Practical Aspects of Hotel and Restaurant Business Development in Ukraine Based on the Use of the jSolutions Restaurant Module

Abstract

The article conducts a practical study of the aspects of the development of the hotel and restaurant business in Ukraine and reviews the jSolutions module «Restaurant». Its functionality, main characteristics and advantages in comparison with other software solutions for the restaurant business (RB) are described. The main aspects of the dynamics of development of the RB are allocated, which includes: introduction of POS-systems; online ordering and delivery; use of CRM systems; analytics and Big Data; social media and digital marketing; virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), kitchen automation and inventory, cybersecurity. A list of functions provided by the jSolutions module «Restaurant» is provided. It is noted that the module consists of two parts: BACK OFFICE and FRONT OFFICE. BACK OFFICE allows users to create calculation cards, create menus, set up outlets for implementation in FRONT OFFICE, works with invoices and orders. It is also possible to set up a discount or bonus system for visitors to the establishment. Users of FRONT OFFICE are bartenders, cashiers or administrators who work in TouchScreen mode, taking orders from visitors, creating invoices and settling customers. The module includes 4 TouchScreen modes, each of which is designed for different aspects of work, namely: automation of the cook’s workplace (the cook can mark the preparation of each dish to order, which helps to optimize the process of work in the kitchen and ensures timely processing of orders); TouchScreen self-service (the interface allows users to independently create orders from the menu without the help of a waiter, cashier or administrator); Cashier’s TouchScreen (the interface allows the bartender, cashier or administrator to create a customer account and make payments on this account); Waiter’s TouchScreen (the interface is used to record food orders and their delivery). Such additional unique functions of the jSolutions «Restaurant» module as «Cash Collection», «Cancellation of Bills», «Table Reservation», «WEB-Interface for Ordering Meals» (the functionality is intended for registration in the database of food orders in places where the desktop version of jCatering is not installed), «Mobile version of the waiter’s workplace», etc. Attention is focused on the fact that IT significantly affects the increase in restaurant revenues due to the optimization of operations, improvement of the quality of service, effective marketing and expansion of sales channels. Investing in modern IT solutions will help restaurants stay competitive, improve operational efficiency, and ensure sustainable revenue growth.