Best Restaurant Scheduling Software

Indeed, it's challenging to sustain in today's fast-paced and competitive restaurant industry; hence efficient management of staff schedules is essential for ensuring smooth operations and delivering exceptional customer service. This is where restaurant scheduling software comes into play.

Specially designed to streamline creating and managing staff schedules, this innovative software provides restaurant owners and managers with a powerful tool to optimize labor costs, improve employee communication, and enhance overall productivity.

But how will you choose your best scheduling software? In this case, we have referred to some of the best restaurant scheduling software with its features and other crucial things. That can assist you in choosing the best one.

What is Restaurant Scheduling Software?

Restaurant scheduling software is a computer application designed to streamline and automate the creation and management of schedules in a restaurant platform.  This tool provides a digital solution that replaces manual scheduling methods like spreadsheets or paper-based systems.

This tool allows restaurant owners to easily change restaurant staff schedules without error. This system gives you a relaxing moment. On the other hand, creating manual scheduling for all the employees is very difficult because manual processes require more time to complete a task. But how can you avoid manual processes? The straightforward answer is to use the best restaurant scheduling software and cancel your manual process.

How Does Restaurant Scheduling Software Work?

Although scheduling software is a local or cloud-based computer program, hence assists in automating employee scheduling and operation managing purposes. Restaurant employee scheduling software allows restaurant managers or owners to manage employee schedules. It assists the owner in tracking the employees and operates by leveraging sophisticated algorithms.

This system collects and analyzes massive data such as employee availability, skills, workstation, and others. It works systematically. If the necessary information is gathered, the software assigns shifts to employees based on the restaurant manager's predefined rules and parameters. These rules may include labor laws, staff preferences, seniority, and even performance metrics.

Benefits of Best Restaurant Scheduling App

A restaurant scheduling app can be the game changer to bring a business to a supreme level. Those are restaurant software scheduling app providers that offer two categories free and paid. It is known that the free version does not contain sufficient features. Let’s see the benefits of using a restaurant scheduling app that can compel you to use it.

1. Increased Automation

   Most restaurant scheduling software is automated. Automated scheduling is a way of using AI to make an optimal schedule for your restaurant staff. This process helps to manage your staff without frustration and hassle.

2. Improved Communication

   This tool enhances the communication level between restaurant staff and the management team. You can make better decisions within a short time, improve efficiency, and have the shortest way to communicate with others.

3. More Accurate Scheduling

   Restaurant scheduling software also works as an accurate scheduling tool, therefore helping restaurant owners to stick to the scheduled plan and implement them. This tool offers the best opportunity for the management team to make early decisions. So, it can be the game changer for your staff’s accurate scheduling.

4. Controlled Labor Costs

   It controls labor costs in many ways. This tool also reduces human effort and makes a schedule within a very short time. However, using scheduling software can help control labor costs in several ways, such as efficient shift planning, real-time monitoring, skill-based scheduling, attendance integration, and employee self-service.

5. Remotely Track Time And Attendance

   Suppose you are outside of your office and are unaware of how many restaurant staff have attended your restaurant. If you use this software, then you may remotely track them. It is really a good sign to manage the restaurant staff.

6. Easy Shift Swapping

   Scheduling software greatly simplifies the process of shift swapping. It is easy and efficient for employees. Employees can access their schedules and initiate shift swaps with just a few clicks. The software incorporates an approval system. Employees can ensure they are swapping with someone who can adequately cover the shift.

Features of Best Restaurant Scheduling Software

Indeed, all the software providers want to design better software. They always want to keep sufficient features and be lightweight. So that users become satisfied. The final word is they want to meet user intent. However, let’s see which features should have the best restaurant scheduling software.

1. Shift Scheduling

   Shift scheduling in the restaurant can be complex and time-consuming. However, this process has become significantly more streamlined and efficient due to the advent of employee scheduling software for restaurants. It allows the user to easily assign shifts, track employee attendance, and make necessary adjustments in real-time.

2. Multiple Work Locations

   Multiple work locations refer to where an organization operates in more than one physical location. It can be in the city, or in different cities. Multiple locations may be in various industries and sectors, such as retail chains, restaurant franchises, healthcare organizations, consulting firms, and manufacturing companies.

   Scheduling software can successfully work for different locations. In that case, Should I use different scheduling software? No, the user can manage multiple workplaces from one station.

3. Mobile Access

   Nowadays, most modern online restaurant scheduling software provides mobile access to users. Mobile access is a crucial feature of such software that allows managers and employees to access the software conveniently from their smartphones. Users can make schedule adjustments with staff members directly from their mobile devices.

