Did you know that many businesses face significant problems because they still use ineffective business management for their multi-branch restaurant business?
This ineffective management can lead to wastage, stock-outs, over-stocking of ingredients that expire quickly, and the inability to integrate and analyze data from multiple branches. Many restaurant owners are caught in this challenge because they don’t use the right management system and it ultimately affects their business profits.
Modern technology has brought solutions that can help you overcome all these challenges and take your restaurant business to the next level. In line with the Malaysian Government’s support, MyDIGITAL is driving software adoption and digital economic transformation by 2030. By using the right restaurant management software, you can automate various aspects of operations, from ordering to stock management, which will increase your efficiency and profitability.
This article will recommend some of the best restaurant management software that can help you optimise daily operations, reduce errors, and increase profits. With these solutions, you can focus on what matters most for business growth.
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What is Restaurant Management Software and its Importance for Business?
In the dynamic and demanding restaurant industry, efficient management and smooth operations are essential. Restaurant Management Software (RMS) is designed to fulfill this need by integrating various aspects of operations into one easy-to-use platform. RMS includes tools to manage reservations, orders, inventory, staff schedules, and customer relations.
Key benefits of RMS are its ability to optimize order management and has top CRM software. With an RMS, orders are taken using a handheld device and sent directly to the kitchen, thus minimizing errors and speeding up service. In addition, RMS often includes integrated payment processing so customers can pay at their table, increasing customer convenience and satisfaction.
Advanced features such as real-time inventory tracking ensure that popular menu items are always available, reducing wastage and preventing stock-outs. This level of automation and real-time management is critical to maintaining high standards and consistently meeting customer expectations.
Moreover, the right restaurant management software provides detailed analytics and reporting, helping restaurant owners gain insight into sales trends, customer preferences, and operational bottlenecks. This data-driven approach enables informed decision-making, allowing businesses to tailor their services, optimize their menus, and launch targeted marketing campaigns.
12 Best Restaurant Management Software in Malaysia
When managing a restaurant, choosing the right software can make a significant difference in streamlining operations and improving customer satisfaction. Here are some recommendations regarding restaurant management software that you can consider:
1. HashMicro
HashMicro is a leading ERP software solution provider in Malaysia. The company offers cloud-based tools to streamline various business processes, including inventory management, POS, and supply chain management, in one system. HashMicro’s software is known for its strong integration capabilities and flexibility in customising according to business needs, making it an excellent choice for mid-tier organisations and enterprises across various industries.
This restaurant management software is also designed to improve the operational efficiency of restaurants with multiple branches. With its superior features, you can manage various branches more easily and coordinated, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring service consistency across the restaurant network.
HashMicro provides comprehensive restaurant management solutions to improve operational efficiency and profitability. In addition to providing F&B software, HashMicro offers various end-to-end solutions, such as procurement management systems, accounting systems, and CRM sales, for more than 25 industries.
HashMicro’s F&B Software offers outstanding features such as:
- Multi BoM / Recipe Management
This feature enables stock management with First-In-First-Out and First-Expired-First-Out methods to reduce the risk of wastage. In addition, it supports run rate calculation to monitor and plan raw material usage based on current consumption levels. With integration to the central kitchen, the system enables real-time monitoring of stock at various branches, ensuring efficient distribution of raw materials.
This feature can also keep secret recipes in your business confidential with the Secret BoM (Bill of Materials) feature. You can store and manage essential recipes without worrying about information leaks and ensure your business secrets remain safe. This feature can also improve operational efficiency by recording all ingredients and production processes accurately and securely.
- Centralized multi-branch POS
HashMicro’s F&B software enables efficient management of restaurant operations with multiple branches through one centralized system with this centralized POS feature. Managers can monitor sales, inventory, and performance of each branch in real-time from a single dashboard, with automatic data synchronization capabilities between branches.
- Automated COGS based on Recipe
The software automates the calculation of the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) based on the recipes used. This feature provides real-time insights into food costs, enabling better financial management and helping restaurants optimize their pricing strategies to enhance profitability.
- Central Kitchen Management
HashMicro’s Central Kitchen Management feature ensures seamless coordination and distribution of ingredients and prepared items for restaurants with multiple locations or central kitchens. This centralization helps in maintaining consistency across all outlets and reduces operational inefficiencies.
- Run Rate Automation to Track the Low Material Stocks
This feature is designed to streamline inventory management by automatically monitoring material consumption rates. You can easily track the usage of materials and supplies, calculating their depletion rate in real-time. When stock levels approach a predetermined threshold, the system triggers an alert to notify management, ensuring timely reorders and preventing stock-outs.
- Automated Promotion Management
The Automated Promotion Management system allows for the dynamic creation and application of promotions based on cart contents. Multiple promotions can be applied to a single order, increasing the flexibility and attractiveness of offers, which can drive customer satisfaction and sales.
- Restaurant Reservation Management
HashMicro’s Restaurant Reservation Management feature streamlines the booking process, allowing customers to make reservations online or via phone. This system helps manage table availability, reduce wait times, and simplify the restaurant in serving customers.
- Loyalty Points Management
HashMicro’s Loyalty Points Management system helps build and maintain customer loyalty by rewarding repeat customers. This feature tracks customer purchases and automatically applies loyalty points, which can be redeemed for discounts or special offers. Thus, it encourages repeat business and customer retention.
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2. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a restaurant management software designed to improve service efficiency in restaurants and bars. Its features can help streamline the business operation process. TouchBistro is very user-friendly and focused on the specific needs of the hospitality industry.
