Abacus Dining Group is a leading hospitality group based in Melbourne, operating five venues, including a production kitchen.

Known for its high-quality dining experiences, Abacus caters to a diverse clientele across Melbourne’s bustling food scene. The group is in a phase of rapid expansion, adding new venues and building a strong head office to support its operations.

The challenge

As the group expanded, Abacus Dining Group faced challenges typical of a multi-site hospitality operation. Key pain points included:

• Operational complexity: Managing day-to-day operations across multiple venues was becoming increasingly difficult. Tasks like opening and closing procedures, stock management, and compliance tracking relied on manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies.
• Fragmented systems: Abacus relied heavily on Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and paper-based records. This resulted in decentralized, unorganized data storage that made tracking tasks, compliance, and performance across venues time-consuming and error-prone.
• Training and communication: With multiple venues and a diverse workforce, onboarding and training staff was inconsistent. Communication between head office, managers, and frontline staff was disjointed, often resulting in delays or incomplete task execution.
• Standardization across venues: Maintaining consistent standards across all venues was a challenge, especially as the group grew. Without a centralized system, it was difficult to ensure all staff followed the same processes and brand values.

The solution

Abacus Dining Group chose Operandio to centralize its operations, streamline workflows, and enhance communication and compliance management. Operandio’s robust software provided a one-stop solution for operational management, transforming how the group managed its multi-site business.

How Operandio transformed operations at Abacus Dining Group

• Streamlined operations with digital checklists: Operandio replaced paper-based processes with intuitive digital checklists for tasks like opening, closing, and stock management. These checklists ensured that all staff could easily access and complete their tasks, improving consistency and accountability.
• Centralized communication: With Operandio, Abacus was able to send announcements directly to staff members’ devices, ensuring everyone received updates in real-time. This streamlined communication eliminated confusion and delays, particularly for cross-venue promotions and operational updates.
• Improved training and onboarding: Operandio transformed the onboarding process by providing a centralized training platform with a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS). New hires could learn about the company’s values, compliance standards, and daily workflows within the system, leading to faster, more effective training.
• Consolidated data and reporting: The software allowed Abacus to move away from scattered spreadsheets and documents to a centralized dashboard. Managers could now view performance reports, track compliance, and address issues in real-time, enabling better decision-making.
• Enhanced inventory control: Operandio’s ordering feature streamlined stock management, ensuring head office received alerts when supplies needed replenishment. This automation minimized waste and improved inventory control across all venues.
• Cross-venue standardization: By providing a single source of truth for processes and training, Operandio enabled Abacus to standardize operations across all venues. Staff could easily transition between locations, maintaining a consistent level of service and operational efficiency.
• Scalable support for growth: Operandio provided the flexibility needed for Abacus to manage both its current operations and future expansion. The platform’s adaptability made it suitable for small businesses and multi-site operations alike.

Future outlook

As Abacus Dining Group continues its expansion, Operandio will remain a vital partner in their journey. The software’s centralized approach ensures the group can scale efficiently, maintaining high operational standards and delivering consistent guest experiences. With Operandio, Abacus Dining Group is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of growth while solidifying its reputation as a leader in Melbourne’s hospitality industry.