When opening a new restaurant it is important to consider technology options that will provide a competitive advantage, increase profits, and work efficiently for the establishment. Three systems typically purchased for use in restaurants are inventory systems, point of sale systems, and reservation management systems. All these systems should be studied and compared in terms of functionality so that the most suitable technologies can be implemented in the daily activities of the restaurant. An inventory management system would be a great asset to any restaurant. It is very important to be able to track inventory to make sure items are used and food costs stay low. Having an inventory management system will help organize and track inventory status, variance, and valuation. Inventory status is determined by the count of an item in stock. While this can be physically monitored, having a system in place is more efficient and reduces the risk of theft and misuse. Inventory can also be combined with a POS system, so when product is purchased it automatically tracks new inventory levels. Tracking inventory variance “refers to the differences between the physical count of an item and the balance maintained by the perpetual inventory system” (Kasavana 2011). Discrepancies between thesis counts may indicate control problems and allow you to find the source and resolve the problem as soon as possible. An inventory system can also help track product valuation. Knowing what to use first and when it was purchased is important to minimize waste. An inventory system like when-manage tracks food costs, manages menu recipes, and helps with order and supplier management. When managing “is… half the paper… you need to track a variety of operations and add interfaces like inventory and reservation management as you go. Starting with the most cost-effective programs can immediately help your restaurant's efficiency and profit, while adding a competitive advantage. As the business grows, the restaurant can purchase more programs to implement into the system it already has. Works Cited Kasavana, M. (2011). Managing technology in the hotel industry. (6th ed.). American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Lansing, Michigan.WTM. (2013). Inventory management. Retrieved from: http://www.whentomanage.com/products/inventory-management/NCR. (2013). Hospitality. POS software for restaurants. Retrieved from: http://www.ncr.com/products/restaurantSeat Me. (2013). Revolutionary restaurant management. Retrieved from: https://www.seatme.com/features/