Here are the various features of TouchBistro:
- Point of Sale
- Kitchen display system
- Profit management
- Loyalty management
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3. Xenia
Xenia is a cloud-based restaurant management software in Malaysia. It emphasizes ease of use and flexibility, making it suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants. Xenia’s mobile capabilities allow for efficient table-side ordering and real-time updates on order status. The following are features of Xenia:
- Daily task checklist
- Preventive maintenance
- Team chat
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4. Clover Network
Clover Network is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system for various restaurants, from quick-service to full-service dining. This software includes customizable POS terminals, mobile POS devices, and customer-facing displays, making it adaptable to different restaurant environments.
Here are the various features of the Clover Network restaurant software:
- Customer management
- Discount management
- Rating management
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5. Sage
Sage provides comprehensive business management solutions, including software tailored for the hospitality and restaurant industry. Sage’s restaurant management software can streamline operations and improve financial oversight. Here are the various features of the Sage restaurant software:
- Simplify inventory management
- Sales and marketing performance insight
- Automate finances
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6. Toast
Toast is an all-in-one restaurant management platform known for its robust POS system. This software offers integrated hardware solutions and mobile devices, enabling staff to take orders and process payments efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and extensive analytics make it a popular choice among restaurateurs.
The following are the various features of the Toas F&B software:
- Payment processing
- Online ordering
- Email marketing
- Point of Sales
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7. UpMenu
UpMenu is a specialized software platform for managing online food ordering and delivery. It provides tools for creating branded websites, managing digital menus, and processing online payments. UpMenu focuses on enhancing the online presence of restaurants and improving customer engagement through marketing features like loyalty programs and email campaigns.
Here are the various features of the UpMenu restaurant software:
- Food ordering system
- Marketing tools
- Loyalty program
- Reservation system
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8. Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a comprehensive POS and restaurant management system that offers tools for managing orders, inventory, and customer relationships. An extensive restaurant software with a cloud-based system ensures accessibility and real-time data updates, which are crucial for multi-location restaurants.
Here are the various features of the Lightspeed software:
- Point of Sales
- Inventory management
- Accounting
- Kitchen display system
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9. iFoodDS
iFoodDS specializes in food safety and quality management solutions for the restaurant industry. Its software helps restaurants improve service quality to increase the profitability of their F&B business. The following are the various features of the iFoodDS restaurant management software:
- Quality Management
- Food Safety Software
- Traceability
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10. Restaurant365
Restaurant365 is an all-encompassing restaurant management software that integrates accounting, operations, and inventory management into one platform. This software also has robust analytics to provide insights into sales trends, cost control, and overall business performance.
Here are the various features of the Restaurant365 restaurant management software:
- Inventory management
- Invoice management
- Report and analytics
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11. Safefood 360°
Safefood 360° focuses on food safety management and compliance solutions. The software helps restaurants implement and maintain high food safety standards, reducing non-compliance risk and enhancing customer trust. The following are the various features of the Safefood 360°:
- Management system
- Prerequisite programs
- Document control
- Supplier management
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12. Yodeck
Yodeck is digital signage software that allows restaurants to create and manage visual content on screens within their establishments. This software has an easy-to-use interface and a cloud-based platform enables remote management of displays, making it a convenient solution for restaurants looking to engage customers visually. The following are the various features of the restaurant management software from Yodeck:
- Schedule menus
- Promote events
- Inform visitors
- Think green
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What to Consider when Choosing a Restaurant Management Software
Selecting the right Restaurant Management Software (RMS) is crucial for your restaurant’s smooth operation and success. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose the best software that meets your needs. Here are key aspects to evaluate:
1. Cost and ROI
Evaluate the software’s cost, including initial setup fees, subscription costs, and any additional charges for upgrades or support. It’s crucial to balance the cost with the expected return on investment (ROI). A higher upfront cost might be justified if the software significantly enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and improves customer satisfaction.
2. Features and functionality
The primary consideration should be the features offered by the F&B software. Essential functionalities include point-of-sale (POS) integration, inventory management, table management, staff scheduling, and customer relationship management (CRM). Advanced features include online ordering, loyalty programs, and detailed analytics. Ensure the software covers all the aspects of your restaurant operations to streamline processes effectively.
3. Integration capabilities
Your restaurant management software should seamlessly integrate with other systems you currently use or plan to implement. This includes accounting software, payroll systems, and third-party delivery services. Effective integration ensures a cohesive workflow, reduces data entry redundancy, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
4. Customization and flexibility
Every restaurant has unique needs, so customizable software is a significant advantage. Look for restaurant software that allows you to tailor features, reports, and user interfaces to match your specific operational requirements. Flexibility in customization ensures the software adapts to your business model rather than forcing you to conform to a rigid structure.
5. Security and compliance
Data security is paramount, especially when handling customer information and payment details. Ensure the software complies with industry standards and regulations, such as PCI DSS for payment processing. Robust security features, such as encryption and regular updates, protect your business and customer data from breaches and fraud.
6. User reviews and recommendations
Research user reviews and seek recommendations from other restaurant owners or industry professionals. Real-world feedback provides valuable insights into the software’s performance, reliability, and customer service quality. Consider both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.
Conclusion
Choosing the right restaurant management software is crucial to the success of your F&B business. The right software can help automate various operational tasks such as inventory management, order management, and employee performance tracking. With this automation, you can reduce manual errors, improve efficiency, and gain deep insights into your business through real-time reports and analytics to make more informed and strategic decisions.
HashMicro’s F&B Software is the ideal solution for companies in Malaysia that want to optimize their operations and increase profitability efficiently. It has excellent features such as multi-BoM, automatic calculation of COGS based on recipes, and integration with delivery platforms. Investing in Hash F&B simplifies day-to-day operations and provides a competitive edge that can increase your business’s profitability.
Schedule a free demo today and learn more about HashMicro’s features that suit your business needs!
