POS Power: The Secret Ingredient to Thriving Cafe Businesses. With Jacob Kelly

Bean There, Done That!

Could your cafe's profitability be just a tech upgrade away? Join me, Phil DiBella, alongside Jacob Kelly, General Manager at Innovators Direct, as we serve up a brew of knowledge on advancing your cafe's operations through technology. This episode steeps with insights into how bespoke POS systems can be the secret ingredient to enhancing your menu, team performance, and overall business efficiency. We're not just talking about the jingle of the cash register but also the symphony of data and strategy that can turn a good cafe into a community cornerstone.

Do you feel like you're juggling orders, payments, and loyalty programs without a safety net? We discuss the move towards integrated tech solutions that act as a digital barista, managing the hectic rush of the hospitality industry with fines and ease. With Jacob's expertise, we explore how interconnected systems, especially in payment solutions and online ordering, can save you more than just a few headaches – they're an investment poised to streamline your operations and amplify your business growth. And for those doubting the power of loyalty, let us introduce you to platforms like Byte, where targeted promotions meet customer convenience to brew a stronger bond with your patrons.

Peering into the future, we're not just predicting the next coffee trend – we're looking at the evolution of POS technology itself. The forthcoming omni-channel loyalty systems are setting the stage for a new era in customer engagement, one where every sip and snack counts towards a more personalised and rewarding cafe experience. As Jacob shares how Innovators Direct's unwavering support is helping their extensive client base thrive, we ensure this episode is more than just talk – it's filled with actionable advice that can truly transform your cafe into the go-to spot for tech-savvy coffee lovers. So, sit back, pour yourself a cup, and let us guide you through the digital transformation of the hospitality sector.

Highlights

(00:02) Technology in Hospitality Industry Innovation

This chapter, I sit down with Jacob Kelly from Innovators Direct to discuss the pivotal role of technology in enhancing the skillset of cafe operators. We address the findings of a recent study highlighting that operational know-how, not red tape, is the primary challenge facing the cafe industry in Australia. Jacob emphasises the importance of using technology, like bespoke point-of-sale (POS) systems, to collect data, analyse business performance, and develop strategies for menu optimization and team management. We examine how understanding and implementing the right technological solutions can significantly impact the efficiency and profitability of a cafe.

(07:38) Integrated Technology Solutions for Efficiency

This chapter highlights the importance of integrated technological solutions in streamlining business operations and reducing workload. We explore the risks of non-integrated systems and the value of integration, particularly in payment solutions and online ordering. We emphasise looking at technology investments not just in terms of cost but in terms of the efficiencies and savings they can bring, especially in labour. Additionally, we touch on the benefits of using data to run a business effectively and the role of technology in gathering that data to inform strategy and customer engagement. Loyalty programs and their implementation through platforms like Byte are also discussed, including their cost-effectiveness and potential to increase customer spending through targeted promotions and convenience.

(17:45) Importance of Business Performance Metrics

This chapter examines the importance of tracking various metrics in business performance, with a focus on the often-overlooked average transaction value. We discuss how small increases in this figure can significantly impact a business's top and bottom lines, emphasising the need for strategies like upselling to enhance revenue. Additionally, we consider the importance of understanding wages relative to earnings and how technology can assist in optimising labour costs and operating hours for profitability. We also explore the realities of POS system reliability and the misguided allegiances or biases that business owners may have towards certain brands, highlighting the inevitability of technological issues regardless of a company's size or investment.

(24:31) Future Innovations in POS Technology

This chapter we explore the latest trends and technological innovations in the POS and hospitality industry, focusing on the emergence of omni-channel loyalty systems that integrate POS, FPOS, and online ordering to enhance customer engagement. I highlight the collaborative efforts between companies to offer these advanced services not only to large players like AVC or ALH but also to smaller businesses, enabling them to improve customer service and accrue loyalty points from various ordering methods. With insights from Jacob Kelly of Innovators Direct, we discuss the importance of data analysis and strategic planning for business sustainability and growth, and how his team provides round-the-clock technical support to their now 700-strong client base across the country. I underscore the impact of a robust POS system on business performance, advocating for a proactive approach to adopting new technologies in the hospitality sector.

Produced By The Podcast Boss