Restaurant operators are expected to automate over half, 51%, of store tasks within two years, according to the 2023 Connected Restaurant Experience study released by Incisiv.
The study, done in collaboration with Cisco and Verizon Business, also revealed rapid adoption of digital tech is increasing the complexity of operations management.
The news comes after the COVID-19 pandemic which accelerated digital tech adoption and a changing consumer behavior.
A majority of restaurant patrons, 83%, polled plan to use mobile order-ahead when dining at a QSR this year, according to a press release on the findings.
The data also showed hat 72% of restaurant operators believe it’s getting harder to meet customer expectations due to increasing digital ordering and just 52% of QSRs, and 41% of full-service restaurants are satisfied with their restaurant’s digital experience.
“Restaurants need to prioritize digital execution to remain competitive,” Gaurav Pant, chief insights officer of Incisiv, said in the release “Customers value the convenience and control provided by digital ordering, and the industry needs to invest in technologies to improve the end-to-end digital experience.”
Automation of routine tasks is imminent as QSRs expect 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025 and full-service restaurants expect to automate 27% of tasks.
“As restaurants continue to expand their automation efforts, they need faster and more reliable connectivity, which can be achieved through the use of 5G, LTE, and fixed wireless access,” Scott Lawrence, SVP, global solutions, Verizon Business, said in the release. “These types of networks are beneficial for restaurants as they eliminate the need for cables and manage their peak traffic more efficiently.”
