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Kiosks: the easiest How do kiosks solve a QSR’s problems?

sale an ISO will make The self-ordering kiosk is a form of digitization that can
take on the work of 1.5 people. As a complete order and
payment solution, kiosks can be used to fully automate
the entire order process. This means QSRs will not
need dedicated staff for front-of-house duties. With that
column deleted from the staffing spreadsheet, the staffing
requirement of a QSR will be reduced, helping them
circumvent the labor shortage.

Kiosks can be customized to meet a QSR’s specific needs.
The QSR operator can select what options they require
and the software can be tailored accordingly. The look and
feel of the kiosk can also be personalized using the QSR’s
themes and logos, reinforcing the restaurant’s brand
identity. Kiosks come in different forms—table-top, wall
mountable and free-standing podium. The kiosk operator
has flexibility to choose the size that fits them best with
the added advantage of using a combination of varieties.

Unlike humans, these machines do not fall sick, do not
ask for leave, do not need a minimum four-hour shift
By Bill Vasquez for extra support during peak time, and do not walk out.
Advisor to Applova They are dependable and reliable. QSR operators are all
too familiar with rostering challenges emerging from sick
n average 1.4 million job openings remained leave, absence and resignations. Kiosks eliminate these
unfilled in the 12 months ending in May 2022, difficulties, allowing QSRs to operate without the regular
the highest level on record. Unfilled job open- scramble to find cover or hire temp help.
A ings exceeded total hires by an average of
500,000 each month in the six month period from October Kiosk add-ons can enhance the efficiency of a QSR by
2021 to March 2022. While an Aug. 5, 2022, jobs report streamlining workflow. A kitchen display system receives
indicated the United States had recovered the 22 million orders directly from the kiosk without requiring a person
jobs volume lost during the pandemic, it took 29 months to physically convey the message. Customers can be kept
for this to happen. These are disheartening statistics for in the loop about their order status, including finding out
the Accommodation and Food Service Sector as presented which window to collect their order from, through a public
by the National Restaurant Association. address system. With these linked devices, QSRs will have
a complete and consolidated front-of-store digital set-up,
In the face of an acute labor shortage, restaurants are making it possible for them to run without any designated
struggling to function at regular capacity. QSRs have been front-of-store staff.
the worst hit, with a majority having to take drastic action,
including reducing service capacity and operating hours. Why is it easy for ISOs to sell
Some have been pushed to the extent of needing to remain kiosks to QSR merchants?
closed on certain days of the week.
Kiosks are a ready-made solution to a QSR’s labor issues.
Exacerbating this bleak situation is the dramatic increase in They start working as soon as they are installed—no
minimum wage. Employing staff has become significantly interviewing, signing contracts or training. Merchants
costlier than pre-pandemic times. That is the double- are in dire need of a quick fix for their current difficulties
whammy for QSRs—finding workers is tough enough; and so will be receptive to this solution that offers instant,
once hired, paying them is exceptionally expensive. tangible results.

QSRs need immediate, cost-effective solutions to stay In a context of soaring inflation and excruciatingly high
in business. Almost all QSR operators are looking for costs, merchants are constantly strategizing on how
an economical way to stay running without having to to reduce expenditures. Kiosks provide the answer to
bring more hands on deck. Thankfully for an ISO there is this too. The biggest investment will be the purchase—
already the perfect solution: kiosks. In times as tough as and with the right vendor, this should be well within a
these that require an instant fix, ISOs have an easy sales merchant’s budget.
opportunity with kiosks.
The running costs of a kiosk are nominal and are not even
comparable to the steep wages, incentives and bonuses

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