Exciting to some, terrifying to others.
That is the nature of automation in today’s society. Enough and more debates about AI and the reliance on machines tell us one thing. The world is hungry for advancement, sometimes even at the cost of human replacement.
Automation isn’t new to coffee lovers and professionals alike. We have embraced using gear that is powered by a few simple taps and, in some cases, even operated remotely through mobile apps.
And why not? When it simplifies a daily ritual, minimises error, and promises greater consistency.
In cafés, especially, automation marks a shift from complete manual craftsmanship to tech-supported processes.
The question that we must then ask is - does automation make barista skills redundant entirely, or can it become a force paired with human insight & skill to further improve the industry?
Before Automation: A Café Workflow Built on Skill
Less sleek, less quiet, cafés pre-automation painted a more dynamic picture. Espressos were prepared manually, coffee grinders added to the sounds of the shop, and milk was steamed by hand.
Sure, it came with challenges in workflow, like slower output during rush hours, increased likelihood of inconsistency, and greater responsibilities weighing on the staff. But it was built on barista skill & intuition.
Why Cafés Adopt Automation (The Upside)
There are several reasons why cafés have incorporated automation at different levels.
The main advantage is the consistency it offers. Returning customers can rest assured that their cup is going to taste the same every time. This predictability in flavour and reduced variance between shots contributes to the café’s promise to customers and overall growth.
Using automation also means that it opens up baristas’ bandwidth for other rewarding tasks like customer engagement & education. They can move faster and serve better during peak times without compromising on the quality of coffee.
One other benefit to be considered is how automation can help newer businesses scale faster (as long as they are ready for the upfront investment), even if they haven’t completed their barista hiring and training requirements from the get-go.
The Criticisms and Concerns (The Downside)
Despite the gleaming benefits of adopting automation, it’s the drawbacks that deserve more attention.
Especially when it comes to manpower.
For many professionals, coffee is a symbol of culture and craftsmanship. The moment machines enter the picture and start having a more significant presence, it builds on the uncertainty and fear among baristas that they could potentially lose out on jobs and opportunities to grow their skill.
The loss of craft also diminishes the very idea of coffee bringing people together. Think of a (not too distant) future where you walk into a coffee shop and it’s solely powered by machines, not a human in sight. Getting your daily cup of joe that way doesn’t seem all that enjoyable, does it, without the warmth and quiet bustle of people going about their day?
The two other disadvantages of reliance on automation have to do with significant equipment costs and tech failures. In an event where the machine breaks down, it could significantly affect service if there are no alternative systems in place.
Where Automation Works Best (And Where It Doesn’t)
All this to say that we must strike a balance.
Automation can be used minimally to support baristas so that they can focus on what they do best. It should not be a replacement for the craft.
Places where it makes sense to have some automation reliance are airports, commuter hubs, and large chain cafés where the footfall is consistently large and a high-volume service is constantly required.
You know there’s “too much” automation in a café when it creates an impersonal customer experience and does away with the sensory touch of a barista.
What This Means for the Future of Café Culture
Cafés that maintain manual workflow as the core approach will continue to attract customers seeking a memorable experience. Therefore, craft-focused cafés that prioritise barista skills and minimal automation to take care of mechanical tasks show promise.
There could be a potential shift in roles with a greater focus on hospitality and coffee storytelling. That way, the interaction between customers and coffee professionals will remain integral to the community.
Using technology to reduce waste and provide a consistent coffee experience could also pave the way forward for the industry as a whole.