Customer Story
Synced for Sweet Success - Google Drive for Work
Google Drive for Work helps local Belgium bistro, Brussels Sprouts synchronise operational efficiencies across three locations. The business benefits not just with higher levels of performance but also with happier staff who enjoy better work-life balance.
Eight years in the business, Brussels Sprouts first opened its flagship store at Robertson Quay. Rapid success led to a second outlet at Big Splash, followed by its latest at Sentosa Cove. While tucking into the restaurant's signature mussels - famous for its 12 types of sauces, or savouring one of its 150 types of bottled Belgian beer, one might never guess the myriad processes that go on behind the scenes each day as the restaurant provides each diner an impeccable dining experience.
Although business growth has been good at all locations, CEO Kerryn Chan recalls that the disparate locations has meant loss of efficiency and teething problems especially in the area of sustaining operational efficiency. As each outlet is located at a different part of the island, processes of communication and dissemination of information would typically take more time and effort. After one too many hiccups along the way, Kerryn decided to explore how technology could help his three outlets to work better together as a group.
A Proven Solution
Having had prior experience with Google Drive for Work during his tenure at the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), Kerryn was already well-acquainted with the solution's ability to integrate multiple functions that support all his business needs. Of the 60 staff members atBrussels Sprouts, Kerryn estimates that about a third are using Google Drive for Work mainly on day-to-day operations. This collaborative system has improved communications across all three outlets in more ways than one.
Smoother Workflow, Happier Staff
Since adopting Google Drive for Work, submitting reports is now a more hassle-free process. Staff are able to submit operation and sales reports, such as daily closing reports, much faster than before. Prior to embarking on Google Drive for Work, managers used to spend at least 30 minutes on closing reports, the bulk of which involved manual paperwork. Google Drive for Work allows them to cut their time down to as little as 10 minutes.
A boost in productivity and efficiency is also apparent at the cash register. On a typical day, the Brussels Sprouts' chief cashier has to oversee all three outlets in Singapore despite being stationed at just one. With its centralised sharing platform, Google Drive for Work enables her to access reports from all outlets to consolidate the figures for the day instead of manually contacting each outlet for their figures.
The staff duty roster system has been simplified considerably as well. All three outlets have access to the same roster. This has proven to be especially helpful for manpower allocation. For example, if a particular outlet is down on staff, the manager would be able to do a quick check through the collaborative system to find out which outlets have additional staff to spare. This is a breeze compared to the pre-Google Drive for Work days, where managers had to make multiple calls to resolve the issue.
The staff are not only able to finish their work more efficiently to place more focus on floor operations — they are enjoying the convenience and efficiency on a personal level as well. "It's also for the staff's well-being - for example, they will be able to go home earlier to rest," explains Kerryn.
Takeaways: Making Communication Easier
Adopting Google Drive for Work has met with little resistance. Although staff were initially concerned about adapting to a new system, this was later resolved when they realised that the interfaces remained similar to the office software they had been used to, albeit with the added advantage of files and documents now being available at any time on multiple devices. Kerryn has even received requests from his staff to have their log book shared on Google Drive for Work to further speed up operational processes.
Despite the additional costs, Kerryn recognises the value that ICT solutions like Google Drive for Work bring to the table. "At the end of the day, we know that the adoption of ICT solutions come along with cost. But that premium that you pay has a lot of added value," he justifies.
Looking forward, besides adopting new ICT strategies, Brussels Sprouts has plans for international expansion. Global expansion comes along with travelling and communication around the globe - and here's where the advantages of Google Drive for Work can further come into play. Team members will be able to manage, edit and share files with each other anywhere in the world, on any device with great convenience, and of course, security. Looks like in Google Drive for Work, Brussels Sprouts has found the secret recipe for more success in the road ahead.