In the fast-paced world of hospitality, technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations and the ability to adapt to changing business needs. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with a client in the restaurant industry, helping them evolve their tech stack to match their growing business needs. From cloud migration to phone systems and security solutions, we’ve provided end-to-end IT support and implemented technologies that drive efficiency, cut costs, and enable growth. Let’s dive into the steps we took to transform their business tech landscape, and how it helped them stay ahead of the competition.

Understanding the Challenges

When we first began working with this restaurant, their technology infrastructure was far from ideal. They were using an outdated Windows Small Business Server (SBS) that had essentially been shoved under someone’s desk – not the best environment for a server that was critical to the day-to-day operations of the business. With a tight budget but an urgent need for improvements, we began exploring solutions that could support the client’s business as it continued to grow.

Cloud-Based Windows Server: A Modern Solution for a Growing Business

One of the first major changes we implemented was migrating the client from their onsite SBS to a Cloud-Based Windows Server in 2016. This transition not only provided a more stable and secure environment for their files and operations, but it also solved the physical limitations of having a server stored in less-than-ideal conditions. By connecting the restaurant to the cloud server via a secure VPN, we ensured that file storage and user authentication were handled seamlessly and securely.

The migration was handled with minimal downtime, allowing the restaurant to continue business as usual without disrupting the daily flow. The best part? The user experience didn’t change – employees were able to continue working as they had before, but now with the added benefit of improved security and reliability.

Office 365 Migration: A Better Email Solution

At the same time, we migrated the restaurant’s email system from their onsite SBS to Office 365. Office 365 offered more flexibility, security, and collaboration tools, which were essential for the client’s operations. We used Microsoft Entra Connect (formerly known as Microsoft Azure AD Connect) to synchronize passwords and permissions between the Office 365 environment and the local systems. This ensured that all accounts and user credentials remained in sync, making it easy for employees to switch between local and cloud environments without experiencing any hiccups.

Moving to Entra ID: A More Flexible and Powerful Solution

In 2016, we initially decided to hold off on moving to Azure Active Directory (now known as Entra ID) because it wasn’t quite mature enough to meet the needs of our client at the time. Additionally, it was more expensive than other solutions on the market. However, by 2023, Entra ID had matured significantly, and we could see that it was now a powerful and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes. We made the move to Entra ID for our client, leveraging its expanded features such as SharePoint Sync, which allows users to work offline and access documents from various devices, including iPads, iPhones, and Android tablets.

This migration was much smoother because the restaurant was already using Office 365, so their users were familiar with the platform and the transition to Entra ID was straightforward.

Upgrading the Phone System: Scalability and Cost Savings

 The client’s old phone system, based on ISDN2E and Nortel handsets, simply couldn’t keep up with the growing needs of the restaurant. As their business expanded, they needed more extensions and a more scalable phone system that could adapt to their changing requirements. We replaced the outdated system with our Business Telephone System, a flexible solution that could scale up or down based on the restaurant’s needs.

Not only did this upgrade drastically reduce their monthly phone costs, but it also unlocked several valuable features, including:

• Unlimited incoming and outgoing channels, eliminating the limitations of the previous system.
• IVR/Auto Attendant functionality, allowing calls to be directed to the appropriate departments or teams.
• Voicemail to email for key staff members, ensuring that no important messages were missed.

Additionally, remote workers could now access the phone system using Webex applications, ensuring they could stay connected to the restaurant’s operations even when working offsite.

CCTV Installation: A Modern Security System

 Security is always a priority in any business, especially in the hospitality industry. We provided and installed a 32-channel IP-based CCTV system that offered complete coverage across the entire restaurant site. This advanced system not only enhanced security but also served practical purposes, such as allowing the kitchen staff to monitor the arrival of customers. The system was integrated with screens around the building so that everyone, from the security team to the kitchen staff, could stay informed and maintain a high level of situational awareness. This solution not only improved security but also added a layer of convenience for the staff.

Ongoing Support: Flexible Assistance

 Hospitality is a 24/7 business, which means IT support needs to be available whenever it’s needed – not just during business hours. We understood that providing 24/7/365 support could be expensive for a small business, so we developed a flexible support model that balanced cost with service quality. The model allows the client to classify issues based on severity, with Severity 1 issues being eligible for after-hours support, while less urgent problems could wait until regular business hours. This approach not only helped the restaurant stay within budget but also ensured they always had access to critical support when needed. It’s not one size fits all – we flex our support – be it contract, timebank or pay-as-you-go to fit client needs, not shoehorn them into a pre-existing model. We were able to develop a solution with the client that fit the business needs and budget together.

The Results: Empowering Growth Through Technology

 Throughout our years of partnership, we’ve helped this restaurant implement the latest technology to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and reduce costs. Each technology upgrade – from cloud-based servers to phone systems and CCTV – has played a crucial role in helping the business stay competitive and meet the growing demands of their industry. While we’d love to implement the latest and greatest technology for every client, we know that change is most effective when all stakeholders are ready and willing to adopt new solutions. That’s why we work closely with our clients to understand their needs, help them stay up-to-date with the latest innovations, and ensure that any changes are implemented smoothly.

Conclusion: Technology That Grows with Your Business

In the world of hospitality, technology is a key driver of efficiency and success. Our work with this restaurant is just one example of how businesses can leverage the right IT solutions to stay ahead of the competition, increase efficiency, and ultimately improve their bottom line. By offering flexible, cost-effective solutions and providing ongoing support, we’ve helped our client evolve their tech infrastructure to keep pace with their business growth. If your business is ready for a technology overhaul or needs expert IT support, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today, and let’s explore how we can help your business thrive with the right tech solutions!