Next-Gen Tools for Hospitality Managers
‘The software provider Fourth released its version 2.1 update of the iQ App. Hospitality teams now access advanced AI features tailored for workforce, HR and inventory management. That upgrade shifts managers away from reactive workflows toward proactive decision-making.
Smart Labor Forecasting Arrives
One of the standout features enables managers to adjust labor in real time when demand shifts. The system recalculates optimal staffing levels and sends alerts for open shifts when sales forecasts change. By linking labor cost to forecasted demand, teams reduce over-staffing and under-staffing risks.
Streamlined HR Functionality
The update adds powerful HR tools inside the app. Managers and HR teams can approve or reject employee availability and shift-swap requests directly. Onboarding alerts and employment-change notifications ensure new hires join smoothly and line-managers stay informed at every step.
Enhanced Inventory Management Tools
Inventory controls now gain new capabilities with daily alerts focusing on missing product-lookup (PLU) codes and waste-trend warnings. This feature helps managers isolate stock-out risks and unlinked inventory items. The result: tighter stock control and fewer surprises during service periods.
From Operations to Guest Experience
By automating these operational tasks, Fourth frees managers to focus on leadership and guest satisfaction. Instead of wrestling spreadsheets and manual approvals, hospitality teams focus on service delivery and team dynamics. They reclaim time to elevate the guest experience.
Business Value for Real-World Hospitality
Early adopters report positive impact. A hospitality group praising the new module emphasised how quick alerts made decision-making “simpler” and operations “sharper”. These quotes point to measurable improvements across labor cost, scheduling accuracy and response to service surges.
Moving From Reactivity to Proactivity
Fourth describes the release as part of its mission to shift hospitality firms from responding after the fact to predicting ahead of time. With embedded AI in daily workflows, managers make smarter decisions based on data, not guesswork. They save time and reduce costly mistakes.
Why This Matters for an Industry Under Pressure
Hospitality remains one of the most dynamic and cost-sensitive service industries. Labor swings, inventory waste and guest-service expectations all combine to make margins thin. This update arms management teams with visibility and automation tools that deliver operational resilience.
What to Expect Going Forward
Clients of Fourth can now deploy iQ 2.1 across multiple units and locations. The platform supports mobile, tablet and web access, so managers stay connected on the go. With AI-powered recommendations integrated into shift scheduling, HR workflow and stock control, the groundwork gets laid for future feature growth.
Final Word
Fourth iQ 2.1 delivers a powerful set of tools for hospitality managers ready to lead rather than just manage. By tackling labor forecasting, HR workflows and inventory alerts within a unified platform, the update aligns operations with strategic goals. The result: smarter management, happier teams and better service for guests.
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