Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Context/Example |
AI ordering | ay-eye or-der-ing | An artificial intelligence system that analyses purchase history and trends to suggest or automate menu recommendations | "AI ordering suggests popular items based on time of day and past sales." |
Analytics | an-ah-lit-iks | The collection and analysis of operational data to identify trends and inform business decisions | "Use analytics to identify your best-performing menu items and peak trading hours." |
Automation | aw-toh-may-shun | The use of technology to perform tasks previously done manually, such as ordering, scheduling, or inventory tracking | "Kitchen automation reduces human error and speeds up service." |
Backup | bak-uhp | A saved copy of system data is stored securely to allow recovery in the event of a technical failure | "Ensure your system backup runs automatically every night." |
Chatbot | chat-bot | An automated messaging tool on a website or app that handles customer enquiries without human involvement | "Our chatbot handles reservation enquiries around the clock." |
Cloud-based | klowd bayst | Software or data hosted on remote internet servers rather than on a local device or server | "Our POS system is cloud-based — accessible from any device." |
Contactless payment | kon-takt-les pay-ment | A payment method using a card, phone, or wearable device tapped over a reader without physical contact | "We accept all contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay." |
CRM | see-ar-em | Customer Relationship Management system: software used to track guest data, preferences, and visit history | "Use the CRM to personalise communication with returning guests." |
Cybersecurity | sy-ber-sih-kyoo-rih-tee | The practice of protecting digital systems, payment data, and customer information from unauthorised access | "Strong cybersecurity protocols protect guest payment data." |
Dashboard | dash-bord | A visual summary display showing key performance metrics in real time | "Check the sales dashboard hourly during service." |
Data privacy | day-tah priv-ah-see | The responsible collection, storage, and use of guest and staff personal data in compliance with applicable law | "Ensure all guest data is handled in line with your local data privacy regulations." |
Digital menu | dij-ih-tuhl men-yoo | A menu accessed via a device, QR code, or screen rather than a printed card | "Our digital menu is updated in real time when items sell out." |
Digital ordering | dij-ih-tuhl or-der-ing | An online or app-based system allowing customers to place orders without staff interaction | "Digital ordering is increasing rapidly across all restaurant formats." |
Digital wallet | dij-ih-tuhl wal-et | An electronic payment application on a smartphone or device storing card details for transactions | "We accept all major digital wallet payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay." |
E-menu | ee-men-yoo | An electronic version of the menu displayed on a tablet, screen, or guest device at the table | "Each table is equipped with an e-menu for self-ordering." |
Integration | in-teh-gray-shun | The connection of two or more software systems to share data and operate together seamlessly | "POS integration with inventory management reduces manual data entry." |
Inventory management | in-ven-tor-ee man-ij-ment | Software that tracks stock levels, usage, and ordering needs in real time | "Automated inventory management prevents waste and stockouts." |
KDS | kay-dee-es | Kitchen Display System: a digital screen in the kitchen that replaces paper tickets for order management | "All orders route to the KDS automatically when entered into the POS." |
Kitchen display system | kich-en dis-play sis-tem | A digital screen system in the kitchen is used to display, manage, and track orders during service | "The kitchen display system replaced paper tickets and reduced errors significantly." |
Loyalty programme | loy-uhl-tee proh-gram | A customer retention system that rewards repeat guests with points, discounts, or exclusive offers | "Join our loyalty programme and earn points on every visit." |
Mobile app | moh-byl ap | A smartphone application developed by the restaurant for ordering, loyalty, reservations, and promotions | "Order through our mobile app and earn rewards on every purchase." |
Mobile payment | moh-byl pay-ment | A transaction completed via a smartphone or wearable device at the point of sale | "Mobile payment options reduce queue times significantly." |
Network | net-wurk | The connected system of devices, terminals, and software that enables a restaurant's technology to function | "A stable network is essential for cloud-based POS and KDS systems." |
OpenTable / Resy | oh-pen-tay-buhl / ree-zee | Widely used reservation management platforms — note that equivalent systems are available internationally | "We manage all bookings through OpenTable — confirm availability before quoting." |
Password management | pas-wurd man-ij-ment | The practice of securely creating, storing, and updating login credentials for all restaurant systems | "Update all system passwords quarterly as part of cybersecurity protocol." |
QR code | kyoo-ar kohd | A scannable square barcode that directs a user's device to a website, menu, or ordering platform | "Each table has a QR code linking directly to the digital menu." |
Real-time | reel tym | Information or data that is updated and displayed instantly as events occur | "Real-time inventory tracking prevents stockouts during service." |
Reporting | rih-port-ing | The process of generating structured data summaries to assess performance across all operational areas | "Weekly reporting helps track performance against targets." |
Reservation system | rez-er-vay-shun sis-tem | Software used to manage table bookings, guest records, and seating capacity | "Our reservation system sends automatic confirmation emails to guests." |
Self-ordering kiosk | self or-der-ing kee-osk | A freestanding touchscreen terminal that allows guests to browse the menu and place orders independently | "Self-ordering kiosks reduce queue times at the counter." |
Software update | sof-tware uhp-dayt | A new version of a software programme is installed to improve performance, fix errors, or add features | "Install the POS software update during the quiet period before service." |
Staff scheduling app | staf sked-yool-ing ap | A digital application used to create, distribute, and manage staff rosters and shift assignments | "Use the staff scheduling app so all staff receive shift notifications instantly." |
Stockout | stok-owt | A situation where a product or ingredient has run out and is no longer available for service | "Real-time inventory tracking prevents stockouts during peak service." |
Table management system | tay-buhl man-ij-ment sis-tem | Software used to monitor table status, manage waitlists, and optimise seating during service | "Check the table management system before seating any walk-ins." |
Tech support | tek suh-port | A technical assistance service provided by a software or hardware supplier to resolve system issues | "Call tech support immediately for any POS outage during service." |
Troubleshooting | truh-buhl-shoot-ing | The systematic process of diagnosing and resolving technical issues with equipment or software | "Basic troubleshooting can resolve most minor POS issues without calling support." |
Update | uhp-dayt | The installation of a new software version to improve functionality, security, or performance | "Schedule all system updates outside of trading hours." |
User interface | yoo-zer in-ter-fays | The visual layout and controls through which a user interacts with a software system | "The new user interface is intuitive and requires minimal training." |
Wifi | wy-fy | Wireless internet connectivity is provided to staff for operational systems or to guests as a service | "Stable wifi is essential for all cloud-based systems and guest-facing technology." |