Fourth has introduced iQ 2.3, the latest release of its workforce intelligence platform, adding a new set of AI-powered alerts designed to help restaurant operators strengthen hiring outcomes, improve employee retention, and reduce labor-related risk. The update expands the iQ app’s ability to surface early warning signals, guide managers toward timely action, and eliminate operational blind spots that can negatively impact profitability across multi-unit operations.
“AI is reshaping how operators run their businesses and iQ 2.3 shows just how quickly that shift is accelerating,” said Clinton Anderson, CEO of Fourth. “We’re giving managers clearer signals, faster guidance, and direct paths to action so they can stay ahead of labor risks and protect performance. And we’re doing it while responding directly to what operators tell us they need. That combination of innovation and speed is exactly how iQ will continue to raise the bar for the industry.”
One of the most notable additions is new visibility into early-stage employee retention. The platform now monitors hires and terminations in real time and flags unusual spikes in early attrition. When abnormal patterns are detected at a location, managers receive alerts along with insight into which employees have recently exited, enabling faster investigation and corrective steps.
Also Read: Aspect and Cinareo Partner to Align Workforce Planning and Real-Time Execution
The release also strengthens recruiting analytics. For customers using Fourth’s Application Sources Link, iQ 2.3 captures application source data and highlights which job boards are driving the highest volume of applicants and hires. This gives operators clearer insight into recruiting return on investment and helps them focus spend on the most effective channels.
To prevent hiring delays, a new alert notifies leaders when applications go unreviewed beyond a defined time or volume threshold. By highlighting backlogs by manager or location, the feature helps ensure candidates are not overlooked and hiring pipelines remain active.
Scheduling and compliance also receive new safeguards. Automated reminders alert managers when schedules have not been published on time, with direct access to the HotSchedules scheduler to speed completion. For above-store leaders, enhanced Schedule Score alerts identify locations falling below compliance thresholds, pinpointing labor law risks, overtime exposure, and other drivers.
Finally, a new Overtime Action alert warns managers when projected hours are likely to exceed overtime, allowing adjustments before costs are locked into payroll. Together, the iQ 2.3 enhancements reinforce Fourth’s focus on proactive labor management powered by actionable AI insights.
