ADVISORY
SAFETY FIRST Staying in service: how small restaurants can secure their digital operations, by Al Kingsley MBE, group CEO at NetSupport.
RESILIENT FRAMEWORK The foodservice industry has undergone a fast and notable shift, with small- and medium-sized restaurants increasingly reliant on digital solutions to manage operations, facilitate takeaway orders and integrate with delivery platforms. From app-based ordering and point-ofsale (POS) systems to digital inventory tracking and automated scheduling, technology is a key driver of efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, these advancements also bring risks, including system failures, cybersecurity threats and operational disruptions. For independent eateries and small chains, building a resilient digital framework is essential to maintaining seamless service, minimising downtime and protecting customer data while ensuring sustainable growth in a competitive market. But there are unique challenges in the digital landscape. Unlike larger chains with extensive IT teams, independent establishments often operate with 50 P&P_226_Mar25_p50-51_PLMR_JB AB.indd 50
limited resources while juggling the complexities of ordering, payment processing and delivery partnerships. A single system failure can lead to lost revenue, damaged customer trust and operational chaos during peak hours. Therefore, investing in a well-structured digital resilience strategy ensures smooth operation, without being derailed by tech issues or cyber threats. As restaurants embrace digital solutions, ensuring secure access to critical systems is paramount. A Zero Trust framework is a security model that assumes every access request could be a threat, requiring strict verification before granting access to POS systems, ordering platforms and customer databases. Implementing multi-factor authentication, encrypting transactions and segmenting networks helps prevent unauthorised access. For small restaurants, this means reducing the risk of financial data breaches, ensuring staff can only access necessary information and protecting sensitive customer details, especially when integrating with third-party delivery platforms. DOWNTIME MINIMISATION In the accelerated world of foodservice, system downtime can be catastrophic. A malfunctioning POS system, crashed ordering platform or disrupted internet
connection leads to missed orders, frustrated customers and revenue loss. This is where restaurants benefit from secure remote IT support, empowering staff in-house (whether IT specialists or simply those taking the lead on tech provision) to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently without incurring the costs of in-person visits. Cloud-based monitoring tools provide real-time alerts for potential issues, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the likelihood of sudden failures. By integrating a reliable IT support framework, you can address technical challenges swiftly, ensuring continuity even during unexpected disruptions. With more restaurants adopting online ordering and partnering with third-party delivery services, cybersecurity threats are an increasing concern. Hackers often target foodservice businesses due to their reliance on digital payments and customer data storage. By implementing secure remote access frameworks, it ensures that only authorised personnel handle customer information and payment processing. Additionally, www.pizzapastamagazine.co.uk 20/02/2025 11:30