Even if you prefer the hands-on management approach at your restaurant — spending time overseeing the kitchen operations, running training sessions with staff, and getting friendly with the regulars — there will undoubtedly be times when you need to manage your business off-premise. Fortunately, restaurant tech allows restaurant owners and managers to complete just about any task from wherever they are.

Whether you manage multiple locations or simply need some time off site to handle other aspects of the business, with the right tech stack, it’s possible to manage your restaurant remotely while keeping operations running smoothly.In this article, you will learn

• The benefits of managing restaurants remotely
• 5 strategies for running a remote restaurant operation
• How MarketMan can offer remote software solutions for your restaurant

What Are the Benefits of Managing Restaurants Remotely?

While there are countless benefits to using integrated tech to manage your restaurant remotely, here are a few of the bigger ones:

• Make Data-Driven Decisions Anywhere, Anytime: Implementing remote restaurant management solutions gives you and your team the ability to access crucial business data from anywhere via the cloud. That gives you the freedom to spend time off site while still making informed, data-driven decisions regarding your restaurant.
• Complete Operational Tasks Off-Premise in Real Time: Create and edit employee profiles, assign shifts and manage time cards, make menu changes, and pull sales reports from your smartphone — these are just a few of the operational tasks you could achieve while working remotely.
• Increase Data Visibility: Check business performance and pull data reports from any device with the power of the cloud. The cloud helps restaurateurs access data and run analytics to measure real-time performance, so you don’t need to be in your restaurant to know what’s going on.
• Manage Multiple Restaurant Locations at Once: Advanced restaurant management software makes it possible to manage multiple locations from one dashboard, allowing you to track emerging trends and spot any issues.

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5 Strategies for Running a Remote Operation

Implementing cloud-based tech in your restaurant allows you to “work smarter, not harder.” Here are five strategies that support remote management initiatives:  

1. Use Data to Make Decisions

The first step to ensure you can manage your restaurant remotely is setting up a data-powered infrastructure. Implement front- and back-of-house technology that allows easy access to data and provides reports on critical restaurant processes such as how long guests are waiting to be seated, chef preparation times, daily stock checks, etc.

A data-driven setup allows you to track the operations of the entire restaurant, from the kitchen to the dining room. For optimal results, seek out restaurant devices that work well together, like a kitchen display system integrated with your POS system. These integrations help connect the diverse sections of the restaurant, providing a high-level view for analytics and adjustments.

To manage restaurants remotely, you need to be sure you can log in from offsite. Look for restaurant technology solutions that offer a portal and customizable dashboard.

2. Build the Right Tech Stack

You’ll need the right technology to data-power your operation and manage it remotely. Here are just some of the devices and solutions you’ll need:

• POS System: Remote access to a cloud-based POS system can allow owners to pull live sales reports, change menu prices, view labor prices, and more. Imagine checking inventory against sales while onsite with a vendor, or analyzing delivery sales while waiting for the train.
• Kitchen Display: Data such as how long tickets have been open or how many are open at any one time can help remote managers keep tabs on how quickly customers are served.  
• Direct Online Ordering Solution: Restaurant managers can follow along remotely on the platform to view real-time orders anywhere. Take a look at late-night sales without having to leave your house.
• Enterprise Restaurant Management Software: Restaurant managers can gain remote access to an all-encompassing tool that supports inventory control, your staff, recipes, menu items, and so much more. The best platforms integrate with many other trusted tech tools so they can all work together and restaurant data can flow seamlessly, accessible by any device with an internet connection.  

3. Train Up On-Site Management

The restaurant industry requires a 24/7, 365 schedule, so hiring trustworthy on-site managers is key to success. These critical hires should be tech-savvy, have interpersonal and leadership skills, have a knack for problem-solving and keeping calm under pressure, and can keep the cooks and waitstaff organized during rush times.

Once you’ve found the ideal management team, create a standardized operation plan for all of your locations. Assign different managers different areas of operations and train them in specialized tasks, such as inventory manager, shift manager, or marketing manager. Facilitate training sessions for more complex organizational tasks so managers feel confident when you’re away.

4. Mitigate Risk

If you’re not on site at your restaurant, it’s essential to keep tabs on emerging risks such as theft potential and workplace safety concerns. Ensure access to cash drawers or safes is restricted. Keep close track of product inventory by pulling daily reports and tracking it against sales to see if high-value menu items are missing.

If revenue doesn’t seem to match your restaurant traffic or shortages happen on specific shifts, don’t only rely on your managers to catch them. Stay informed with your restaurant management platform’s data to come to your own conclusions and take action accordingly.

5. Employ Robust Restaurant Inventory Management Software

We discussed implementing robust restaurant management software earlier in the article, but it’s so key to running a restaurant remotely, it’s worth mentioning again. This type of technology helps you keep track of inventory to help you avoid under- or over-ordering, avoid accumulating waste, control food costs, and simplify accounting and purchasing processes. It also tracks every item that is used and purchased within your restaurant.
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Restaurant inventory management software works best when data flows between systems, so look out for tools that integrate, share important information, and enhance each other’s tech capabilities. Or look for an all-in-one solution that combines many powerful features in one platform, like MarketMan. It has everything you need to manage your restaurant, inventory, procurement processes, accounting, etc.

Automate your inventory management, cut down on food costs, and simplify your back-of-house tasks with MarketMan's restaurant management software. MarketMan provides restaurateurs with the tools they need to minimize waste and streamline daily operations. Discover the power of automation and gain valuable insights to drive your restaurant's success. Schedule a demo now to explore how MarketMan can transform your business!