Cloud services are having a big impact on the way many businesses function, and restaurants are not missing out on the opportunity to streamline day-to-day operations. In this three part series, we’ll outline the benefits that the cloud offers and identify best practices for realizing the potential of the cloud in your restaurant. Read Part 2.

In addition to eliminating time-intensive management and updating of servers and software, migrating to cloud services also eliminates the time required for equipment installation. When a restaurant is ready to move to the cloud, they can be up and running on day one with limited downtime or loss in productivity. And when a restaurant needs to scale up for even more capabilities, they can do so quickly and easily.

Restaurateurs can also rest easy knowing that productivity won’t be impacted in the event of an emergency or data breach, since many cloud services include enterprise-grade disaster recovery to ensure cloud data is backed up and restored, reducing dependencies on redundant, off-site backups.

Cloud data and services can be accessed from anywhere, on any device, giving restaurateurs much more flexibility — an important advantage for restaurant managers and staff who are always in motion. They can access information, make decisions, and manage their restaurants from anywhere in the restaurant or even offsite. Restaurant staff can also provide more efficient guest service from anywhere in the restaurant, rather than being tied to a host station or POS terminal.

HOW TO REALIZE THE POTENTIAL OF CLOUD SERVICES

While the cloud and SaaS have the potential to help restaurants achieve significant improvements in their operations, many restaurateurs will struggle with related bandwidth requirements. For restaurants already stressed with enough bandwidth needed to support their existing guest services, cloud services will strain that Internet connection even more.

With a fast Internet connection, cloud applications run smoother, faster and more reliably; and large amounts of data can be sent and received quickly. Also important are the Internet service’s reliability, its capacity to identify and prioritize different types of traffic, and its ability to minimize delays.

When evaluating Internet service providers, look for one that understands the restaurant industry and can offer a variety of robust solutions catered to your specific needs. A provider with products that serve the restaurant industry can help provide support and a powerful foundation for your cloud strategy.