iOS vs. Server Version: ConnectSmart®Host (Formerly DineTime) Restaurant Reservation System

QSR Automations is dedicated to offering restaurants’ technology solutions that will fit their needs for now and well into the future. ConnectSmart®Host (Formerly DineTime), our restaurant waitlist app and reservation system, offers an iOS and Server version for seating guests to fit the needs of any table service restaurant. Both solutions offer similar end-user experiences at the host stand. Both options also provide metrics to help improve restaurant efficiency. Let’s break down the similarities and differences in a little more detail.

Feature	iOS/Cloud	Server
Platform
Cloud-Based Application	iPad direct to cloud	Client to server to cloud
Hardware Platform	iPad Only	iPad & Windows
Multiple Device Syncing	Yes	Yes
Implementation	Basic	Advanced
Wait List
Wait Time Tracking	Yes	Yes
Automated Quoting	Guests Per Hour	9 methods
Configurable Quote Ranges	Only shown on consumer	Yes
Suggested Seating	Sort stations/servers by time last seated	Advanced
One-Touch Seating	Yes	Yes
Guest Notes	Yes	Yes
Guest Lists	Yes	Yes
Configurable Party Rules	–	yes
Hold Party	–	Yes
Table Management Behaviors
Customized Floor Plans	Yes	Yes
Configurable Shifts/Server Assignments	Yes	Yes
Floor Plan Background Image	–	yes
Table Preferences	–	Yes
Server/Station List	Call View	Call View or Column View
Configurable colors	–	yes
Reservations
In-Store Reservations	Yes	Yes
Definable Availability	Yes	Yes
Consumer App Suport	Yes	Yes
Website Widget	Yes	Yes
Guest Book
Guest Book Creation	Yes	Yes
Auto Guest Lookup	Yes	Yes
Guest History	Yes	Yes
Guest Info	Basic	Advanced (+CRM data)
ConnectSmart®Host Portal
Access to Configuration Settings	Yes	Yes
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Dashboards	Yes	Yes
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Reports	Yes	Yes
Wait List Backup	Yes	Yes
Guest SMS Message Backup	Yes	Yes
Integrations
ConnectSmart®Host Assist App	Yes	Yes
2-Way SMS Guest Notifications	Yes	Yes
Third Party API	Yes	Yes
Premise Paging	HME iStation only	HME, LRS, JTech
Printers	–	Yes
POS Integration	–	Yes
Kitchen Integration	–	Yes

As you can see, both options provide an easy to use, comprehensive host stand experience and a better experience for your guests. Our Server option is more robust and allows more detailed configurations plus the added redundancy of a premise based server. Whichever option you are interested in, getting started works the same way. Once onboard with a solution we have a blended learning platform starting with e-Learning videos, instructor led webinars and, if necessary, on site support. Our goal is to make the transition to one of these solutions as smooth as possible! Let ConnectSmart®Host help make your table service restaurant more efficient, provide better quote accuracy and streamline the host stand experience for your guests and team members. Subscribe to the blog for more interesting restaurant content!

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About the Author

Shari McCauley is the Product Training Specialist at QSR Automations, where she focuses on educating employees and customers on the benefits and uses of QSR technology. You can reach Shari at smccauley@qsrautomations.com.