Trying to choose between HotSchedules and Restaurant365 for your employee scheduling software? We’ve got you covered.
This comparison between the two restaurant management platforms has all the information you need to choose the right product for your operational needs.
When should you choose Restaurant365 vs. HotSchedules?
Ideal for businesses seeking integrated accounting tools: Restaurant365 is perfect for businesses that need a robust financial management system that integrates with restaurant operational management tools. It is particularly well-suited for smaller chains or operations confined to a single state that may not need the extensive compliance and advanced forecasting capabilities offered by HotSchedules. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to consolidate various operational needs into one system, which simplifies processes for businesses prioritizing financial operations.
When should you choose HotSchedules vs Restaurant365?
Essential for multi-state chains needing robust scheduling and compliance tools: HotSchedules is built for large, multi-chain restaurants that require a comprehensive solution for managing operations across multiple states and locations. Its robust features, including advanced AI for sales and labor forecasting, built-in compliance tools to avoid fines, and geo-fencing technology to prevent employee time theft, make it invaluable for big businesses aiming to optimize budgets and profitability. Furthermore, HotSchedules’ reputation for providing superior technical and account support ensures that large establishments receive the assistance they need to run smoothly.
| HotSchedules | Restaurant365 | |
|---|---|---|
| AI sales forecasting | ||
| AI labor optimization | ||
| Accounting optimization | ||
| Geo-fencing | ||
| Simple, transparent, and scalable pricing | ||
| POS integrations | ||
| Mobile apps for staff | ||
| Custom support when you need it | ||
| Manager log book | ||
| Free time clocking app | ||
| Automatic shift reminders | ||
| Auto-scheduler | ||
| Task-management | ||
| Access to earned wages | ||
| Proof of pay stubs | ||
| Hiring tools | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| Android/iOS mobile app | ||
| Support for Windows/Mac |
Based on feedback from restaurants that have used both platforms, here are the major differences between the two platforms.
“I like the ease of service, and the willingness to help from customer support. I have always used [HotSchedules] since I have been in the industry, and I appreciate the product consistency.”
Review from Softwareadvice.com
“I love the features that HotSchedules offers to maintain and publish accurate schedules. As a business operator, it is imperative that they are done accurately and while within our forecasted budgets. Hotschedules are easy for associates to access and navigate.”
Review from Getapp.ca
“Editing/posting/removing shifts is beyond cumbersome. To call it “slow” would be generous. I didn’t exactly love HotSchedules, but after switching to R365, I can say HS is 1000 percent better in literally every way.”
Reviewed on Reddit
“[HotSchedules] is super user friendly. Easy to operate and allows you to communicate directly with your manager.”
Paulina, Review from Softwareadvice.com
“I used [HotSchedules] to schedule a full restaurant staff including FOH BOH and Managers. This tool is incredibly useful and negates the need to figure out scheduling most weeks. All employees can submit their availability and I can schedule them based on this availability without thinking to check because it bars me from scheduling people outside of their approved availability. No more scheduling issues!”
Sean, reviewed on Softwareadvice.com
“HotSchedules is so much more than just a mere scheduling software for companies. It is a way to empower your employees by giving them the ability to switch their shifts around in the event that something happens abruptly in life and you can’t help but miss a shift. It has eliminated the anxious feeling you get wondering if the person you asked to cover your shift is going to follow through or not by opening the shift up to all employees to pick up for themselves if it fits their schedules.”
Review from Getapp.ca
“But the very best part is that the staff can manage all of their shift trades via HotSchedules. No more calling, forgetting to tell the manager, or having neither shift member show and then denying that they knew they were working the shift.”
Grayson, reviewed on softwareadvice.com
“R365 shift scheduling is trash when it comes to functionality compared to HS.”
Reviewed on Reddit
HotSchedules offers extensive support for labor laws across various cities and states, protecting your multichain restaurant against violations through built-in integrations with local compliance laws. In contrast with Restaurant365, where compliance tools are secondary to their accounting component, HotSchedules eliminates the hassle of managing legal nuances across different jurisdictions.
With AI-driven insights, HotSchedules helps with labor optimization and operational efficiency, providing analysis and foresight beyond the scope of Restaurant365. This feature allows you to not just react to market conditions, but proactively manage your workforce with greater precision. HotSchedules leverages advanced technology to predict and plan for future sales and labor needs, ensuring that your restaurant is always prepared for what’s next, minimizing waste, and maximizing efficiency
Creating great schedules is more than filling time slots. HotSchedules automates optimized schedules that balance labor needs with employee roles, skill levels, and sales forecasts. This capability is finely tuned
Protect your bottom line by enforcing employees’ adherence to schedules. HotSchedules’ patented geo-fencing technology prevents time theft from employees clocking in early, off-premise, or remotely through a co-worker. This direct approach to managing onsite presence is a step ahead of systems like Restaurant365, which may not offer such advanced on-site management tools. By ensuring that staff are only clocking in when truly present, HotSchedules not only enhances operational integrity but also significantly boosts profitability.
HotSchedules ensures customer success with unmatched technical and account support. This dedicated support means that any issues are swiftly addressed, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. HotSchedules provides a hands-on, always-available service team to keep your restaurant running smoothly around the clock.
When every hour of every shift matters, Fourth helps you conquer the day. Our intelligent technology and solutions remove the complexity from your day by simplifying and streamlining your operations so you can get back to doing what you do best – serving up excellent customer service.
Utilize task management features and notifications while scheduling to ensure food safety and compliance.
Enjoy a 5-star rated mobile app on both iPhone and Android, which integrates with Google Calendar, enhancing the ease of use. This integration helps in managing labor costs and workforce automation more effectively.
Metrics from POS systems help monitor menu items’ performance, sales data, and labor compliance risk. Customized dashboards display KPIs and forecasts, aiding in strategic decision-making.
HotSchedules allows managers to access real-time sales data, offering greater insights into every transaction. Click below to see a full list of software integration partners like Toast, Revel, and more.
Save time, reduce costs, and increase profitability with Fourth’s intelligent solutions.