Introduction
In the fast-evolving landscape of restaurant technology, staying ahead of the curve can be the key to success. On a recent episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian sat down with Brock Weeks, CEO of Savi, to discuss how AI-powered video analytics is transforming operations for multi-site restaurant groups. This innovative approach turns video into actionable data, driving business intelligence and enhancing guest experiences.
Meeting the Game-Changer: Savi
Savi is at the forefront of this technological revolution. As Brock Weeks explains, Savi’s mission is to unlock the value of video data for restaurant and retail operators. This advanced technology goes beyond simple liability protection to provide insights into speed of service, guest experience, staff performance, and even delivery flow.
The Evolution of Video Technology
Video technology has come a long way since its early days. Initially focused on liability and security, video systems are now poised to offer unprecedented operational insights thanks to advances in AI and cloud computing. Brock shared that initially, cumbersome DVR systems were used mainly for liability purposes. However, with the advent of IP video systems, video data can be structured with AI to deliver critical business insights.
Challenges in Offline Retail and Video’s New Role
Many operators still view video as a liability-driven expense, but this perspective is shifting. New technologies allow video data to integrate with point of sale and other business systems, transforming it into a key business resource. By synchronizing video data with business data, operators can swiftly diagnose and solve operational issues.
Harnessing AI and Video Data
Brock highlights the power of AI in structuring massive amounts of video data to gain actionable insights. This capability allows operators to swiftly identify the root causes of problems—like a slip in customer service standards—and address them before they impact guest satisfaction.
Use Cases: Enhancing Guest Experience and Efficiency
- Improving Guest Experience: Saviy focuses on guest experience, targeting aspects that drive negative reviews such as speed of service, employee interactions, and restaurant cleanliness. By using video analytics, operators can identify and improve bottlenecks, ensuring a seamless guest journey across all touchpoints.
- Site Check AI for Operational Excellence: AI technology can now perform virtual audits, checking for cleanliness, safety compliance, and more. This reduces the need for manual secret shopping and allows managers to focus on coaching and mentoring staff to elevate service standards.
Implementing Advanced Video Solutions
Transitioning to a more sophisticated video system doesn’t require an overhaul. Savi’s solution can integrate with existing IP cameras, allowing operators to layer advanced analytics onto their current infrastructure. This seamless integration helps avoid the disruptive and costly process of system replacements.
Building the Future with AI
As Jeremy and Brock discuss, the future of AI in retail is promising. Soon, AI will be proactive, analyzing video data in real-time to prompt corrective actions before issues arise. This will free up managers to focus on enhancing the team and guest experiences rather than data analysis.
Getting Started with Savvy
For operators ready to embrace this transformative technology, connecting with Savi is straightforward. Savi provides a virtual site audit to assess current systems and helps integrate their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive environment, leveraging AI-powered video analytics can be a game-changer. As Brock Weeks notes, those who don’t adopt these technologies risk falling behind. Savi offers an exciting path forward, helping restaurant brands unlock new levels of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For more information on Savi and their innovative solutions, visit getsavi.com, or connect with Brock Weeks on LinkedIn.
Embrace the future of restaurant operations with AI-driven insights that not only enhance efficiency but also elevate the entire guest experience.
