As online ordering charts an upward path, businesses find themselves in a whirlwind trying to adapt and catch up. The post-pandemic era has redefined modern convenience for good, with customers prioritizing speed and touchless transactions from platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and many more.
To stay competitive as a business owner, you must be able to handle the surge in online orders, and one crucial aspect of this is re-evaluating your hardware systems.
The Online Order Surge is Here to Stay
Recent data underscores an undeniable truth: online ordering is not just a fleeting trend—it’s an entrenched consumer habit well-established in everyday life. In the past couple of years alone, there’s been a substantial increase in customers opting for online food orders, grocery shopping, cannabis, and even retail.
We’ve all heard friends and people at the office saying they’re going to “DoorDash” for lunch or dinner.
Undeniably, this shift is mainly due to the desire for safer, faster, and more convenient shopping experiences. The appeal is hard to resist.
Challenges Faced by Businesses
In effect, the growing trend of online ordering brings inevitable challenges for every business owner. Businesses are expected to maintain profitability and customer satisfaction no matter what comes their way.
Diverse Ordering Platforms:
In today’s digital age, consumers have multiple avenues to place orders. From branded apps and third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash to direct website orders—businesses must juggle between different systems simultaneously. This can lead to potential mismanagement and oversight of specific orders.
Real-time Order Management:
With the expectation of prompt deliveries and real-time order updates, businesses face pressure to manage orders in real-time, particularly with popular delivery apps. Any lag or delay can lead to a ripple effect, causing dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and, ultimately, the loss of new and loyal customers.
Accuracy and Detailing:
With online orders, there’s a greater emphasis on customization and details. Whether it’s food allergies, special requests, or bespoke products, businesses must capture and execute every detail correctly. Any oversight here could lead to costly re-dos or, in extreme cases, health hazards.
Inventory Management:
The rapidity of online orders requires businesses to have a robust inventory management system. Running out of crucial ingredients or products not only hampers current orders but can lead to a loss of potential future orders from disappointed customers.
Integration with Physical Storefront:
For businesses operating both online and offline, there’s the added challenge of ensuring seamless integration. Physical in-store purchases must be harmonized with online orders to prevent over-commitment or under-utilization of resources.
Staff Training and Adaptation:
The digital landscape is constantly changing. As new systems and technologies emerge, businesses must ensure their staff are adequately trained and can adapt swiftly. This continuous learning curve can sometimes be daunting for long-term employees or those less technologically inclined.
Ultimately, to mitigate these challenges and streamline operations, the importance of well-structured, ergonomic, and technologically sound hardware workstations cannot be stressed enough.
Conquering Omnichannel Order Management with Cloud-Based Technology Solutions
Consumers have spoken! The future of retail and hospitality is omnichannel, cloud-based, and connected. Is your business prepared for online ordering?
The Role of Hardware in Streamlining Online Order Management
The efficiency of any online ordering system is, to a large extent, influenced by the hardware it runs on. Multi-tasking is the name of the game. Therefore, an optimized workstation featuring a multi-tablet system can be transformative.
With one or two tablets dedicated to processing incoming orders from different online ordering applications and another for customer interactions or auxiliary operational needs, businesses can achieve optimal efficiency.
Ergonomics and User Experience
Beyond functionality, there are the added concerns of ergonomics, organization, installation, and user comfort. These concerns should not be taken lightly. A good workstation isn’t just about speed—it’s about ensuring staff can install, view, access, and use every piece of hardware easily, reducing the potential for frustration and errors.
Proper workstation placement can significantly improve operational flow, enhance user experience, and boost overall employee morale.
Star Micronics: Meeting the Needs of Modern Businesses
For years, Star Micronics has emphasized the critical nature of efficient workstations. In today’s dynamic landscape, each piece of hardware must integrate flawlessly with the next, ensuring a streamlined workflow for hassle-free operations. This synergy is essential to meeting evolving demands and maximizing customer satisfaction.
Designed with the modern business landscape in mind, Star’s mCollection® features a multitude of standout products like the mPOP and the mC-Print series. But the mCollection is much more than POS printers. With the mUnite line of tablet stands and pole mounts, the hardware collection provides the adaptability necessary to declutter and structure even the busiest of workstations.
Focusing on Multi-Tablet Workstations
Attached to the popular mUnite Mount 18 pole mount, the VESA mount accessory allows businesses to easily elevate their online order management by creating a versatile dual-tablet station. It’s cost-effective and ideal for companies seeking an organized, multi-functional workstation in busy retail and hospitality environments.
Key Features of the VESA Pole Mount Accessory on Mount 18:
- Instantly creates a cost-effective & flexible two-tablet workstation
- Great for organizing online ordering or customer engagement tablets
- Compatible with any tablet enclosure using 75/100 VESA mounting
- Tablet mount is securely fastened, protecting the tablet or device
- Made of durable steel
- Easy installation & removal
mUnite Tri-Mount Multi-Tablet Display
Furthermore, the mUnite Tri-Mount pole mount is perfect for multi-tablet and online order setups, especially for restaurants that receive orders from platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, which often require different printers and tablets.
Easily installed on most countertops, its sleek design conserves space, making it ideal for restaurants managing online orders across multiple devices. It securely accommodates up to three tablets (see here for specifications), ensuring easy access and protection in fast-moving settings.
Future Readiness in the Age of Digital Ordering
The surge in online ordering continues to reshape the business landscape. To stay competitive, businesses must invest in organized, ergonomic, and efficient hardware solutions. By doing so, they position themselves to meet current demands and be well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
So, as technology continues to evolve and consumer preferences shift, is your business infrastructure flexible enough to adapt? Remember, the choices you make today will shape your success in the digital ordering era of tomorrow.
