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Insights and Expertise
The rise of self-ordering

kiosks in food service

By Elie Y. Katz translate to improved customer satisfaction and reduced
National Retail Solutions (NRS) food waste.
Enhanced data analytics
ood service establishments constantly seek ways
to streamline operations, improve customer sat- In addition, kiosks can provide valuable data insights
isfaction and boost their bottom line. As many of for food service establishments. The kiosks can track
F you know, one solution that has gained traction popular menu items, peak ordering times and customer
lately is the self-ordering kiosk. preferences. The data can be used to optimize menu
offerings, staffing schedules and inventory management.
These interactive devices allow customers to place their By leveraging these insights, establishments can make
orders and make payments without the need for direct data-driven decisions to improve their operations and
interaction with staff. While self-ordering kiosks offer better serve their customers.
numerous benefits, they also come with their own set
of challenges. The benefits, however, outweigh the Not for everybody
challenges.
While self-ordering kiosks offer numerous benefits, it's
Reduced wait times, increased efficiency important to consider and address the diverse needs of
all customers. Some individuals, particularly those less
Among the primary benefits of self-ordering kiosks are familiar with technology or those with varying literacy
reduced wait times and increased efficiency. During peak levels or visual impairments, may require additional
hours, such as the lunchtime rush, customers often wait in assistance or alternative ordering methods.
lengthy queues to place orders. This can lead to frustration
and may even cause some customers to leave without To ensure a positive experience for everyone, restaurants
making a purchase. Self-ordering kiosks can reduce long can implement user-friendly kiosk interfaces with features
lines and wait times. like audio prompts, large text options and multilingual
support. Maintaining traditional ordering options and
By implementing self-ordering kiosks, food service training staff to provide support can further enhance
establishments can significantly reduce wait times, as inclusivity and cater to a wider range of customer
customers can input their orders at their own pace without preferences.
requiring a staff member to take their orders manually.
The future of self-ordering kiosks
Lower labor costs
Despite these challenges, the adoption of self-ordering
Another significant benefit of self-ordering kiosks kiosks in the food service industry is likely to continue
is reduced labor costs associated with order taking. growing. As technology advances and becomes more
In traditional food service setups, employees spend user-friendly, the barriers to entry will diminish.
considerable time taking orders, which can be time- Merchant services providers who bring this technology
consuming and costly. to food service establishments and help them address the
associated challenges will gain loyal customers by helping
With self-ordering kiosks, the need for dedicated order- them reap the benefits of streamlined operations, improved
taking staff is minimized, allowing employees to focus customer satisfaction, and increased profitability.
on other essential tasks such as food preparation and
customer service. This reallocation of labor can increase Let your food service clients know that self-ordering
efficiency and cost savings for the establishment. kiosks represent a significant step forward in the

Fewer errors evolution of food service. Remind them of the numerous
advantages, such as reduced wait times, lower labor costs,
Self-ordering kiosks also have the potential to minimize and minimized order errors, it is crucial to consider the
order errors. When customers place their orders directly potential challenges and help restaurateurs take steps to
through the kiosk, there is less room for miscommunication mitigate them. By prioritizing accessibility, inclusivity,
or misinterpretation. The kiosk displays clear and concise and customer support, food service establishments can
menu options, allowing customers to customize their successfully integrate self-ordering kiosks into their
orders according to their preferences. operations and unlock the full potential of this innovative
technology.
The direct input from the customer reduces the likelihood Elie Y. Katz is founder, president and CEO at National Retail Solutions
of errors that may occur when orders are verbally (NRS), https://nrsplus.com. Contact him by phone at 201-715-5179 or
communicated to staff members. Fewer order errors by email at ekatz@nrsplus.com.

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