The choice of deciding between an Best-of-Breed vs All-in-One systems and applications is one many operators are faced with. When you look for an All-In-One system, you have to define what this means within the total system. Otherwise, The types of systems that fall under Best-of-Breed could be a subset of a larger application with several different individual applications such payroll, pos, loyalty, scheduling, digital signage, inventory, etc. making it an All-in-One!
The approach to either of these, as Accelerate host Rob Grimes always says, define your requirements in writing upfront, and think holistically.
When you compare the two side by side, Best-of-Breed functions and features may offer close to 100% functionality in a certain area, where All-in-One systems may only be 95% to 98%. The question will be, is the percentage in less functionality of feature, more important to you, and are you able to give that up because of a better cost or a single supplier. Small operators especially may not want to implement multiple different systems.
Many times, Best-of-Breed technologies come from outside of the hospitality industry. Accounting applications, for example, were created to assist with virtually every industry. Best-of-Breed is really the ability to have freedom of choice – being able to replace one system at a time, not all at once, and increased integrations to other applications and systems.
All-in-One is also important to define. A back-of-house All-in-One system rolls up multiple applications such as inventory, scheduling, food production, POS management, time & attendance and ordering. There may be better pricing when sold as a packaged product. Another potential benefit of an All-in-One system is support from a single place.
If you want to gain some insight on what type of system would be beneficial for your operation, or the benefits/drawbacks of an All-in-One vs. Best-of-Breed system or application – take a listen to this episode of Accelerate.
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