AFURI Implements HANZO Cost Analysis for Enhanced Operational Efficiency

AFURI Integrates HANZO Cost Analysis into Restaurant Operations

AFURI Inc., headquartered in Atsugi, Kanagawa, has recently adopted the "HANZO Cost Analysis" tool developed by Goals Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing operational efficiency in AFURI's ramen shops. As part of its digital transformation (DX) strategy, AFURI began utilizing the "HANZO Automated Ordering" method in 2023, leveraging AI technology to ensure optimal ingredient quantities for food procurement. The addition of the "HANZO Cost Analysis" tool, aimed at improving cost discrepancy management, is anticipated to play a crucial role as AFURI plans to expand its restaurant locations in the near future.

In the food service industry, discrepancies often arise between the standard ingredient usage defined per menu item and the actual amounts used. These variances can be attributed to changes in ingredients or operational differences across various outlets. Understanding where and how much variation occurs in ingredient use necessitates thorough analysis of both procurement and usage data, often making it a time-consuming and complex process.

AFURI faced challenges in manually calculating discrepancies in ingredient costs, which averaged about 4% monthly across all locations. Although it was evident that operational practices influenced these discrepancies, pinpointing the exact types of ingredients and their specific quantities that contributed to the variances proved challenging. Consequently, this hindered the ability to formulate and implement effective corrective measures.

The "HANZO Cost Analysis" tool addresses these challenges by automating the compilation and analysis of various key data points, including ingredient procurement costs (current prices and quantities), standard costs, inventory levels, recipe costs, and menu sales data. By providing a clear visualization of the differences between theoretical and actual costs for each store and ingredient, it alleviates the burdensome manual processes previously required. Users can now base their analysis on real data, facilitating timely feedback to individual outlets.

The immediate identification of cost discrepancies enhances profitability while maintaining service quality by offering menu items with minimal variation in ingredient use. Additionally, the already implemented "HANZO Automated Ordering" system adjusts order volumes based on consumption patterns, ensuring that accurate and sufficient ingredient quantities are ordered. The synergistic utilization of these tools is expected to refine menu offerings, ultimately benefiting both operations and customer satisfaction.

Insights on the HANZO Cost Analysis Tool

The "HANZO Cost Analysis" system extracts data about ingredient usage for each menu item, allowing operators to compare theoretical usage—calculated from sales numbers—against actual usage at the store and ingredient levels. By revealing discrepancies and underlying issues, the tool enables restaurant managers to craft strategic plans aimed at cost reduction. The user interface for stores shows rankings based on predetermined cost discrepancy thresholds, clearly indicating which items have the most significant variances. This functionality allows the integration of cost discrepancy rates into performance evaluations of each store, facilitating accurate assessments of operational compliance and cost-control efficiency.

For more details on the services offered, please visit: HANZO Cost Analysis.

About AFURI

AFURI Inc. operates several ramen restaurants including "AFURI" and "ZUND-BAR." Founded in November 1995, the company is recognized for its quality ramen offerings.