Innovation is an essential aspect of technological development. In the electronics industry, Moore’s Law has long illustrated this point, suggesting that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles every couple of years, making microchips more powerful and less expensive. This principle of exponential growth can be seen across a variety of industries, foodservice among them.
Working with food is profoundly human, and the craft of cooking is deeply rooted in human creativity and craftsmanship. Although the art of cooking will remain a human endeavor, technology enables us to streamline kitchens, mitigate food waste, and focus more on personal interactions and exceptional service.
Transformational Technology
With the rise of ChatGPT and other similar virtual assistants, artificial intelligence has made a massive impact on how businesses operate; by 2030, AI is expected to contribute more than $15 trillion to the global economy. In foodservice, AI-driven solutions already help achieve sustainability goals by minimizing food waste and optimizing energy use.
Machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) devices help us better understand our spaces. The granular data they collect gives us details on our equipment, its downtimes, and how much energy it uses, allowing us to optimize our kitchens and client spaces to reduce energy consumption and facilitate better face-to-face interactions.
As technology integrates further into our kitchens, it not only boosts our efficiency but also makes us more mindful of delivering personalized service. The ability to combine technological advancements with human touch is vital in an industry centered around hospitality.
Streamlining Sustainability
The rising importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) means that many organizations are becoming (rightfully) more demanding about finding ways to achieve their sustainability goals and create a positive experience for their people.
To ensure we meet our sustainability standards, commercial kitchens require a detailed understanding of both our equipment and the amount of food used to prepare meals. AI systems keep track of the data with built-in cameras and scales to identify waste reduction opportunities or facilitate changes that streamline operations.
In addition to the positive environmental impact of these methods, they allow foodservice teams to necessarily upskill themselves to deliver on a new set of expectations. As technology becomes more prominent in food spaces, teams not only become more capable, but also find more opportunities to provide thoughtful, personalized service.
The ability for our teams to emphasize people is critical, and how we use technology can be a driving factor for facilitating an exceptional experience.
The Right Tech for a Very Human Industry
Food preparation is inherently human, and customers value the connection to their meals. The popularity of food trucks and open kitchens highlights the importance of transparency and trust regarding what we eat. Watching a meal’s journey from order to plate enhances the dining experience.
While embracing technology to improve operations, the foodservice industry must ensure that the human element remains at the forefront. Technology can help us make informed decisions, reduce waste, and speed up preparation, but the skill and passion of our chefs will always be what makes the dining experience exceptional.
Technology is undoubtedly reshaping the industry, bringing efficiency and sustainability to the forefront. However, the heart of foodservice remains in the hands of dedicated professionals who use these tools to enhance their craft. As we move forward, striking the right balance between innovation and humanity will be critical for delivering memorable dining experiences.
