If you're a bar owner or manager, you probably didn't get into the industry because you love doing paperwork and taking inventory. Chances are, you like people and creating a welcoming environment where patrons can enjoy a good drink and let their hair down a little. The good news is that the market is full of mobile apps that will allow you to spend less time in the office crunching numbers and shuffling papers - and more time doing the things you love. Here are the must-have mobile apps for bar managers that will help you do just that:
A big part of setting the right mood is the perfect playlist. With Rockbot, you sign up for a monthly subscription and gain access to millions of songs so that you curate your own library and set the tone for the night. Your customers can even download the app and play their favorite songs. The app provides a way to engage customers and help them feel more at home. One of the best parts is that everything is controlled through a sleek digital dashboard. Rockbot provides a streamlined interface that is easy to navigate.
When it comes to running a bar, or any business for that matter, you cannot underestimate the power of social media. The problem is that managing social media requires logging into a bunch of different accounts, searching through endless streams and trying to pinpoint what is important from a cacophony of posts. It can end up being a real time suck, which is exactly where Hootsuite can help. This program allows you to view all your accounts on one screen, see what people are posting about your bar and quickly respond to comments. Use the mobile app to stay on top of your accounts and view insightful analytics.
For iPhone users, Numbers allows you to create detailed spreadsheets that can be easily viewed and updated on your mobile device. This isn't your mother's spreadsheet app, and you won't go crossed-eyed trying to scan through endless rows and columns.This app creates beautiful charts and graphs that will give you the perfect visual snapshot of your business and how it is performing.
Just hearing the word "inventory" probably makes you groan. Keeping track of your liquor and beer supplies, and knowing how much to order - and when - can be one of the most time-consuming, stress-inducing aspects of managing a bar. No doubt you've often thought there must be an easier way. While some mobile apps have been designed to help with inventory, Bevinco Mobile is by far the most reliable and streamlined product available. Check out the demo video below.
Bevinco Mobile relies on barcode scanning technology to accurately count and track your inventory. Not only will it help your bar run like a well-oiled machine, but it will also bring any problems to your attention. With accurate counts and analytics, you can see exactly where your inventory is going and hold staff members accountable for over-pours and other profit-stealing bad habits.
Managing a bar should be fun. Yes, it can mean hard work and strange hours, but if you arm yourself with the right mobile apps, you can make the most of your time. You can focus on building your customer base and business without becoming totally consumed by day-to-day responsibilities. In today's world, it is easier than ever to harness the power of technology to work smarter rather than harder.