4. Scheduling Notifications And Reminders

   Scheduling notifications is a great feature. It is incredibly beneficial for both managers and employees. It is because the user or managers can set up an automated notifications system to remind employees of their upcoming shifts, reducing the chances of missed scheduling. This notification can be sent via email, SMS, or mobile app, depending on the software’s capabilities.

5. Pos System Integration

   Integrating your restaurant POS system with restaurant scheduling software can provide benefits such as inventory management, accounting synchronization, customer relationship management, and more.

   Before integrating, check if your POS system and scheduling software offer compatible integration options because many scheduling software have pre-built integrations with popular POS systems.

6. Time Clock Integration

   Restaurant scheduling software has time clock integration. It allows exact tracking of employee working hours. Time clock integration eliminates the need for separate time management systems. Employees can easily clock in and out directly within the scheduling software. Scheduling software automatically records the time and provides accurate information for payroll processing.

7. Task Management

   Most scheduling software often includes task management capabilities to enhance operational efficiency. This feature allows users or managers to create and give tasks to specific employees. This process informs the employees that all necessary duties are covered and completed on time. In this case, users or managers can easily track the progress of tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize important tasks.

8. Reporting

   Restaurant scheduling software offers reporting capabilities that enhance operational efficiency and include effective management of staff schedules. These reports include information such as employee work hours, shift coverage, labor costs, and overtime hours. Restaurant owners and managers can access comprehensive reports that provide valuable insights into various aspects of employee scheduling.

How to Choose the Right Restaurant Scheduling App?

There are many scheduling software providers on the online platform. But which goes better with your business? In this case, follow some strategies to find the best restaurant scheduling software, such as customer reviews, features, customization options, lightweight, secure, easy operating process, etc.

1. Scalability

   Because of its highly scalable features, restaurant scheduling software can easily handle all the scheduling needs of restaurants of various sizes, from small establishments to large chains. The scalability depends on two factors, such as the software's architecture and the underlying infrastructure. The scalability demand is how the software can meet the user demand efficiently.

2. Easy-To-Use Interface

   An easy-to-use interface is a crucial aspect of scheduling software because it directly impacts the user experience and overall efficiency of scheduling operations. The interface should feature a clean and organized layout that lets users quickly understand and access the necessary scheduling functions. It is noted that most users like an easy interface. So that they can operate it easily.

3. Forecast Capabilities

   Forecast capabilities refer to the ability to predict and project restaurant staff needs based on various factors, such as historical data, sales trends, seasonality, and others. Restaurant scheduling software can generate accurate forecasts by analyzing past data and considering future patterns. This process helps restaurant managers to make decisions when creating schedules.

4. Enhanced Transparency

   Restaurant scheduling tools enhance transparency by providing clear visibility into schedules and facilitating communication between managers and employees. It allows authorized users to access their schedules in real time. Employees can be aware of their assigned shifts and any changes if needed.

Top 5 Restaurant Scheduling Software Comparison

Name	Free Trial	Demo	Pricing
7shifts	3 Days	Yes	$29.99/month
Restaurant365	14 Days	Yes	$435/month
HotSchedules	7 Days	Yes	Custom pricing
Jolt	14 Days	Yes	Custom pricing
Sling	7 Days	Yes	$1.70/month

There are many restaurant shift scheduling software providers. They design their software depending on customer demand. However, we have referred to the top 5 restaurant scheduling software here. So, look at the features and pricing, then decide which restaurant scheduling system you would like to get for our restaurant.

1. 7shifts

7shifts is an innovative and comprehensive scheduling software. It was designed to streamline staff management and optimize productivity. It offers the ultimate solution for restaurant owners and managers seeking to simplify scheduling processes and enhance operational efficiency.

7shifts Pricing

It has four pricing plans:

• Comp plan- Free for a single location
• Entrée plan- $29.99 per month/location
• The Works plan- $69.99 per month/location
• Gourmet plan- $135 per month/location

2. Restaurant365

Restaurant365 scheduling software has powerful scheduling capabilities. Restaurant365 restaurant scheduling software assists restaurant owners and managers manage staff schedules significantly. It can be integrated with other aspects of the restaurant management software, such as payroll and inventory. It provides a unified solution to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Restaurant365 Pricing

It has two pricing plans:

• Essential plan- $435/month
• Professional plan- $635/month

3. HotSchedules

HotSchedules is a leading restaurant scheduling software. The restaurant owners and managers can create and manage restaurant staff schedules efficiently. It offers labor forecasting and analytics, enabling data-driven decision-making to improve operational efficiency. Its user-friendly interface and robust functionality have snatched people’s hearts.

