Digital labeling in hotel buffets has become an essential tool for hotels looking to improve communication, streamline operations, and ensure regulatory compliance. However, not all projects achieve the expected results.
At Sincroni, after years of working closely with hotels and chains of all sizes, we’ve identified the five most common mistakes that can compromise an implementation and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Choosing based on price instead of reliability
One of the most frequent mistakes is deciding based on the lowest price. In the short term, it may seem like a good idea, but over time it becomes a problem:
low-quality hardware, lack of support, or the inability to tailor the solution to the specific needs of the hotel.
A digital labeling system should be a long-term investment, not a one-time purchase.
The real value lies in reliability, stability, continuous innovation, and technical support—factors that ensure the system runs smoothly even in the most demanding moments.
2. Not planning the placement of the labels
The layout and placement of labels are key to getting the most out of the technology.
Placing them without a clear strategy forces staff to constantly move them between services or stations, wasting time and increasing the risk of errors.
Planning from the start—taking into account the buffet layout, distribution, and dish rotation—allows you to automate processes, optimize daily management, and avoid staff fatigue.
A smart implementation saves effort, reduces issues, and multiplies the value of digitalization.
3. Focusing only on the hardware and not testing the software
Another common mistake is choosing labels based on their appearance or technical specifications without evaluating the software that manages them.
The software is the heart of the system—it’s what allows you to update menus, manage allergens, translate dishes, and automate changes in seconds.
Before making a decision, it’s important to test the management tool.
An intuitive interface, stable connectivity, and multilingual support are just as important as the quality of the physical device.
In short, it’s not just about having digital labels from a reputable provider, but about having a system that works smoothly, securely, and adapts to the hotel’s operational rhythm.
4. Lacking technical support and real assistance
Technology—no matter how reliable—needs human support.
One of the biggest mistakes is undervaluing post-installation support: updates, maintenance, troubleshooting, or staff training.
A partner offering proactive, responsive technical support can make the difference between a stable service and chaos during breakfast.
At Sincroni, we believe that support is not an add-on service but an essential part of the experience we guarantee to our clients.
5. Not involving the F&B team from the beginning
The success of a digital system doesn’t depend only on technology—it depends on the people who use it.
When the F&B team isn’t involved from the early stages of the project, resistance, errors, or underuse of functionalities often occur.
Involving operational staff in the selection, configuration, and training phases ensures smooth adoption and efficient use in daily operations.
Digitalization only works when the team feels part of the process.
Digitalizing with purpose: what we’ve learned from our clients
Over the past few months, we’ve worked with hotel chains that had previously implemented digital labeling systems—only to return to paper.
When we spoke with them, they all mentioned the same issues:
lack of support, unreliable hardware, complex software, or unresolved errors—and, most importantly, a total lack of follow-up after installation.
That experience confirmed something that is now part of our philosophy:
digitalizing isn’t about installing technology; it’s about supporting the client through a deeper operational transformation.
That’s why every project we develop at Sincroni is custom-designed to ensure a stable, scalable solution aligned with the hotel’s identity.
Conclusion: how to get digital labeling right in hotel buffets
Implementing a digital labeling system in buffets isn’t just about replacing paper tags with screens.
It’s a long-term strategic investment that requires planning, ongoing support, and a clear vision for the future.
Avoiding these five mistakes is the first step toward more efficient, sustainable, and guest-centered hotel digitalization.
Because when technology, people, and processes work in harmony, hospitality reaches a new level of excellence.
