Table waitlist management with automatic notifications

Purpose

1.1. Digitize and streamline restaurant table waitlist management, automating guest sign-ups, live status tracking, and notifications for efficient queue management.
1.2. Eliminate manual tracking errors, enhance guest communication, reduce perceived wait times, and improve overall customer experience.
1.3. Integrate multi-channel notifications (SMS, email, WhatsApp, push, phone calls) for real-time updates and faster turnarounds.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. New guest submits table waitlist request (via web form, kiosk, app, or call).
2.2. Table becomes available; waitlisted guest moves to the top of the queue.
2.3. Guest’s status changes (e.g., ready to be seated, delay, cancellation).
2.4. Manual or auto-removal from waitlist (guest no-show or request).
2.5. Follow-up trigger for post-dining feedback or reviews.

Platform Variants

3.1. Twilio SMS
• Messaging API: Configure outbound SMS for notifications; set trigger on status update event.
3.2. SendGrid
• Mail Send API: Set up transactional email for waitlist confirmation and table-ready alerts.
3.3. WhatsApp Business API
• Interactive Messages: Auto-send table status with quick-reply buttons; configure webhook events for queue updates.
3.4. Firebase Cloud Messaging
• Notification API: Set push notifications for mobile/Web App status changes; connect via REST endpoint.
3.5. Plivo
• SMS/Messaging: Set up programmable SMS with waitlist status reminders; configure using REST API.
3.6. Slack
• Incoming Webhooks: Send notifications to staff channels when guest is ready or queue needs attention.
3.7. Microsoft Teams
• Connector/Webhook: Enable automated table status updates to hosting staff group.
3.8. Mailgun
• Email API: Automate personalized waitlist email communication; configure trigger on guest sign-up.
3.9. Nexmo (Vonage) SMS
• SMS API: Set up guest SMS alerts linked to status changes; webhook for real-time delivery reports.
3.10. Amazon SNS
• Publish/Subscribe: Configure notifications for waitlist status via SMS, email, or app push.
3.11. Zapier
• Webhook & Workflow: Listen to waitlist update events, auto-launch multi-channel notifications.
3.12. Google Sheets
• API: Auto-log waitlist entries, sync with cloud sheet; trigger change events to notify guests.
3.13. Airtable
• Automation: Update waitlist base, auto-notify via integration with messaging/email tools.
3.14. HubSpot
• Workflow Automation: Enroll guests, trigger automatic emails/SMS at touchpoints in waitlist journey.
3.15. Salesforce
• Process Builder/Flow: Set up guest records, schedule notifications per status update.
3.16. Intercom
• Message API: Deliver chat- or email-based status notifications based on database changes.
3.17. Zendesk
• Trigger Automation: Send alerts to guests for status; automate follow-ups post-dining.
3.18. Telegram Bot API
• sendMessage: Push instant table-ready notifications to subscribed users.
3.19. Cisco Webex
• Incoming Webhook: Alert staff or guests in rooms on waitlist updates.
3.20. RingCentral
• SMS API: Queue SMS updates and reminders for guests and hosts.
3.21. ClickSend
• SMS/Email API: Issue alerts through SMS, voice, or email for all queue events.
3.22. Pusher
• Channel triggers: Push web/mobile real-time updates on waitlist movement.
3.23. Klaviyo
• Flow: Automate personalized email/SMS notifications based on waitlist movement.

Benefits

4.1. Reduces staff overhead by automating guest management and communications.
4.2. Enhances guest satisfaction via timely, accurate multi-channel alerts.
4.3. Minimizes no-shows and optimizes table utilization.
4.4. Delivers actionable analytics for service improvements.
4.5. Supports scalable guest engagement with minimal manual intervention.