Switching to a Delivery Only Model with the Help of Automated Solutions

Cloud-connected technology and solutions that excel in automated inventory management and efficient labelling processes are essential for businesses that want to make the leap to delivery services. Highly customizable and portable label printers including the FX3-LX from SATO are optimized for use in the QSR and food industries

FREMONT, CA: Over the last couple of months, businesses around the world have been forced to find new ways to operate due to government restrictions in the loom of the rapidly spreading coronavirus. Similarly, the quick-service restaurant industry has encountered considerable challenges over the past few weeks. Globally, many countries are now facing a nationwide lockdown, and theoretically, this has meant that dine-in only restaurants have had no other option but to close. In response, some companies have met the challenge head-on with new take-out and delivery services, meeting the social distancing requirements as set by national Governments and in support of those who are self-isolating at home.

However, switching from dining in to take out requires significant support from across the food industry supply chain to ensure products are delivered safely and on time. For instance, some pubs and restaurants let customers take leftover food home with them, storing it in takeaway boxes or bags before they leave. But leftovers are for a case-by-case basis; they were never intended to be a long-term business strategy. Traditionally, the QSR industry has used EPOS ('Electronic Point of Sale') software to manage orders quickly and efficiently. This touchscreen technology has been a game-changer for restaurants and takeaways over the years, reducing human error and improving resource management. Depending on the EPOS software chosen, they can also integrate with online services such as Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat, making it much easier to connect with consumers virtually.

Cloud-connected technology and solutions that excel in automated inventory management and efficient labelling processes are essential for businesses that want to make the leap to delivery services. Highly customisable and portable label printers including the FX3-LX from SATO are optimized for use in the QSR and food industries. With its easy-clean and anti-bacterial casing, the printer can be entirely operated with gloves to meet stringent health and safety standards and, due to its ability to adapt to any business model, is highly effective for on-demand food labelling. This allows staff to change the date and time when the food was prepared, nutritional information, ingredients and allergen advice, in real-time, to minimise hours spent on administration, driving down costs and boosting efficiency.

“We don’t want to create a brand new environment for our clients. Instead, we make sure that the existing data is available at their fingertips for easy monitoring,” says Richard Cross, Sales Manager, SATO Europe. When speed is of the essence for takeaway and delivery services, automatic label dispensers such as the SATO S-70 are frustration-free and ideal for mobile, on-the-go situations. SATO was listed as one of the Top Food Safety tech Companies in Europe by Food and Beverage Tech Magazine in 2020.