How automation can solve today’s foodservice challenges

From addressing labor shortages to standardizing convenience, quality and safety, automation technology is constantly evolving and improving. As a result, more applications and opportunities continue to arise across the foodservice industry. Here’s a look at the role that automation plays in foodservice today – and how it can help you with some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Simplify convenience and quality

Consumers expect a higher level of convenience than ever before. They’ve become accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it and are comfortable navigating automated systems like touchless kiosks and online ordering platforms. Bringing this equipment to your location can help create a more seamless ordering experience for your customers, in addition to saving time and money on staff.

Beyond convenience, automated equipment helps to drive consistent quality. Today’s commercial griddles include advanced thermostats that automatically regulate griddle temperature, ensuring that foods of different thicknesses cook properly. Connected sensors in equipment like combi-ovens and rapid-cook ovens help determine when food is cooked perfectly. Both features help reduce food waste and improve energy efficiency.

Think about your own operation: do you use any systems that could be optimized with automated technology to improve convenience and quality? If so, it might be time for an upgrade.

Standardize safety and sanitation

New equipment solutions can completely automate safety and sanitation processes for consistency – and peace of mind. Some of the more popular technologies include automatic dishwashers or sanitizers, touchless cooking equipment, safety monitoring equipment, temperature gauges and more.

Food storage and holding can be managed more easily and efficiently using automated technology. Sensors in some refrigerators and freezers can detect whether food is being kept at appropriate temperatures to prevent foodborne illness, reducing food waste due to premature spoilage. Cook & hold ovens can be programmed to automatically record cooking times for easier food safety documentation.

Automation also can help remove your staff from potentially dangerous cooking activities like frying. Automated controls and cooking processes in frying equipment reduce the need for human workers to complete this hot and greasy job, decreasing safety risks overall.

Where could you save time or create efficiency by incorporating automation?

Supplement your staffing

As foodservice operations – and many others across nearly every industry – continue to grapple with increasingly tight budgets and labor shortages, automated equipment provides a creative, cost-effective solution.

Instead of replacing human labor, smart automation simplifies or complements human efforts, allowing workers to spend their time on more valuable and fulfilling tasks.

Beyond commercial restaurants, some senior living facilities are turning to robots as food runners and bussers. By automating this time-consuming, impersonal task, staff members can spend more meaningful face time with residents.

Think about your own operation. Can you relieve your team of any repetitive or monotonous tasks with automated equipment?

Learn more at The NAFEM Show 2023

Not sure how automation fits into your foodservice operation? Don’t miss The NAFEM Show. See examples of automated equipment in action and speak with subject matter experts about what’s possible for your business. Join us Feb. 1 – 3, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., USA. Register today!