The Internet of Things is taking the world by storm and the Food Industry is nowhere left behind. Global connectivity is lending our homes, cars, and offices a mind of their own and even our kitchens. We are living in a world where technology is progressing in leaps and bounds. The material world around us continues to join the cyberspace with a speed that has left us all awestruck.
According to Gartner IT Research Analysts, about four years ago, the global IoT market stood at $485.6 billion. It is projected to surpass the $1 trillion mark by 2019 and encompass a network of more than 42 billion connected devices worldwide.
Gartner also estimates that by 2020, there will be 25 billion smart devices communicating to the cloud and to each other. As restaurants continue to realize the potential of IoT connected kitchens, there is also a spike in demand for restaurant app development companies globally.
IoT is a world where anyone and anything is connected
Internet of Things has moved much ahead from being just a dystopian idea. IoT has empowered our wearable tech and mobile devices, to unite all of them into a comprehensive network of helpful utilities and knowledge bases. Internet of Things is allowing our electronic devices and gadgets to act on our behalf rather than waiting on us to reach out for help.
In the simplest words - the Internet of Things is the technology that makes it possible for anyone and anything to connect to the World Wide Web. IoT expands its reach beyond to include from coffee makers to hair dryers.
More than what you expect in sci-fi movies
IoT is making things possible which otherwise was only possible in a science fiction movie. It is allowing people to record their favorite TV episodes while away from home. You can do all of this without ever specifically programming anything.
In another scenario, an IoT enabled refrigerator has the capability to send you the list of all the ingredients you don’t have. IoT is a world of possibility where things are smarter, so you don’t have to be. All your mundane and boring tasks become automated and taken care of by “something” else.
IoT in the landscape of the Food Industry
Smooth operations play a key role in any hospitality industry including restaurants. Without them, restaurants will fail to operate successfully. Delay in serving customer requests can lead to great dissatisfaction. IoT application development is a boon for the restaurant industry and is already on its way to change things for good.
IoT enabled restaurant technologies may cost more than their traditional counterparts initially, however they will quickly pay for themselves with the value they add to your restaurant. Therefore regardless of whether you are a standalone full-service restaurant, a restaurant chain, a catering business, a commissary, or a retail restaurant, IoT will provide interoperability between products to standardize, maintain, and assure food safety, compliance, and even energy management. Moreover, IoT is also used to increase business efficiency.
The effects of IoT
Here are some practical ways in which the internet of things is helping connected restaurants offer better customer experience. It is also helping the food industry improve their day to day operations.
As an early adopter restaurant industry stands the biggest chance to profit enormously. The Internet of things is on its way to bring a tsunami of changes that will impact every aspect of the restaurant industry.
1- On-demand delivery
Restaurants can track data across the connected restaurant space. For example, IoT can monitor oil levels across multiple pieces of cooking equipment and notifies accordingly. This will effectively save the restaurant on cost, waste, and ensures it never runs out of oil again.
Similarly, the IoT system can monitor fridges for product stock. It can even keep a check on how many plates or glasses are stacked on a certain shelf to prevent last-minute shortages.
2- Smartphones and app-based monitoring
Restaurants are difficult to monitor unless you’re physically inside the restaurant. IoT will make the data more accessible through Smartphone and app-based monitoring. Through the smart dashboard, restaurant owners can know the kind of sales they are making, how many customers are there, and so on and so forth.
In the case of a chain of restaurants, the operations manager can monitor the entire kitchen ecosystem. It will make vital information accessible such as how long the cooking equipment is being used, energy usage, peak periods, and so on. Such crucial information will enable smart decisions related to opening hours and equipment use, etc.
3- Hyper-personalization
Online and connected ordering systems, such as apps like Swiggy have paved the way for hyper-personalization of food orders. Restaurant chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut are some of the early adopters. These systems allow customers to order and pay without the need to rely on the restaurant staff member.
This kind of hyper-personalization system is good when you know exactly what you want. In another excellent example, Vitamogo, a restaurant in London, has enabled users to create their own meals.
Through the mobile app, users can choose individual ingredients, adjust amounts in order to get that perfect protein or calorie balance. Online food delivery app development has integrated into their process to embed options for hyper-personalization of the menu. Mobile apps also help in promote restaurants, they can be a great help in promoting restaurants.
4- Efficient stock management
With varying demands and preferences in user choices, keeping a tap on stock and wastage can be an issue. With the use of connected systems where sensors and stock control are managed in the cloud, things are getting under control. IoT can be integrated into the core of restaurant mobile app development to keep a check on available stock.
5- Food safety monitoring
Inter-connectivity between people, systems, and products have made it possible to take proactive measures to ensure food safety. IoT enabled restaurants have made it possible to remotely monitor all equipment and troubleshoot potential problems. This is helpful in avoiding equipment failure and related repairs. IoT connected things can also send reminders to schedule maintenance.
6- Smart refrigerator
A refrigerator connected to IoT technology can become separate appliances. Each of its shelves, drawers, and freezer sections can be monitored and thermostatically controlled independently and remotely. The system can send alert related to spoilage time, by when food should be consumed, if it’s chemical makeup changes, and if pathogens are present.
7- Smart Oven
Smart combo-oven that can cook using convection heat, steam, or a combination of both is not a new thing. However, IoT adds a layer of technology by offering remote control and monitoring capabilities. This leads to space and money savings.
Takeaway
The Internet of Things will never be able to replace great food and drink. But as a restaurant owner, you will definitely be able to offer a great experience to your visitors. No two nights are ever going to be the same in the life of a restaurant owner. However, the Internet of Things will make your life more predictable and put things directly under your control.
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Meet Manish Chandra Srivastava, the Strategic Content Architect & Marketing Guru who turns brands into legends. Armed with a Masters in Mass Communication (2015-17), Manish has dazzled giants like Collegedunia, Embibe, and Archies. His work is spotlighted on Hackernoon, Gamasutra, and Elearning Industry.
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