Food and Beverage Software

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Guide to Food and Beverage Software

Use food industry software solutions to give your business a competitive edge
By KB Gibson

Organization is the name of the game in the food and beverage industry. From distribution to food preparation and service, it takes a lot of planning to keep a business running smoothly. Thanks to food industry software, it can be done.

As in other industries, technology has made more things possible through the creation and availability of food and beverage software systems to manage specific food service business. Streamlining operations allows businesses to maximize profits.

Food software can make a positive difference for food and beverage businesses of all sizes in the following food services industries:

1. Manufacturers
2. Distributors
3. Food preparation
4. Restaurants, including restaurant inventory software
5. Bars

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test food manufacturing software The entire food industry depends on manufacturers of food and beverage items and supplies. Some manufacturers do their own distributing with food distribution software, while others contract out for it. Regardless, using food and beverage software systems to manage data and scheduling can increase productivity and reduce costs.

I recommend:  Volusion’s products for the food service industry allow customers to order products online from the food industry. Get a demo of food service management software solutions from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.

Keep track of inventory Keeping track of ingredients and supplies is of utmost importance in the restaurant and other food and beverage industries. By knowing exactly what you have and how much you need, you can limit waste and always be prepared with the correct items.

I recommend:  Use Compeat Mobile food industry software for a way to centralize inventory control. Bars and fine restaurants can track wine inventory with Virtual Wine Cellar.

Try recipe software for restaurants Food software can do more than keep track of favorite recipes. Some programs can identify the costs of the items you produce and help you determine whether they are cost effective. Look at ways to cut the costs of certain recipes.

I recommend:  Flavor-Base lets you manage an extensive database of food flavorings and additives. Cookware Deluxe helps you keep recipes organized as you plan meals by date and prepare shopping lists. IPro Restaurant Inventory, Recipe & Menu software tracks food and beverage costs in addition to inventory, recipes and menu design.

Order food supplies with purchasing software Make the ordering process quick and easy with the right food and beverage software.

I recommend:  Culinary Software offers food service software solutions for streamlining orders and monitoring costs. Business industry software provider Capterra offers EatecNetX for purchasing, inventory and sales analysis features.

Design menus for your restaurant You don't have to hire a graphic designer if you use software to create your own menus. Industry specific and general desktop publishing programs contain hundreds of menu templates that you can manipulate to fit the needs of your business.

I recommend:  MenuPro and the Menu Maker are leading programs for designing menus, but don’t forget to check software you already own as well. Other food service programs might include a menu design feature, as does Microsoft Publisher.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Whenever possible, download a trial version from food service software companies to see if the software meets the needs of your business.
• Invest in training any employees who will be using food industry software solutions.
• Make certain that various software programs are compatible with one another.