Look, nobody said running a bar is easy. You're juggling staff, inventory management, customers, and a million other things all at once, and you’re probably sacrificing your own personal time just to keep everything running in tip-top shape.
The thing is, it really doesn’t have to be this way. You can put down the pen and paper and regain your personal time, because technology is here to save the day.
Imagine a world where you have complete control and visibility of your inventory, your staff schedules create themselves automatically and your customers are always happy. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's closer than you think. With the right bar management software, you can turn this dream into reality.
Let's dive into the five types of software that can turn your chaotic bar into a well-oiled machine.
What is Bar Management Software?
If you’re tired of inputting data into spreadsheets and manually managing that information, then bar management software is like having a superhero sidekick that improves your bar’s operational efficiencies and saves YOU time to focus on the things that truly matter to both your business and your personal life.
Bar management software handles all the boring stuff so you can focus on the fun parts of running a bar. Whether it’s software that helps you manage your bar inventory, schedule your staff or see your finances, bar management software empowers you to spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what you love.
The Benefits of Using Bar Management Software
Investing in the right bar management software can be a game-changer. Here's why:
- Speeds Up Your Processes: Bar management software enables you to automate tasks, reduce manual data entry, and free up your time to focus on more strategic aspects of your business - or even just regain your personal time outside of your bar.
- Less Manual Work For You and Your Team: With bar management software you will be able to streamline your operations by doing away with time-consuming spreadsheets and pen and paper processes.
- Remove Human Errors: Getting rid of manual data entry means more than just saving time. It also means no more human error, and all the benefits that come with more accurate data on the health of your business.
- Make Data-Driven Business Decisions: Easily accessing data on all areas of your business means you can make more informed business decisions that improve your bottom line and drive up your profit margins.
- Cost Savings: Bar management software may come with some upfront cost, particularly if you’re investing in multiple systems to have all areas of your business covered, but the cost savings can be significant in the long-term. When you invest in software you can save on labour costs and make better business decisions that increase your profitability.
Types of Bar Management Software to Improve Your Operations and Save You Time
1 - Inventory Management Software
Inventory management is often the last thing you want to do as a business owner, but the savings and profit increases you can realize when implemented properly are significant. And the thing is, you don’t have to do those boring manual inventory calculations on pen and paper either.
Inventory management software will help you easily gain control and visibility of your inventory, so that you make better business decisions around reducing waste, holding the right amount of stock, ordering and menu pricing.
An inventory management system can help you with:
- Tracking stock levels and preventing overstocking or overstocking
- Calculating your ideal pour cost
- Reducing waste
- Generating purchase order
- Analyzing inventory turnover rates
- Integrating with your point-of-sale (POS) system for improved visibility into waste
- And much more!
2 - Point-of-Sale System
No bar can operate without a POS system. This trusted piece of tech handles your sales, payments, some elements of your inventory and customer data. Make sure not to fall into the trap of “POS system vs inventory management system”. These two pieces of software should work seamlessly together, not compete for a space in your business.
A great POS does more than just ring up orders, including:
- Offers features like table management, order and pay, and mobile ordering
- Integrates with other bar management software, like your inventory management system
- Provides detailed sales reports and analytics
- Offers employee management tools
- Handles customer loyalty programs
3 - Reservation and Table Management Software
If you're taking reservations, this software is a must. It helps you manage bookings, seat customers efficiently, and even increase your average bill. Look for software that offers features like:
- Online reservations
- Waitlist management
- Table assignments
- Guest profiles
- Integration with your POS system
4 - Employee Scheduling Software
Tired of endless spreadsheets and manual scheduling when it comes to managing your employees? Employee scheduling software helps you create and manage staff schedules efficiently, with features such as:
- Time-off requests, shift swapping, and labour forecasting
- Integration with payroll systems
- Labour cost analysis
- Offers communication tools for staff
5 - Content Management System
Now this one may seem like a bit of a rogue entry, but hear us out. The bar industry is a highly competitive space, and managing your online presence and building an effective marketing strategy is absolutely essential when it comes to bringing new patrons through your doors.
A content management system (CMS) helps you work on things such as website building, blogging, email marketing, and social media management, so that you can continue to attract customers, build your brand, and engage with your audience.
By investing in the right combination of bar management software, you can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability. Not sure where to start? Sculpture Hospitality’s team of bar and inventory management experts are here to help. Get in touch with us today.
