Building software for retail bakeries has taught us one thing: you don’t have time to waste. We know the idea of launching new technology can feel overwhelming when the ovens are already full.
That’s why we created this practical guide. It’s designed to help you onboard smoothly and start seeing a return on investment faster...without disrupting your business.
Implementing the right software in your bakery is one of the highest-impact decisions you can make for your business. It improves order accuracy, streamlines order flow after the sale, increases revenue, and gives you visibility into every corner of your operation. With the right software you'll experience these awesome benefits:
But there’s one universal truth: Software only works as well as the preparation behind it.
Having worked with hundreds of bakeries, we've seen that when a bakery prepares well, implementation is faster, calmer, and dramatically more profitable.
Clear communication with your team will set the foundation for smooth onboarding.
Share with the leaders in your bakery the following:
Why it matters:
Alignment accelerates your path to streamlined order flow and improved daily workflow. When your team knows why you are making a change and how it will improve their job, they will be supportive. And with a stated goal, you're more likely to hit it.
Software can’t optimize what isn’t understood. Documenting (we mean, actually writing out) your current workflow helps identify where the holes are in your processes. When we onboard a new bakery, our first meeting is dedicated to learning how the bakery currently operates around orders. So being prepared for that, moves things along much more smoothly and faster.
Document how you currently:
These insights guide software configuration and directly influence your ROI by eliminating bottlenecks and wasted time as you set up the new system.
In the software world there’s a phrase “garbage in, garbage out”. Accurate data results in accurate orders which results in fewer mistakes and most importantly better and faster ROI.
As you prepare to start onboarding your bakery into new software, its best to prepare you product list. The cleanest menu produces the cleanest workflow. Downloading your menu from your current point of sale or other digital system is helpful to see the list all together. Take the time to go through your entire menu and ask yourself the following questions, product by product.
Clean product data is the #1 accelerant to streamlined order flow inside any bakery software.
Nothing slows down ROI like hardware issues on day one. Your software team should guide you with this, but making sure your hardware is up to date and optimized will ensure you are able to go live on schedule.
Ensure you have:
This prevents downtime and keeps workflow smooth from the very start.
A well-timed "go-live date" builds momentum and confidence in your team. Stating your go-live goal at the start of onboarding is a great way to hit your target. Not stating one, allows you to keep moving the target. And as Zig Ziglar wisely stated "Aim for nothing and you'll hit it every time!"
Pick a time that allows:
We recommend avoiding holidays and seasonal peaks so your team can focus on the new workflows and system without being swamped.
Consistency with setting up the new software and making adjustments to your work flow is directly related to a speedy ROI.
Your commitment includes:
Software pays you back quickly when your team is consistent and committed!
Implementing software is more than a tech upgrade, it’s a transformation of how your bakery flows and operates. There are many options out there, so choosing the right one is important.
The team at BakeSmart is committed to the retail baking industry and we would love to learn more about your bakery to see if we are the right fit for your operations!