The need for simulation software in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry has never been more apparent. Fast food chains are experiencing slim profit margins at a time when more than 6 out of 10 restaurants in the United States face staffing shortages. For QSR businesses, it’s vital that the flow of operations keeps up with consumer demand, despite persistent challenges. While restaurants have some ideas on addressing these issues, implementing changes carries a risk to operational integrity if not done right. In some cases, the new change could be detrimental to business success.

Simulation software is a key solution here, as it allows a business to test new ideas before greenlighting them for real-world operations. Running a QSR is a multifaceted process involving many stakeholders and workflows. Therefore, it’s key to always be brainstorming new ways to improve the employee and customer experience, supply chain partners, and work processes. But it’s also key to simulate these ideas in a digital realm to ensure smooth implementation.

Data-Backed Decision-Making

Unforeseen events can blindside businesses in the QSR industry at any time. An oven could break, scheduling conflicts can occur, or poor weather conditions may affect the supply of a local ingredient. Whatever the problem is, simulation software allows businesses to prepare for these events beforehand. Concurrently, QSRs can experiment with operational changes to maximize throughput and profits.

Simulating proposed changes with data-backed analyses reduces the complexity of transforming operations. This allows the restaurant to gauge the benefits of the change or the feasibility of implementing it. Below are some examples of what fast-food restaurants can simulate:

• Installing multiple drive-thru lanes and/or windows
• Partnering with a new ingredient supplier
• Assessing the cost-benefit analysis of offering eco-friendly straws
• Predicting foot traffic at specific times of the day
• Modifying kitchen space for optimal employee mobility
• Forecasting table availability to reduce guest wait times
• Comparing a robot versus a human for specific restaurant tasks

Simulation software goes above and beyond traditional business intelligence software in that it makes predictions based on given data, such as ensuring a smooth flow across in-house, delivery, and take-out orders.

Underscoring the True Potential of QSR Simulation

Aligning throughput is a key objective for restaurants to ensure timely meal delivery. That means everyone works accordingly, from kitchen workers to drive-thru operators and napkin suppliers to maintenance crews. Simulation ensures smooth coordination by allowing QSRs to test the best combination of operational modifications.

In this respect, performing a “what if analysis” is one of the most valuable aspects of simulation software for QSR brands. These what-if analyses enable restaurants to identify bottlenecks in the production, seating, and drive-thru processes. For example, a restaurant can simulate how many workers and what equipment are needed if a specific item on the menu surges in popularity. Or the business can predict which nights of the week more staff are needed at the drive-thru window. The possibilities are diverse.

Finally, just a word of caution. QSR businesses interested in adopting simulation software should start out small and prioritize areas where a small tweak can bring significant ROI. For example, scheduling maintenance check-ups using historical data pertaining to failure is a highly profitable place to begin. Moreover, it’s best to model potential changes within a virtual environment before making any equipment purchases for the safest, most cost-effective outcomes.

About the Author:
Ryan Martin is a Senior Research Director at ABI Research covering new and emerging transformative technologies, including Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). He leads the firm’s manufacturing, industrial, and enterprise IoT research efforts.

About ABI Research
ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers. www.abiresearch.com