The catering industry in Greece is one of the most dynamic and demanding sectors of the economy, both due to the domestic consumer public and the tourist activity. In this context, the correct and prompt customer service is a determining factor in the success of any business. The ordering system, therefore, it is not just a technological tool, but an essential element of functionality and organization.

What is the Order Taking System?

It is a digital mechanism that allows recording, sending and managing orders in a catering establishment (cafeteria, restaurant, tavern, bar, etc.). Modern systems include:

• PDA + POS (Point of Sale) used by waiters/cashiers
• Special order applications for tablets or mobile phones
• Integrated software solutions associated with the kitchen and cash register

Why is it necessary?

1. Speed and Accuracy

Handwritten orders are prone to errors, misinterpretations or losses. A digital system ensures:

• Direct sending of the order to the kitchen or bar
• Avoiding mistakes (wrong table, quantity, product)
• Reducing customer waiting time

2. Better Customer Service

The customer experience is enhanced when they feel that:

• Served quickly
• His orders are recorded accurately.
• Can request something extra without delay

3. Business Organization and Control

The ordering system allows the entrepreneur to:

• Tracks sales in real time
• Manages the material inventory
• Controls staff behavior
• Makes analyses and forecasts for its strategy

4. Cost and Loss Reduction

With fewer errors and greater control, they reduce:

• Refunds or cancellations
• Raw material losses
• Unnecessary operating costs

5. Compatibility with Delivery and Online Orders

Many modern systems also support external platforms (efood, Wolt, etc.), consolidating orders and avoiding manual recording.

The Situation in Greece

The Greek catering market has made significant strides in recent years towards digital transformation, especially after the pandemic. However, there are still small or traditional businesses that operate without a comprehensive order-taking system, relying on older methods.

This not only makes daily operations difficult, but also limits the ability to grow or scale the business.

Conclusion

An ordering system is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Especially in Greece, where competition in the catering industry is intense and customer demands are high, the use of an organized and reliable system is a key pillar of success.

Every business, small or large, that wants to offer quality service, to controls the cost of and to is evolving, needs to invest in a modern ordering system.