A new independent report has been released today by hospitality technology expert Caternet, in a bid to expose and expunge some of the major technology frustrations felt by many managers operating in the food & beverage sector today.
64% misled by IT suppliers
When quizzed on their biggest irritations with their IT systems, over half (64%) of those surveyed believe their organisation has been misled by IT suppliers and as a result are now saddled with upfront and ongoing spiralling costs which were not transparent from the outset. Many claim that their IT system costs them too much money but they are now tied into long agreements which they believe are difficult to exit.
81% unhappy with their IT system
Cost and margin management remains a prime concern for the industry but this is also tarnished with feelings of disappointment for 81% of managers who are unhappy with their IT system.
13% admitted they chose a ‘big hospitality IT player’ believing it would offer the best system but instead they say the technology doesn’t do what they need it to do, despite early promises that it would. Interestingly, only 10% of managers say they are completely happy with their IT system.
Unacceptable but unsurprising results
Jerry Brand, Managing Director at Caternet commented on the results of the new survey: “The findings here are frankly unacceptable, but equally unsurprising given the lack of industry support in terms of quality assurance at sales time, and the lack of truly integrated, modern solutions. No one likes a ‘stitch-up’ in any shape or form; it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Supplier/customer relationships are a two-way thing, they’re about trust and honesty with a few good manners thrown in, or at least they should be.
Outdated ‘sales’ approaches used to close the deal
“When promises are made about cost, performance and contract terms, people expect these to be transparent from the very start. Sadly, these findings are a reflection of outdated, old-fashioned ‘sales’ approaches where the earth is promised simply to close the deal regardless of the reality. In an economy where the struggle to control costs and make margins is a prime concern for many, anything that makes this harder to achieve is very counter-productive for business.”
The research
The research was carried out in June 2013 and compliance-checked by third party independent research specialist Censuswide, commissioned by Caternet Ltd. 180 managers/ decision-makers in the F&B/hospitality industry were surveyed and were asked what their biggest irritation is about their F&B/Hospitality technology system.
About Caternet
Caternet provides intelligent, 100% integrated technology to those working in the food & beverage industry. Designed to save time and money, Daily Data reduces the risk of overspending by giving businesses greater visibility and control over their active stock, purchasing and forecasting. The software allows businesses to shop quickly and easily and build recipes dynamically in a one-screen, live-priced, paperless environment. A complete end to end management system, Daily Data also provides full profit and loss reporting and payroll and HR functions are automated. Caternet has a wide range of clients in the education, hospitality, healthcare and food service sectors.
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