The pandemic that has happened since 2020 has impacted hard on various food and beverage industries. Some have been hit harder than the rest. You can name the struggles that surfaced, from labor shortages to lack of revenue. The human adaptation process proves to be unique. Despite these struggles, the restaurant industry is trying to find the solution in the QR codes. QR codes are now expected to be mainstreamed and adapted with the F&B industry during the pandemic.

A QR (Quick Response) code stores information for the users to access quickly using their smartphone. It simply fastens the process of ordering for restaurant customers or eases access to other information without the need for you to print out the material. Today, restaurant customers can access a digital menu using their smartphone, making it a suitable solution for limiting contact. 

Pros and cons

Many countries in Europe and US have adopted the QR code menu to their system after their National Restaurant Association regulates it for their members. The adopted protocol serves to be a great solution to limit the contact for their customers. The business looks normalized, and similar adaptation needs to be implemented, for example, initiated by the Malaysian associations for its members.

Despite the positives, like helping restaurant orders be more efficient, some customers are not familiar with QR codes and have difficulties using them. Therefore the need for a physical menu as an option is still apparent. This mixed-used use of QR codes and the traditional menu is the most suitable for adapting customers to the new ongoing technology. Most customers have already on their phone at the table and expect QR codes as the new tool to order their food.

For business owners, QR codes provide methods to track customers’ behavior. This data can be beneficial for the restaurant business in the long run. The basic information such as food type customers purchases up until more complex data on the peak hour the QR codes are being scanned. Contact WhiteBean now to discuss the suitable features for your business.

The downside of this is that the previous customers may attach QR codes on the table for the next customers to scan, which can present potential concerns for the customers. The restaurant that implements QR code technology needs to educate the customers not to scan any QR codes on the table besides the official QR code from the store. Each staff member can also check every table for any suspicious activity before placing the customers to sit.

Conclusions

It is becoming mandatory for Malaysian associations to create a set of specific SOPs in implementing QR codes in the restaurant to protect the customers’ privacy. This regulation would help the QR codes technology to keep thriving in the food and beverage business by providing a safe environment during the pandemic. While at the same time increasing efficiency from the business standpoint to generate a higher revenue even after the pandemic is over.

Image Credits: Opollo Photography