Introduction
Restaurant management is a complex issue that demands enhanced competence related to the sphere and improved understanding of the target audience that visits a particular unit. At the same time, the tendency towards the gradual rise in the level of rivalry and increased demands of visitors to the quality of services introduce the need for improvement and implementation of new technologies to preserve leading positions and create value. However, the introduction of new approaches should be preconditioned by the comprehensive investigation of its pros and cons to ensure that the positive effect will be attained in the course of the change process.
Existing Reservation System and OpenTable
Therefore, speaking of Blackshops case, several factors should be considered before making a final decision about the implementation of the OpenTable system. First, at the moment, the restaurant uses a traditional approach to the reservation. It means that one of four managers have to work with reservations using a specific form. Regarding the fact that the traffic can achieve 200 guests on Friday nights and even more, the task becomes complex as a worker has to consider diverse variables like the number of free tables, their availability, arrival time, etc. Exhibit 4 of the case demonstrates that the manager introduces multiple corrections and notes to the form to monitor the situation and ensure that all guests will be provided with needed services (“Blackshop restaurant,” 2011). Numerous marks on the blank evidence the high probability of error. Additionally, the efficiency of reservation depends on the competence of the manager and his/her ability to work under pressure or regarding the high traffic. In such a way, the implementation of the OpenTable system could be considered an appropriate solution to attain better outcomes and preserve the target audience.
Probability of Mistake
First of all, the nature of the suggested system helps it to monitor recent alterations in available tables and reservations. In such a way, clients will be able to use this service and look for a particular date and time that will satisfy their demands. Moreover, due to the use of advanced technologies, the probability of mistake decreases, and managers do not have to fill in specific blanks keeping in mind all data needed for the efficient reservation. The OpenTable system creates databases that include all information about a particular restaurant and available tables. In such a way, the problem of walk-ins could be solved by information updates. All of Blackshops clients will be able to reserve tables that will remain available.
Cooperation with Clients
The implementation of the OpenTable system could also help to improve the restaurants image among clients and cooperation with them. Thus, the program identifies regulars and VIP clients who might have diverse preferences and suggests to them services they traditionally use. The given practice demonstrates its efficiency and results in numerous positive feedbacks that could be seen in Exhibit 6 (“Blackshop restaurant,” 2011). The bigger part of clients is satisfied with the system as it provides them with the feeling of their extreme significance for a particular restaurant. Moreover, as far as their preferences are stored, visitors can use OpenTable anytime, and they will be provided with their favorite services. Additionally, there is a specific bonus program that provides users with an opportunity to collect points and change them to real money. In such a way, implementing this system, Blackshop will demonstrate its desire to care about its clients and guarantee their ability to find the most appropriate time to visit the restaurant.
Cost-Saving
Another aspect that can be used to justify the implementation of OpenTable is its cost-saving character. The given factor is emphasized by the providers of the service. Thus, the analysis of Blackshops functioning demonstrates that OpenTable can really help to decrease spending. The current reservation practice presupposes that one of four managers should be engaged in working with reservations and receiving calls from visitors. Thus, the use of the suggested system will eliminate the necessity to lose time. In such a way, this manager could be provided with another significant task. This practice will help to increase the performance and efficiency of workers and delegate responsibilities in accordance with the existing demands.
Rivals
Finally, the sphere of the restaurant business is a competitive environment that presupposes the necessity to preserve a competitive advantage by implementing new technologies. The closest Blackshops rivals have already integrated OpenTable to their functioning. For this reason, to be able to compete and survive, the restaurant has to use this system to attain increased efficiency in working with clients.
Conclusion
Altogether, despite all fears related to the implementation of the OpenTable system and its hypothetically negative impact on the atmosphere of Blackshop and its relations with customers, the system should be used to guarantee the restaurants further development. It will also help to create new value by providing visitors with an opportunity to choose the needed services and feel their increased importance for the unit. Moreover, the practice will help to save costs by providing managers with a chance to perform other tasks instead of dealing with reservations.
Reference
Blackshop restaurant. (2011).