Fourth Unveils iQ 2.3 Featuring New AI Workforce Alerts That Strengthen Hiring, Boost Retention, and Tighten Labor Compliance

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fourth today announced the release of Fourth iQ 2.3, introducing a new set of AI powered workforce alerts designed to help operators protect talent, accelerate hiring, and reduce labor risk across their restaurant networks. The latest release expands the iQ app ability to anticipate issues earlier, guide managers toward the next best action, and remove operational blind spots that erode profitability.

“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.”

New hire retention visibility helps operators spot early warning signs

iQ 2.3 introduces a retention alert that monitors hires and terminations in real time and detects abnormal spikes in early employee exits. When a location experiences an unusual pattern of new hire turnover, managers are alerted and provided with visibility into which employees have recently left. This allows faster root cause analysis and earlier corrective action.

Greater insight into which recruiting channels actually perform

For customers using Fourth’s Application Sources Link, iQ now captures application origin data and highlights which job boards are generating the most applicants and hires. Operators gain a clear understanding of recruiting ROI and can direct hiring spend toward channels that deliver stronger results.

New alert ensures no applicant goes unseen

To prevent dropped candidates and slow hiring cycles, iQ now tracks new applications that remain unreviewed beyond a configured window. If unreviewed and applications exceed a defined count threshold, managers receive an alert. This gives leaders a real time view of backlog by manager or location and keeps the hiring pipeline moving.

Better scheduling discipline with automated posting reminders

A new Schedule Not Yet Published alert helps managers stay compliant with scheduling deadlines by notifying them when upcoming schedules have not been posted in time. With direct links to the HotSchedules scheduler, managers can post schedules quickly, ensuring employees receive timely visibility into their shifts. The alert supports multiple managers contributing to a schedule and updates as each section is completed.

Enhanced compliance oversight for above store leaders

iQ 2.3 expands Fourth’s Schedule Score capabilities with a Labor Law Compliance Check alert. When an above store leader has locations with schedule scores below 90 percent, iQ identifies the top issues driving the score down. This includes labor law risks, compliance concerns, and factors such as projected overtime. Leaders receive focused insight into which stores require immediate support.

Overtime prevention before costs hit payroll

With the new Overtime Action alert, managers are notified when employees’ combined scheduled and actual hours are projected to exceed overtime by more than 30 minutes. The alert provides a direct-action path into the scheduler, allowing staffing adjustments before overtime becomes unavoidable. This enhancement builds on Fourth’s existing overtime alerting capabilities with a more precise early warning signal.

Customer commentary

“Embracing the Fourth solution has become a strategically important initiative for our business as we look for new ways to increase operational efficiency to deliver great customer and family member experiences,” said Jerry Philips, VP of Technology at Whataburger. “With Fourth, we have a partner with deep industry expertise and the right technology to help us embed AI across our back-office operations.”

About Fourth

Fourth is a global leader in workforce and inventory management solutions for the hospitality, restaurant, and retail industries. Through the Fourth platform and the AI powered Fourth iQ engine, operators gain real time intelligence that streamlines operations, improves decision making, and drives profitability across their businesses. For more information, visit www.fourth.com.