Digital logging might sound techy, but it simply refers to the process of recording and keeping track of frequent tasks and information. In a restaurant, this is super important for a variety of reasons; whether keeping track of staff attendance and arranging cover accordingly, or checking temperature readings to ensure food adheres to safety standards.

However, digital logging is a cumbersome, often time consuming task. Plus in order to ensure all HACCP daily food safety checks are carried out, there needs to be a central place where these tasks are logged.

For most restaurant owners turning a checklist around multiple times a day is an exercise in discipline and patience. First you need to ensure all staff are aware when and how these checks are taking place and then you need to log, track and monitor. Fortunately, there are several ways to take on this challenge and they aren’t all time-consuming and long-winded.

Embrace technology

It seems like technology is being used in all manner of ways to make businesses more efficient, but how can technology help when it comes to running your kitchen and keeping track of processes?

A good digital logging system, such as Phenium’s smart solution, will monitor and measure vital stats in your kitchen, then use push notifications or alerts to update you. This means you don’t need to be actively monitoring, instead you’ll be reminded, so you can stay on top of things.

Improving accuracy

In the past, digital logs have been completed manually with staff taking analog readings and noting them. These manual methods can lead to problems, especially as the chance of human error is high. Digital logging is therefore highly effective when it comes to dealing with food safety temperature readings.

Most modern methods of digital logging involve automatic readings from smart sensors and probes.

Phenium’s clever system uses AI sensors which automatically record up to 1500 temperature readings per day, freeing up time for your staff to focus on other tasks.

Another great aspect of digital logging is that it can simplify your processes and remove paperwork. Having a central place where you can store all your training certificates, SOP’s and any other HACCP information is invaluable, especially in a busy and sometimes stressful kitchen.

Bringing you peace of mind

Whatever platform you use, adopting a digital logging system allows you better insights across multiple locations, eliminating risk, stress and potential problems. It helps you manage daily tasks and any incidents that might occur.

By using an app such as Phenium, you can delegate follow up work for your staff. For example, if a digitally logged checklist confirms that the food disposal area was not cleaned at the set time, you will receive an alert and can activate a Fix It order and assign it to the relevant member of staff.

Another, and perhaps most important aspect of digital logging is that when that all-important health inspector comes to visit, you can extract data quickly for reviewing purposes. This means you never need worry about health inspections again.

Wondering why running a successful business is so stressful? From paperwork and staffing matters to customers and regulations, there are so many things to consider. According to the American Institute of Stress, as many as 83% of us experience stress in the workplace, which can have a profound effect on our health and wellbeing. In this article we look at some of the best ways to make your business run more efficiently, bringing you peace of mind and more time to spend focusing on the things that matter.

Automate procedures and processes

There are many ways to reduce paperwork when running a restaurant. The obvious start would be to ensure you are using a highly effective POS and ordering system. You can integrate these with online reservation systems and delivery apps, making the whole process streamlined and efficient. When it comes to the kitchen, try an automated food safety system that checks all your food storage, handling and cleaning procedures.

Embrace change

From smart sensors that measure your cold storage and cooking temps, to social media booking options, there are many ways to embrace change via new technology. Whether new policies, procedures or services, there will always be ways to improve your restaurant. Much of embracing change is communication — making sure everyone’s ideas are heard, people are onboard with any changes and you’re all working together towards a common goal.

Empower staff

Employee satisfaction is not something that should be overlooked. Happy, motivated and empowered staff will help you run your business more effectively. Think about four key areas: capability, knowledge, awareness and motivation.

First and foremost, make sure you have hired employees who are competent and capable. Secondly, employees must be armed with good information and be receptive to learning it. Ask questions and encourage their ideas on handling different situations. When sharing knowledge, anything that disrupts the typical learning model has a higher chance of sticking. Make sure your staff are aware of ways of working and they understand the implications of health, safety and other issues if they don’t follow certain guidelines. However, being sure to include positive reinforcement for good actions helps staff feel noticed, confident and primed to do good work, which in turn inspires others. This can be as simple as frequent praise, employee recognition awards, or even pay rises. Ultimately by empowering your workforce, they’re much more likely to invest in the job, helping you run an effective and successful business.

Refine your menu

The first step in shortening your menu is to understand which items are the most popular. Look through historical data to see which dishes are consistently ordered over a period of time. Calculate how much each of those dishes costs in terms of inventory and time to prepare. Also look at cross-use of inventory which can help drive the costs down further. Remember that a smaller menu means less food waste and efficiency overall, so it’s a great option to consider.

Be organized

It goes without saying that organization is key to making your business run more efficiently. If you are able to digitize all your POS and ordering system, along with reservations and deliveries, that should help when analyzing data for inventory. However, don’t forget bookkeeping. Make sure your payroll and accountancy system is working effectively for you too. Shop around and have a look at new software and new features that are on offer. Once you have something that covers all your needs, it should run like clockwork and again, improve your business’ efficiencies.