It’s hard to say how much return on investment (ROI) you will get from increasing your security. Many restaurant owners are not motivated to make changes unless they can see what the gain might be in dollars and cents. Through our research, we found some general numbers to help you determine your ROI.
Many security professionals say implementing an advanced POS system results in a nearly 10% revenue gain. How? POS systems can improve inventory accuracy and create correct sales tickets. Security cameras tend to add 3% or 4% more improvement.
These numbers may not reflect your experience, but you can likely expect a 10% boost in revenue by investing in your restaurant security. If you’re not sure, compare the cost of a new POS and camera system with anticipated savings to gauge whether or not the investment makes sense for you.
Some experts say you’ll realize your ROI within a year; others say six months. Your experience will vary.
Increasing your security should be a top priority for your restaurant to meet the goal of creating a safer atmosphere for both your customers and employees. Security features deter theft and other potential crimes, both during and after business hours. Having greater security also gives your restaurant a chance to respond to any problems such as stealing, threats, or customers who dine and dash.
It’s crucial for your employees to feel safe going to work and for customers to feel secure while dining at your establishment. Enhanced security helps make this possible. Even straightforward solutions, like installing an alarm or better lighting, can go a long way in deterring and responding to any safety threats.
Additionally, a bouncer can deter violent altercations and video cameras can keep an eye on your restaurant’s assets. Whatever your budget and preferences, securing your restaurant is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Take these steps to keep your restaurant as secure as possible:
Most restaurant security professionals recommend two technologies to help you protect your assets and profits: an advanced POS system and a security camera system. If you can afford it, a POS system that integrates with your camera system is ideal.
A capable POS system can control loss by tracking sales, inventory and employee hours.
If you are in the market for a POS system, check out our recommendations for the best POS system for your business.
If you are interested in learning more about some of the top POS systems for restaurants, read our review of TouchBistro and our Toast review.
Editor’s note: Looking for the right POS system for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
Security cameras not only help deter theft, but they can also help substantially with potential liability or harassment issues as well as training or performance problems. Modern camera systems include innovative features and tools, and their clear video footage is viewable on your smartphone.
Here are a couple of ways to use security cameras to your advantage:
The cost of security systems depends on the type of hardware you choose and how much ongoing monitoring you need.
Some security systems integrate with your POS system and offer greater insight and security for your restaurant. For instance, these systems link transaction times with video-recording times, and they include theft-detection technologies.
You no longer have to review hours of video to find a specific incident. With an integrated system, you can search by sales transaction to find the section of the recording where the incident in question occurs. Many systems also include behavior-detection features that can alert you if the software detects a possible issue.
POS and security camera systems can be purchased together. Some companies offer compatible software that connects to your POS and surveillance systems to provide these functions.
These are some advanced security options you can implement to keep your restaurant and employees safe.
You can better protect your employees, patrons and assets through simple and affordable security tactics. Most restaurant owners see an increased profit and ROI by making a few changes. If your restaurant is barely holding on, your profits might be walking out the door without your knowledge. Implementing good security practices protects your team members and boosts your profit margin.
Credit card scams and fraud issues are still common, despite advancements in technology. Under new liability laws, merchants can be held liable if their security is not up to date, so due diligence is essential.
While you should consult a security specialist for additional assistance, here are some things you can do to increase your security:
Merchants can be held liable if their security is not up to date.
Restaurants can be easy targets for thieves because they typically keep cash on hand. Protect cash and valuables with a heavy-duty safe.
Select one that’s as heavy as you can afford, and make sure it has a drop feature so employees can’t access the inside. Hire a locksmith or other professional to install the safe, and bolt it down in a visible place. Your first instinct may be to hide it, but experts agree that visibility deters theft.
A safe can be costly, but it is an important investment and should last for years.
One common question for restaurant owners is which type of lock to use. While many people like the convenience of an electronic lock, a mechanical lock does not need power to operate, and it is impervious to electromagnetic pulses. On the other hand, it’s easier to change the combination of electronic locks. Mechanical locks have to be changed by a professional locksmith.
You can opt for a redundant lock safe that includes a mechanical and an electronic lock. That way, you can use the mechanical lock if the electronic one fails, but you can also enjoy the convenience of an electronic lock as long as it’s powered.
