To find the right technology, franchisors must first address all the challenges and decide what best fits the company's needs and goals.
When it comes to franchising, technology is essential to keep things running smoothly, simplifying processes, and providing a better experience for your customers. But for franchisors who have to stick to tight budgets, figuring out how to implement new technology can be difficult. 1851 Franchise greg davisCEO of Bigleaf Networks, a company that provides network optimization solutions to restaurant franchises and other brands, discusses how franchisors can address the challenges that arise when searching for the right technology solution.
Challenges in technology adoption
Franchisors face many challenges when trying to implement technology into their franchise systems. “The biggest challenge is scaling learning, especially in large, distributed environments with high turnover,” he says. That's why it's important to have a proper training plan in place to get new employees up and running as quickly as possible.
Another challenge, Davis said, is keeping technology settings consistent across all franchise departments. Franchisors must work hard to set up technology systems that not only work well across the board, but are also compatible with those already in use. This means choosing the right software and hardware and making sure it matches what the franchise is trying to achieve.
“Cost, training, compatibility, and maintaining a consistent look and feel across franchises are common challenges,” Davis says.
Essential technology solutions for franchises
Even with these challenges, there are some technology solutions that franchisors really need, no matter their budget.
“Point of sale (POS) is at the top of the list,” says David. A POS system makes transactions and inventory management much easier for franchisees.
He also said franchisors should prioritize “integrated customer relationship management (marketing from local CRM systems and CRM and marketing to customers from a unit perspective).”
Integrated customer relationship management (CRM) allows franchises to market to customers from a unit perspective. This allows franchisees to stay in touch with customers within the region and across all locations, increasing brand loyalty and generating more revenue.
Using software for employee scheduling and other back-office functions can be very helpful in keeping your franchise running smoothly. This ensures that you have the right number of staff and that everyone is working efficiently, no matter where they are. Other technology features that are important for franchises to remain competitive include online engagement, delivery services, and loyalty programs.
Align technology to your franchise's needs and goals
Franchisors need to be smart about how they invest in technology to suit the specific needs and goals of each franchise. Davis said franchisors need to think strategically and “understand the relationship between the availability of the applications that drive their business and the resources available to deliver them.”
Ease of use and integration with existing systems are also important concerns when implementing new technology solutions. “Be thoughtful about the technology stack used to support your organization,” he says. “This includes considering all digital channels and two-way communications between franchisees and customers, and ensuring the technology is compatible with existing systems.”
Cost-effective strategies for technology integration and maintenance
When it comes to large-scale technology integration and maintenance, Davis suggested relying on cloud-based services. “Cloud-based solutions for POS, CRM, marketing, scheduling software, online ordering and delivery offer a lot of economies,” he explained.
It's also important to work with vendors who can help you streamline your distribution processes and costs. Davis says, “Vendor partnerships with companies familiar with a particular franchisor's deployment methods are key to keeping costs down.”
Finally, Davis recommended that instead of each franchise store handling technology purchases on its own, use a central buyer who can develop good relationships with technology companies. And leverage technology. ”
Finding the best technology for your franchise can be difficult, but using it wisely and keeping an eye on your budget can make a big difference. If franchisors focus on what's really important, find ways to save money, and make sure the technology is aligned with the franchise's goals, it can be successful. With the right approach, you can easily navigate the world of technology and set your franchise up for long-term success and more revenue.
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