HotSchedules Pricing

• Custom pricing

4. Jolt

Jolt is a powerful and comprehensive restaurant scheduling software that provides massive solutions to manage employees. It was designed to streamline and optimize the scheduling processes within the restaurant industry. It has a dynamic user interface that is easy to operate and compels users to continue using it. It has a drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to make adjustments, handle shift swaps, and ensure optimal coverage for each shift.

Jolt Pricing

• Custom pricing.

5. Sling

Sling is a powerful restaurant scheduling tool. Its interface and robust features allow users to create, manage, and communicate schedules effortlessly. The software offers a range of tools to optimize staff allocation, track employees, and handle shift swaps and time-off requests. Sling has real-time notifications and updates processes to keep everyone on the same page. Running a small cafe or a large restaurant chain is best.

Sling Pricing

It has three pricing plans:

• Free plan
• Premium plan- $1.70 per user per month
• Business plan- $3.40 per user per month

Challenges in Restaurant Scheduling App

Managing employee schedules in a restaurant can be complex, and restaurant scheduling apps aim to simplify the process. In most cases, restaurant owners face several challenges that can arise when using such apps. We have referred to some common reasons. Let’s see -

1. Complex Scheduling Needs

   The complex scheduling needs of scheduling software include managing employee schedules, table reservations, shift communication, and labor cost management. Excellent scheduling software allows employees and users to manage everything smoothly. It helps with the over-scheduling.

2. Employee Turnover And Availability Changes

   Employee turnover and availability changes are crucial factors that restaurant scheduling software needs to address. This tool has the capability to handle employee turnover efficiently. It allows managers to quickly update employee information. This ensures smooth scheduling transitions and minimizes disruptions caused by employee turnover.

3. Communication Gaps

   Communication gaps may arise due to some factors, such as if the software lacks proper features to facilitate effective communication among managers and employees, if the software does not provide real-time updates, if there is a sudden shift change or a shift cancellation, employees may not be aware of it in a timely manner, leading to confusion and scheduling conflicts.

4. Balancing Employee Preferences

   Balancing employee preferences involves considering the needs and preferences of individual employees while ensuring efficient scheduling and operational requirements are met. It can be achieved through availability input, shift bidding or swapping, fair distribution, automated scheduling algorithms, effective communication and notifications, and employee feedback.

5. Cost

   Pricing is a crucial factor for every sphere. The restaurant scheduling app cost is not the same for all the App providers. Cost depends on crucial factors, such as app interface, features, technology, compatibility, number of users, etc. For this reason, the pricing becomes different. The best way is to check the price of the scheduling app, visit the app scheduling app provider’s website and get the actual pricing limit.

Market Trends in Restaurant Scheduling Software

Restaurant scheduling software has seen significant market trends in recent years. One essential trend is the shift towards cloud-based solutions. It allows restaurants to access scheduling data from anywhere and facilitates real-time updates.

Another thing is mobile app compatibility. It enables employees to access their schedules, make requests, and receive notifications conveniently. However, there are some essential trends in this software, such as -

1. Cloud-Based Solutions

   The cloud-based solution is on the rise due to several market trends. This trend includes enhanced accessibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, integration capabilities, collaboration and communication features, real-time updates, and analytics functionalities. It offers restaurant owners and managers the ability to access schedules from anywhere, easily adjust resources as needed, and avoid upfront investments.

2. AI-Powered Features

   AI-powered features have become a prominent trend in the market. This feature leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize scheduling processes. It includes demand forecasting, smart scheduling recommendations, automated shift assignment, shift swapping and self-service capabilities, real-time adjustments, etc.

3. Employee Self-Service

   Employee self-service refers to features that empower employees to take an active role in managing their schedules and related tasks. It is a growing trend in restaurant scheduling software. It allows employees to view their schedules, request shift swaps, submit time-off requests, manage their availability, and communicate with managers.

4. Real-Time Communication

   Real-time communication is a prominent trend. It enables instantaneous and efficient communication between managers and employees. A real-time communication system facilitates quick notifications of schedule changes, shift updates, and important information, leading to improved coordination and timely response within the restaurant workforce.

Conclusion

As we’re in the modern digital era, achieving success in the restaurant business requires the implementation of advanced & digital solutions that can effectively manage both the restaurant and its staff.

However, by incorporating restaurant scheduling software into your operations, you can streamline processes and optimize productivity. Above, we have curated a list of the finest restaurant scheduling software options available, considering their features and pricing.

So take your time to analyze & measure all the recommendations to find the perfect long-term solution for your restaurant.