The hospitality industry is undergoing a technological transformation, blending digital solutions with traditional customer service to enhance the overall dining experience.
While fast food restaurants have widely embraced technology – allowing customers to place orders via self-service kiosks or QR codes – the expectations shift when dining in an establishment where the atmosphere, human touch, and personalised service are central to the experience. Here, diners anticipate being looked after by attentive staff in a setting designed for relaxation and enjoyment.
However, even in these more service-driven environments, efficiencies can be gained without sacrificing the human touch. One way restaurants are achieving this balance is through the strategic use of tablets. These versatile devices streamline processes across different areas of the restaurant, from ordering and payments to kitchen operations.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at how tablets and their various accessories – such as countertop mounts, wall mounts, handheld cases, and dock-and-go systems – are evolving the hospitality sector while maintaining that all-important personal connection with customers.
Tablets in Restaurants and Bars: Streamlining Order Taking
In the front-of-house, tablets have proven to be a game-changer in improving order processing and payment systems. Traditionally, servers would need to jot down orders on paper, relay them to the kitchen, and then process payments manually at the end of the meal. This process, while familiar, can be slow and prone to errors.
Enter tablets. Today, many restaurants equip their servers with smaller tablets, such as iPad Minis or Samsung 8" tablets, which can easily fit into the front pocket of an apron. These lightweight devices allow servers to take orders and process payments directly at the table, ensuring accuracy and speed. With their hands free to serve food, clear tables, and interact with guests, servers are more efficient, and diners enjoy faster, more seamless service.
These tablets often integrate directly with the restaurant’s POS system, allowing orders to be sent instantly to the kitchen or bar. Payment can be processed on the spot, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction. Additionally, the use of handheld tablets eliminates the need for bulky ordering terminals scattered throughout the restaurant, freeing up valuable space and creating a more streamlined dining environment.
Tablets in the Kitchen: Enhancing Order Management and Workflow
Behind the scenes, in the kitchen, tablets play a crucial role in managing orders from various platforms, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Typically, these delivery apps provide restaurants with dedicated tablets to receive incoming orders. However, these devices often sit on countertops with cables hanging loosely – an inefficient and cluttered setup.
A more effective solution is to mount these tablets on the wall. Wall-mounted tablet holders not only save counter space but also ensure that the devices are positioned for optimal visibility and ease of use. Chefs and kitchen staff can glance at the mounted tablet to see incoming orders without needing to navigate through a sea of cords and clutter. Mounting tablets in this way also reduces the risk of spills or damage in busy, fast-paced kitchen environments.
Additionally, these tablets are often linked to the restaurant's POS system, enabling real-time order updates and modifications. This connectivity allows kitchen staff to stay on top of changing customer requests, ensuring that orders are accurate and up to date.
Tablets in the kitchen streamline communication between front-of-house staff and kitchen workers, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall efficiency of meal preparation.
Protecting Tablets in Harsh Environments: Waterproof Casing
In kitchen environments or food processing areas, the risk of spills, splashes, and grease exposure is high. For this reason, it's essential to use waterproof tablet cases to protect them from damage.
These specialised cases provide a robust shield against moisture, dust, and debris, making them ideal for use in high-traffic kitchens where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. With waterproof casings, restaurants can ensure that their tablets remain functional and reliable, even in the most demanding conditions.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: The Role of Tablets
Tablets are not only changing the way orders are taken and processed; they are also playing a growing role in point-of-sale (POS) systems. Traditionally, POS systems have relied on specialised hardware, but many restaurants now use consumer-grade tablets, such as iPads, to serve as their primary POS terminal.
Although iPads and other tablets are designed for everyday consumer use, when placed inside protective tablet holders, they become durable and long-lasting POS devices. A well-protected tablet can typically last around four years, even in a busy restaurant environment. These enclosures provide protection against drops, spills, and other hazards, ensuring that the tablet continues to function smoothly throughout its lifespan.
One of the key advantages of using tablets in POS systems is their versatility. Enclosures such as the Bouncepad Core range are designed to fit a variety of tablet models, making it easy for restaurants to upgrade their devices without needing to replace the entire POS system. This not only maximises the investment but also reduces waste by extending the useful life of both the tablet holder and the tablet itself.
By choosing a flexible, adaptable tablet stand, restaurants can future-proof their technology setup while reducing their environmental footprint.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Technology in Hospitality
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, restaurants and bars are finding ways to integrate technology without compromising the human touch that defines great service. Tablets have emerged as a powerful tool in achieving this balance, offering efficiencies in order processing, payment handling, and kitchen management. From handheld devices carried by servers to wall-mounted tablets in the kitchen, these versatile tools help streamline operations while still allowing staff to focus on providing exceptional, personalised service.
By using protective enclosures and flexible mounts, restaurants can extend the life of their tablet investments, ensuring that they remain functional and reliable over time. Whether used for front-of-house operations or behind-the-scenes order management, tablets are helping to drive the future of hospitality – one that blends the convenience of modern technology with the warmth and care of human interaction. For more information on our range, contact Leading Solutions today.
