The top 7 apps and software for hospitality: the tools you really need day to day

Day-to-day hospitality still runs far too awkwardly

Many hospitality businesses still work with standalone solutions: shift schedules are written on paper, orders are laboriously taken by phone, and the month-end accounts are done under sheer pressure. That creates unnecessary work and mistakes that cost time and money.

On top of that, guests today expect fast processes, convenient online reservations and clear communication. Anyone who does not keep up here quickly falls behind the competition. Digital tools help you run the business in a far more structured way – without making an already hectic day any more complicated.

To find out which solutions really make the difference, we spoke directly with people from the hospitality industry. Rather than relying only on dry market analyses of the leading competitors, we wanted to hear from the professionals themselves: which apps and software do you actually need? The result is a selection of tools that tackle exactly the points where service and kitchen have been struggling most.

1. clockin: the digital all-rounder for shift schedules & time tracking

With changing shifts and lots of casual staff in particular, staff organisation quickly gets hard to follow. clockin brings time tracking and complete shift scheduling together in one simple application, tailored precisely to the needs of hospitality.

• Smart shift planning: You create digital shift schedules for your team very easily, while the system keeps a fully automated eye on working time accounts and availability.
• Simple time tracking: Your team books working hours and breaks with a single tap at the terminal in the staff room or straight from a mobile phone.
• Manage absences: Your employees request vacation or report sickness directly in the application, and you approve everything centrally in your digital overview.
• Payroll preparation: All hours land in the office in real time and are turned, via integrations, straight into finished hours reports for payroll.

Ideal for: restaurants, cafes and event catering with lots of part-time and casual staff, where shifts change regularly and shift scheduling by WhatsApp group stopped being enough long ago.

2. Orderbird: the modern till system for service

The till is the centre of the service operation. Modern systems now run entirely on mobile devices and make ordering and payment processes considerably easier.

• Faster service: You take orders directly at the table and send them straight to the kitchen or the bar as a digital docket.
• Simple billing: Card payments and splitting bills at the table are quick and error-free.
• Clear reporting: You keep an eye on your revenue and see immediately which dishes and drinks are most popular.
• Legal compliance: All transactions are stored properly, so you are covered at any time during an inspection.

Learn more about Orderbird here

3. OpenTable: reservations without double bookings

Reservations by phone cost valuable time and often lead to mistakes under pressure. Digital tools create reliable structures for front of house here.

• Online bookings: Your guests can reserve tables around the clock, even when your business has a closing day.
• Better occupancy: You manage your tables cleverly and ensure the best possible use of them across the whole evening.
• Less effort: The system sends automatic confirmations and so cuts the time you have to spend on the phone.

Learn more about OpenTable here

4. Lexware Office: accounting that almost takes care of itself

Accounting often gets pushed to the back of the queue in daily operations. Digital tools give you an ongoing, stress-free overview of your finances.

• Capture receipts straight away: Incoming invoices and till receipts can simply be photographed with your phone and filed digitally.
• Write invoices: Formal invoices for large parties or takeaway deliveries are created in a few clicks.
• Direct integration: Thanks to integrations, the data travels straight to your tax advisors with no duplicate entry.

Learn more about Lexware Office here

5. MarketMan: structured inventory management for the kitchen

The cost of goods is one of the biggest cost factors. Without a precise overview, it is easy to order too much or to throw away expensive stock in the end.

• Stock at a glance: You always know exactly what quantities are still in the cold store or the stockroom.
• Central purchasing: Orders with different suppliers can be planned and placed clearly in one place.
• Reduce losses: You control the use of goods precisely and so cut unnecessary food waste.

Learn more about MarketMan here

6. Lieferando: the platform for greater reach

For many businesses, the delivery trade has become an important extra building block for keeping revenue stable.

• Reach new guests: You get found by people who would rather enjoy their food at home.
• Simple handling: Orders come in clearly laid out and can be prepared for collection in a predictable way.
• Better use of capacity: You make better use of your kitchen even on days when the dining room is not full.

Learn more about Lieferando here

7. Google Business Profile: reviews as a guest magnet

Guests almost always look up other people's experiences online before visiting. Anyone not active here is giving away huge potential for new guests.

• Better findability: Your business is shown directly on the digital map for nearby searches.
• Guest loyalty: When you reply to feedback professionally, you show a genuine service mindset.
• Key information: Your opening hours, phone numbers and the current menu can be seen at once by every guest.

Learn more about the Google Business Profile here

Conclusion: less paperwork chaos, more time for your guests

The combination of a modern till system, inventory management and helpful applications such as clockin or lexoffice makes your business fit for the future. You not only save time on tiresome documentation and shift planning, but above all give your guests what really counts: excellent service without long waits.