Safes are rated for security, fire, construction and performance. You may be able to lower your insurance rates by purchasing a higher-rated safe. Ask your insurance company what its safe-rating requirements are.
Construction scores for safes rank from B to G, with G being the best. Performance ratings are a mixture of letters and numbers. For example, the TXTL-60 is among the highest ratings.
A good business safe can maintain a temperature under 350 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours when exposed to high temperatures, often up to 2,000 F. Purchase a safe with the highest temperature rating you can afford in case of fire.
Make sure your safe is rated for business use – don’t try to buy a lower-priced, home-use safe instead. A professional locksmith can help you choose the right safe for your restaurant.
You should purchase a higher-rated safe that can maintain a temperature under 350 degrees Fahrenheit for up to four hours when exposed to high temperatures.
Many restaurant owners and managers have difficulty believing that their employees are skimming assets from their restaurants, but it is more common than most would like to believe. Theft could be as simple as an employee eating a free meal without permission or as nefarious as not recording cash sales and pocketing the cash.
Craig A. Whitfield, author of Guess Who’s Eating Your Profits, wrote that managers assume a certain amount of loss from employees in many cases. Some, however, refuse to believe that even their best employees might be stealing from them.
While owners and managers shouldn’t create a suspicious and hostile work environment, it helps to know the ways that employees might pull profits from the company. Most theft is minor, but it adds up over time.
Here are a few ways employees may be diverting profits from your business:
Implementing a sound POS system, tracking inventory accurately, and providing ongoing employee training can squelch employee theft.
What should you do if you discover a trusted employee has been stealing from you? This can be difficult to handle, depending on your state and local hiring and firing laws. Make sure you comply with employment requirements to avoid a wrongful termination lawsuit or other issues. Collect all the evidence you can to prove the theft.
In most states, employment is at will, meaning you can fire an employee for any reason (except an illegal one).
Employee theft in restaurants is higher than in other industries. There are many reasons for this: low wages, “us vs. them” attitudes, simple opportunity, a high volume of cash transactions, addiction problems and more.
While some owners and managers may be tempted to act harshly to deter theft, some security and management professionals recommend a dose of generosity instead. Employees who feel squeezed to their limits are likely to react in negative ways. In addition, customers notice when employees are unhappy, which can quickly empty your restaurant.
Here are some low-cost ideas to keep your employees satisfied and less inclined to take from you:
Many owners and managers offer low-cost meal options. However, many restaurant workers cannot afford items on the menu, which fosters resentment. Many employees might be tempted to steal food, and they might actually be hungry, so feed them. Of course, that doesn’t mean giving them unlimited access to meals, but you can create a meal plan that works for everyone.
Employees may sneak drinks when you’re not looking. Soda and coffee are low-cost perks you can provide to employees while they are on shift.
Be creative with employee incentives. Some managers watch the video feeds and monetarily reward an employee who shows exceptional service. You could hire “secret shoppers” to visit your restaurant to test food quality and service. Employees who perform well could earn a reward, such as money or a free high-priced menu item. Hold team contests, such as a reward to whoever sells the highest number of featured menu items. Don’t forget to reward your back-of-house workers as well.
Jump in and help out when you can. Not only will the experience help you improve processes, but it also demonstrates to your employees that you’re a team player who isn’t afraid of a little hard work. You’ll get more respect from your employees if you know how to do their jobs and understand what they do on a regular basis.
Set up a temporary oasis for employees – outside and inside. An indoor and outdoor haven gives your employees a relaxing place to spend their breaks.
Employees who feel you’re attentive to their concerns and are serious about making improvements are more motivated to care about your business. Encourage their input about processes, menu items, specials, events and more. Ask them what equipment improvements might be necessary. They likely have some excellent ideas that can easily be implemented.
Restaurant hours can be long, making it hard for people to manage their personal affairs, and scheduling is sometimes a challenge. With a capable online scheduling system, a feature of several POS systems and employee time-tracking software, you can allow employees to trade shifts or request time off online or via their smartphones. This technology lets your employees better plan around their important life events. In addition, using POS sales data, you can create a more efficient schedule so you’re not overstaffed or understaffed.
Give employees incentives, freebies, and a better work-life balance to keep them satisfied and steer them away from theft or violence in your restaurant.
Yes, cameras and POS systems can be expensive, but you can take a few other precautions to improve security without spending much money.
Here are a few precautions that security experts recommend: