Starting a bakery business this year can be a thrilling experience to delve into the art of baking and serve delightful treats to clients. With the aid of modern technology, managing a small business has become much simpler. A thorough bakery business plan can offer essential direction as you strive to attain your objectives and excel in the field. From keeping track of finances to devising marketing strategies, many resources exist to facilitate running a bakery more efficiently. Get your bakery business plan template here!
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Bakery’s Contribution to the Economy
Starting a bakery business can be a great way to contribute to economic growth, as the demand for freshly baked goods continues to rise. With new technology available, it is now easier than ever before for entrepreneurs and small business owners to open their own bakeries with minimal effort. From innovative baking equipment that streamlines production processes to powerful marketing tools that help you reach more customers, there are many pieces of tech out there designed specifically for those looking to start a bakery. By taking advantage of this modern technology, bakers can get their businesses off the ground quickly and easily while also helping boost local economies around them.
The National Restaurant Association study indicates that baked goods are widely popular in the United States with over 80% of Americans enjoying freshly-baked goods at least once a month. Pieces of bread are the most commonly consumed bakery item. Pastry shops like bakeries and cake shops are gaining popularity. This creates a favorable scenario for entrepreneurs interested in opening their own bakeries as there is high demand for freshly-baked goods, which can be met with the right technology.
As a bakery owner, you want to provide your customers with the best experience possible while increasing your productivity and efficiency. Technology is constantly changing and improving, providing new solutions to help you achieve your goals. We’ll explore the latest tech innovations that can help you realize these aims in your bakery business.
Point of Sale (POS) System
As a point-of-sale system allows you to simplify your operations and make it possible to keep an eye on sales, stocks, or workers’ hours, this may be beneficial for your business. Choose a POS system that is suitable for your needs, as advances in technology have made it possible. In addition, modern point-of-sale systems are capable of connecting to outside systems that include apps and websites for e-commerce.
Electronic Ordering
Introducing an online ordering platform can boost your customer engagement and satisfaction. Customers will appreciate the convenience of ordering your cakes, bread, pastries, and other products from the comfort of their homes or offices. By embracing this trend, you can save your customers time while increasing your sales volumes.
Cloud-based Solutions
Moving your bakery business to the cloud will allow you to access information and manage your operations from anywhere at any time. You can access sales data, inventory, employee information, customer preferences, and more at the click of a button. The best part is that these solutions are often affordable, making it easy for small businesses to compete with larger ones.
Smart Kitchen Equipment
The latest kitchen equipment is designed to make the baking process more streamlined and efficient, freeing up your time for other business tasks. Equipment such as automated mixers, ovens, and proofers can ensure that your products are of the highest quality, while monitoring equipment enables you to track usage, identify maintenance issues, and improve efficiency.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Although virtual and Augmented Reality are generally associated with video games, they have also been applied for the purpose of creating an immersive experience for customers in bakeries. A bakery owner could perhaps create an augmented reality app that would allow customers to see what products look like and how they’re produced by using their phone camera. That technology also increases the level of customer involvement and builds loyalty.
Analytics Tools
By utilizing advanced analytics and reporting tools, you can gain valuable insights into both your business performance and customer behavior. This data can help pinpoint areas that require improvement, such as product offerings or marketing strategy. Armed with this information, you can confidently make informed decisions to ultimately enhance the overall performance of your bakery.
John Sarris, the owner of Sarris Bakery in Oceanside, California, has shown exceptional success during the pandemic. Despite the difficulties, he managed to keep his business thriving with the help of the latest technologies. He stated, “Even in these challenging times, we utilized digital technology and available resources to stay ahead of the competition. We invested in excellent new tech, which helped us grow our business.” You too can elevate your bakery business by embracing the latest technological advancements.
