Running a café involves a lot of admin that can take you away from providing excellent service. Here’s how automation can simplify your tasks:
1. EPOS System for Order Management and Reporting
• Problem: Manual order tracking and end-of-day reporting are time-consuming.
• Solution: Use an EPOS system like Seamless to:
• Automate sales reports and track trends.
• Manage orders and integrate with kitchen printers or displays.
• Monitor staff performance and customer preferences.
2. Inventory Management Tools
• Problem: Manually checking stock is inefficient and prone to error.
• Solution: Use apps like MarketMan or Sorted to:
• Track stock levels in real-time.
• Set alerts for low stock or expiry dates.
• Generate order suggestions based on past usage.
3. Accounting and Payroll Software
• Problem: Calculating wages, managing tips, and tracking expenses can be overwhelming.
• Solution: Use tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage to:
• Automate payroll, including tip distribution.
• Sync with your EPOS for real-time expense tracking.
• Prepare VAT returns with minimal effort.
4. Staff Scheduling Apps
• Problem: Creating rotas manually is tedious and often leads to errors.
• Solution: Use tools like Deputy or When I Work to:
• Optimise rotas based on demand.
• Allow staff to swap shifts digitally.
• Send automatic reminders for shifts.
5. Customer Loyalty Programmes
• Problem: Retaining customers is vital but difficult to track manually.
• Solution: Use digital loyalty tools like LoyalZoo or Yollty to:
• Create automated rewards schemes.
• Track customer purchases and offer personalised rewards.
• Sync with your EPOS for seamless integration.
6. Marketing Automation
• Problem: Regular promotions and customer engagement take up time.
• Solution: Use tools like Mailchimp or HubSpot to:
• Automate email campaigns and offers.
• Schedule social media posts.
• Track customer responses and refine strategies.
Why Automation Matters
By leveraging these tools, café owners can:
• Save time on repetitive tasks.
• Reduce errors and increase efficiency.
• Focus on growing the business and enhancing customer experience.
Seamless EPOS is a cornerstone of café automation, offering robust integrations to simplify admin tasks and empower your business.
