How Has Digitisation Changed The Food Industry?

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Digitisation, or the movement toward using the internet, is making inroads into the food industry, primarily pushed along by recent history.

The past three years have provided a wake-up call to many spheres of industry. How we have done business for decades is not the best way to do things in the future. 

The advent of many exciting new technologies, such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cloud Computing, has presented the food industry with many new opportunities. 

Statistics show that 44% of businesses are racing toward digitisation. These businesses operate in various spheres. They include manufacturing, services, retail, and entertainment, with games hubs providing online games and the gambling industry creating an online casino for real money and pleasure. 

The relationship between tech and food is ever growing closer. For instance, in recent years food games have been developed – ranging from being able to Play online slots with fruits to completing food-related VR mini-games. Digitisation of the industry in general, then, is no shock.

Connections To A Tech-Savvy World

Almost every person has access to social media. Facebook and YouTube are two of the most popular social media sites, and the industry has taken advantage of social media’s benefits. It’s common to see social media used to communicate with customers, hold virtual events and use hashtags to provide a fast path to menus or signature dishes.

Online ordering apps have made significant changes to the way takeaways are ordered. No longer are these apps in the purview of the Uber Eats of this world. Many restaurants have apps facilitating food ordering and delivery directly from the restaurant.

Apps are used in the food industry for many things apart from ordering food. They’re used for advertising, brand products, sharing information about upcoming events using QR Codes, managing employees, and allowing guests to pay for their in-house meals. 

Using Ai To Streamline Processes

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AI is making great strides, and in 2022 77% of devices use some form of AI. Chatbots and similar service tools allow the industry to keep in contact with its customers. At the same time, the staff are freed to get on with other tasks. AI undertakes all mundane and repetitive tasks such as ordering, scheduling, calculating costs, and inventory management.

Cloud Storage

There are substantial benefits to cloud storage and computing. All your data is stored in one centralised database. Employees can access the latest company information, irrespective of where they are. Outlets access a centralised database and system. This facilitates centralised purchasing, streamlined ordering, and practice conformity across all outlets. 

Cloud storage and systems as a service technology protect the industry against future changes. Software as a service means the service provider ensures that the software always meets the latest legal and industry requirements. This helps to future-proof the industry. 

Profitability And Efficiency

Digitised solutions often include analytical tools and strategic planning functions. Circumstances beyond their control have forced changes in the industry. Now, it must examine all its processes and identify areas for stricter control and new opportunities to exploit.

Analytical tools assist with looking at individual lines, processes, and issues. Business owners should keep those that add to the bottom line and redesign or remove those that don’t. 

Strategic tools give the industry the ability to map “what ifs.” Questions such as what if we open a new outlet? What if we move our warehouse? All these questions can be appropriately modelled so informed decisions can be made.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Many consumers are demanding to know where the food they consume comes from. Digitisation means that outlets can make their supply chains visible to the consumer. This also encourages the industry to green its practices. To buy closer to home and advertise the steps taken to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle.  

Final Thoughts

If the past few years have taught the food industry anything, the way it does business has changed irrevocably. Circumstances have forced the industry to look at digitisation. Now it must incorporate aspects of these technologies into their day-to-day business lives.