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For restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses, choosing the right time tracking system is crucial for efficiently managing employees and controlling labor costs. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a time tracking solution for your restaurant or cafe.

Cloud-Based vs On-Premise Solutions

One of the first decisions to make is whether you need a cloud-based or on-premise time tracking system. Cloud-based systems allow you to access the software via the internet from anywhere, while on-premise systems are installed locally on your company's servers. For most restaurants and cafes, a cloud-based system will provide more flexibility for managers and employees to punch in and out from any device.

Features to Look For

Some important features to look for in a restaurant time tracking system include:

• Employee schedule management
• Shift tracking
• Overtime calculations
• Break tracking
• Tip tracking
• Labor cost reporting
• Mobile apps
• Integration with payroll or accounting software

Having robust reporting and analytics is especially vital to gain visibility into your labor costs and make informed staff scheduling decisions. Choosing a system with an easy-to-use mobile app can also make it more convenient for employees to clock in and out.

Key Factors to Compare Solutions

When reviewing different time tracking systems, here are some key factors to compare:

• Pricing model - SaaS solutions usually charge per user per month. Make sure the pricing aligns with your budget.
• Ease of use - The system should be intuitive for managers and employees to use with little training required.
• Implementation and onboarding - Look for a provider that can guide you through setup and training.
• Technical support - Choose a system with stellar customer support in case you need help.
• Data security - Ensure the system uses robust security measures to protect your data.
• Hardware required - Some systems require you to purchase special time clocks.
• Automation capabilities - Automated shift scheduling and overtime alerts simplify compliance.
• Integration - API and webhook integration with payroll, POS, inventory and other systems.

Top Time Tracking Systems for Restaurants and Cafes

Some top-rated options to consider include:

• Deputy
• Planday
• Oracle MICROS Workforce Management
• Homebase
• Shiftboard
• inhabiTask
• Restaurant365

Be sure to get demos and compare features before choosing the best solution for your business. To get the most value, look for an end-to-end workforce management platform that offers scheduling, time tracking, messaging, task management and labor analytics in one integrated system.

Implementing a New Time Tracking System

Once you've selected a time tracking solution for your restaurant or cafe, here are some tips for effectively implementing it:

• Train managers first - Get managers comfortable with using the system before rolling it out to employees.
• Start with one location - If you have multiple locations, pilot the system at one site first to work out any issues.
• Customize settings upfront - Take time to configure schedules, menu items, pay rules, etc.
• Communicate the changes - Let staff know how the new system benefits them and what to expect.
• Provide onboarding help - Have someone on hand to assist employees when they first start using the system.
• Monitor adoption - Check in regularly to ensure all employees are adapting well and address any concerns.

With a modern time tracking solution tailored for restaurants and cafes, you can gain unprecedented visibility into your labor costs, optimize staff scheduling, simplify payroll, and focus on delighting your customers. The key is finding the right system that aligns with your business needs and budget. With the guidelines provided in this blog post, you should feel equipped to select and implement the perfect time tracking platform for your restaurant or cafe.