Technology has caused disruptions in many industries, allowing for innovation and new efficiencies. The restaurant industry is no different. Technology has been a part of this industry for decades, going back to the first cash registers, which then evolved into sophisticated POS systems.

So, what are restaurants doing right now to embrace technology? TableSafe’s director of product management Ryerson Schlitt table shared his perspective on today’s episode of Table for Two.

Restaurants have a variety of ways to integrate technology that can positively impact the customer experience. Consumers can go online and make reservations or take orders in a snap, but what about when it comes to the interactions inside the restaurants?

“Payment processing is a big part of the customer experience. It needs to be simple, fast, and secure. And there are outside factors driving this. For example, the need to read chip cards,” Schlitt said.

The challenge often comes with ensuring that the chip card reader is actually efficient. “If the technology isn’t effective, there are more steps to pay, reducing the number of diners that can be served, which isn’t good for either the restaurant of the consumer,” he added.

When looking at its impact on service, it’s important to note the shift in consumer expectations. “They are driving this transformation, and restaurants have to respond,” Schlitt said.

When it comes to payment processing, it’s not really a one-size-fits-all. The design of such a system has to be universal and meet the needs across all demographics. Schlitt calls this one of the biggest challenges to payment processing design.