This is currently a question that nowadays is not only asked by bartender. Is bartending obsolete? It fits for every person who performs a specific task and that for some reason or circumstance may become obsolete over time. It is not the first or the last time that a specific job disappears or can be replaced by a machine.
The digital age is scaring everyone into thinking that machines are going to be replacing humans in every job position. We hear that robots will answer phones at hotel lobbies, and that housekeepers will be a bunch of robots cleaning rooms, but this should not be too concerning.
All this seems to be taken from science fiction movies where robots or artificial intelligence (AI) begin to do all the jobs. Jobs that humans do but worst of all is that in these movies, robots finally begin to take control of our lives and they end up not only replacing us but also trying to exterminate humanity, something like the rebellion of the machines.
The truth is that a lot of this fear and worry is quite real. For example, many factory jobs done by people performed by machines. There was a time when everyone thought that this was never going to happen.
The fast changes in technology
The reality is that it is happening and perhaps much faster than we expected. We could say that part of the blame for all this is related to the speed with which technology is advancing. In recent decades we have gone from having archaic devices such as the first computers that came out and the famous beeper or Walkman. Now we have intelligent devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops and others that are basically capable of doing everything for us.
Thanks to all this, today we have robots or devices that speak for us, do things for us and even replace us. This is thanks to advances in technology, today there are robots like โSofiaโ that are capable of โthinkingโ for herself and from answering specific questions and engaging in conversations, which is why the fear arises that many professions and activities will be replaced by these machines or robots.
Now that AI and machines in general are even more advanced, people are scared that many other jobs are going to be on the line. Some people have even suggested that jobs such as bartending will one day be replaced by machines. However, there is one element that those machines cannot replace, and that element is the reason why bartenders will continue to be important.
The element is the human element to avoid making bartending obsolete
There is absolutely nothing in this world that can replace the human element that people bring to a job. Perhaps one day artificial intelligence advances so much that it will perfectly replicate the human element in all of us. However, this seems like science fiction that is far from possible any time soon.
The truth is that for certain jobs such as those carried out in a factory, any contact with other people or customers is not needed This is in the sense that it is not necessary to attend or deal with them, perhaps it is easier to replace them with machines. This is because it is a type of activity that is carried out mechanically and that therefore does not require that human element that one must have to carry out other jobs in which the relationship with the customers is more direct and indispensable.
With that said, even if that ever did happen. You can be sure that people wonโt be happy with the idea of having no human bartender to interact with at bars and to have to speak to a machine. So no, is bartending obsolete is not a question to ask.
The value of a good personality
Bartending is the type of job that is 70% attitude and 30% mixing skills, so the element that a machine could bring is the least important in the set of skills that make a great bartender. This is one of the reasons why bartending is not very likely to become one of those jobs that machines will take over to replace people.
In addition, a point in favor that bartenders have is that in general, when they are behind the bar serving customers, they become something more than the person who is preparing their favorite cocktail but on many occasions, they are basically psychologists or confidants of their clients.
When such cases happen, many ask for advice or just need someone to listen to them and this is where that human element comes into play. No robot or machine can replace this, since they cannot really be empathetic or have feelings or give them advice, because simply they do not have the capacity to have feelings.
Bartenders can understand and be empathetic with the situations that their clients may be going through. Also, due to their previous experiences, on what they know, perceive or what they have personally lived. This is an element that helps avoid turning bartending obsolete.
How technology will change bartending
Technology can definitely help enhance the bartending experience for both the bartender and the customer. The use of smartphones and applications for orders is extremely useful. To handle a crowded bar during the busiest hours at clubs. The bartender can also make use of augmented reality. In addition, it is very useful to promote all kinds of discounts and special deals.
The pandemic forced many people to increase their presence on the internet and in social networks. This was need in order to keep working or try to survive the COVID19 pandemic. By doing other types of work, technology has played a fundamental role in this regard.
When bars and restaurants were closed, many business owners decided to use technology as an ally. This was done to find new ways to stay active and close to their customers. Thanks to this, we can see a great variety of creative changes. Some in which the bars as well as the waiters and bartenders who work in them, have been creating on some platforms designed just for that purpose.
Bars and restaurants must understand that having an internet presence not only refers to adding media. Such as some photos or videos of the drinks they offer. In addition, it is necessary for their bartenders and everyone in general to establish a direct relationship with their customers. It could be by organizing virtual sessions, all in order to keep customers loyal.
Machines canโt replace human emotions to make bartending obsolete
When we previously referred to the fact that machines cannot replace the bartender because they lack the human element. We were not referring to the fact that bartenders lack technological support. In these times of crisis, they can stay connected with their customers. Today there are, for example, bars where they have a robot as part of the bartender staff. They are in charge of taking orders through an application downloaded by the owners of the bar.
This type of technology will not only keep your bar or restaurant afloat during this pandemic. In addition, your staff and especially your bartenders, will work doing what they like the most. Thanks to these applications, customers will be able to feel like they are at the bar. This will be possible even though they are not going to leave home. Since they will be able to personalize their own drinks directly from their Smartphones. These applications are capable of remembering the customer’s tastes. Even what they previously asked for in order to offer them again.
The truth is that all this support of technology allows bartenders to have varied and creative ways of staying relevant. That is despite of the crisis we are going through. Bartenders can continue working thanks to the support of technology. They can also keep tending to their customers even when they arenโt exactly behind the bar. They can be sure that as soon as the bar or restaurant is open again, their customers will be there.
Questions and Answers
They are, however it is happening just in some specific tasks and jobs that are more mechanical. However, this can happen in other areas and activities.
There are many ways to do it, from using YouTube to promote their job. They can use some Apps that will help to promote the business (Bar, Restaurant, etc) or the drinks and offers.
Is almost impossible to replace the human element because as the word says it. This is intrinsic to humans, and a machine canโt replace that part. With that said, they would definitely perform a lot of jobs and activities even better than us.
Of course, yes, augmented reality has become a very powerful sales and marketing tool. It is great to avoid making bartending obsolete.
Final thoughts
When people look for a bartender to hire, they donโt want someone to stand there like a robot serving drinks. This is the ultimate answer to the question of bartenders replaced by robots. It is just not going to happen anytime soon, and probably ever. That is unless the machines take over and we start living that Terminator fantasy.
Until that happens, it is very likely that you will see hiring bartender help of the human kind. If you are planning to hire someone to serve drinks at your party. Just make sure that they have an outgoing personality to make your event a success.
The takeaway is that quality bartedning will help avoid making bartending obsolete!
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