restaurant was found at a local McDonald’s. Instead of using an intercom system at the drive-thru, there was an individual with a wireless POS walking from car to car to take orders. It was great to talk to a real person and be able to hear what they said instead of listening to a muffled voice over the intercom. The service was much more personal. I hope to see further technological advancements from mom-and-pop and quick service restaurants in the future.