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.

Cloud computing. At first just a new buzzword for computing services delivered via the Internet, the Cloud has matured and has quickly fueled unprecedented innovation and productivity in businesses large and small. And the restaurant business is no exception.

Cloud services and its twin SaaS (software as a service) have the potential to revolutionize the restaurant industry, in both the front- and back-of-the-house. From digital signage and point of sale (POS) to inventory management and more, almost any aspect of a restaurant’s business can be hosted in the cloud. The only requirements: a computer, tablet, or mobile phone; a web browser; and Internet connectivity.

Restaurants of any size can reap benefits and support their growth strategies by taking advantage of SaaS options available through the cloud.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Cloud services eliminate the need for restaurant operators to run costly, proprietary software from ancient desktops in a back office, because servers and programs can be managed by cloud services companies. Restaurant staff and resources can be re-dedicated to front- and back-of-the-house operations rather than maintaining software or paying for and managing upgrades. Restaurants may even save money on electricity costs thanksto a reduction in on-site equipment. The money saved can be passed along to patrons or reinvested back into the business to improve existing services or add new ones. For an industry that runs on razor-thin margins, the cloud can help restaurants thrive.

Many cloud services companies operate on a “pay as you go” model, so there is no need for restaurants to invest large amounts of money in upfront costs. Some restaurants may even realize a tax benefit by using this “pay as you go” model as an operating expense rather than a capital expense.