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Self-service kiosks have stirred up quite a conversation in the fast-food world. With Gen Z's preference for quick and effortless service, these touch screens have proven to be incredibly helpful. As a result, self-ordering kiosks have become widespread at chains like McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Burger King.
In fact, Shake Shack's CEO, Robert Lynch, says kiosks do more than speed up ordering; they also open up chances to upsell that might get overlooked when staff are busy with long lines.
This change in restaurant operations raises an important point: integrating self-ordering kiosks can cut down wait times, improve order accuracy, and even boost sales.
So, how can you leverage this technology to elevate the dining experience? Let’s find out how self-ordering kiosks paired with OneHubPOS are the perfect solution if you’re tired of long wait times.
Self-ordering kiosks are a game changer! Say goodbye to long queues and waiting around. Self-ordering kiosks ensure quick checkouts and a smoother overall experience.
Self-ordering kiosks reduce order errors by letting customers enter their choices directly, which eliminates miscommunication. No more mixed-up orders—just exactly what the customer wants, every time!
When you have multiple kiosks available, several customers can order at once. No more long lines waiting for one cashier.
The kiosk integrated with payment functionality offers multiple payment options, like credit cards and mobile wallets. Using cash? Simply pay at the counter. Everything is processed smoothly, reducing wait times.
Another key benefit of self-ordering kiosks is that while they handle order-taking, your staff can focus on preparing food and offering a better customer experience instead of line busting, crowd control or struggling to get multiple orders and service requests at once.
For example, kiosks make sure to suggest upsell options, like milkshakes or fries, whenever customers place an order. Shake Shack CEO Robert Lynch notes, "Upselling is not always a priority for employees managing long lines. Their focus is often on processing orders as quickly as possible." Plus, kiosks free up employees from the cash register, allowing them to focus on keeping the dining area tidy, delivering food, or helping out in the kitchen.
Approximately 67% of customers prefer self-service options rather than interacting with a customer service representative. Offering them a self-ordering kiosk lets them customize their orders at their own pace. They don’t feel rushed by other customers in line, and they get more control over their meal. This approach allows customers to enjoy a more personalized and satisfying dining experience.
Here's how you can create a quick service experience for your customers with self-ordering kiosks:
For fast service, your kiosk should have an easy-to-use interface. A confusing or cluttered menu will slow your customers down. Here’s how user-friendly your kiosks should be:
The menu on your self-ordering kiosks should have clear, logical categories like meals, combos, and specials. Presenting too many options at once can overwhelm customers. For example, the OneHubPOS kiosk interface divides items into easily recognizable categories like “Hub Specials” and “Combos,” making it easier for customers to find what they want.
Allowing customers to customize their orders is a great move, but it needs to be simple. Make sure the options for toppings, sides, or drink choices are clear and easy to go through.
Good-quality photos of your menu items can make a big difference. Customers will feel more confident in their choices, which speeds up decision-making.
The menu should work well for both the customer-facing kiosk and your back office system. Here’s what to keep in mind:
You can display the most popular items, combos, and promotions front and center. The customer’s experience should be visual and simple—items need to look good and be easy to select
Behind the scenes, your POS should give your staff everything they need to keep operations running, such as detailed order info and stock levels. This keeps your kitchen running efficiently.
Payment processes in restaurants can become bottlenecks if they are not seamless. An integrated kiosk system like OneHubPOS gives your customers multiple payment options:
Let customers complete their payments directly at the kiosk using a card or mobile payment. This reduces the need for extra steps like going to the counter.
If customers prefer, they can choose to pay at the counter. The kiosk prints a receipt with a barcode or QR code, which they hand to the cashier to complete the payment.
Customers can scan a QR code to quickly pay for their order with their phone, making the process even faster.
During busy periods, having more than one kiosk can drastically cut down wait times. When multiple customers can place orders at the same time, the lines disappear.
Place your kiosks in high-traffic areas or near the entrance. This allows customers to start their order as soon as they walk in, without having to wait in line.
Some kiosks can double as self-checkout stations for customers picking up to-go orders or paying for quick items. This dual functionality helps you maintain quick service during peak hours.
Customers value transparency about their order status, especially during peak hours. With a real-time order tracking system linked to your KDS, they can keep an eye on progress without needing to ask staff.
When an order is placed via a kiosk, it’s sent directly to the kitchen. The kitchen staff sees the order immediately, allowing them to start preparing it right away, cutting down on delays.
You can display real-time updates using OneHubPOS’ Kitchen Display System in the Kitchen and counter. This keeps customers informed and reduces impatience during busy periods.
From start to finish, self-ordering kiosks integrated with OneHubPOS make the ordering process quicker, simpler, and more efficient for both customers and staff. Let’s walk through how easy and quick service becomes when self-ordering kiosks are paired with OneHubPOS.
Getting started is simple. The kiosk asks for a 16-digit activation code, which is provided by the OneHubPOS onboarding team. Just type in the code, and the system will automatically load all the store details.
Once everything’s set, you’ll be prompted to accept the terms and conditions, and within moments, you’re ready to go.
The home screen offers customers a choice: Dine-In or Takeout. With just a tap, the system adjusts itself to fit the selected service type, making it a smooth and tailored experience whether customers plan to sit down or grab their food to go.
Going through the menu is effortless. It’s divided into clear product groups, so customers can easily find what they want. For example, they might choose "Hub Special" to see related meal options.
Adding items is as easy as a single tap. Plus, customers can customize their order—whether it’s adjusting toppings, selecting sides, or choosing a portion size—before sending it to the cart.
Not done yet? Customers can simply hit Order More to keep browsing the menu.
As customers browse, the kiosk keeps track of their choices with a real-time order summary at the bottom of the screen. This summary includes the subtotal, tax, and total, so customers always know where they stand.
Need to make a quick change? They can delete items or adjust quantities with just a couple of taps. Not quite ready to order? No problem. The cart can be cleared, or they can return to the homepage to start fresh.
Once the customer has made their selections, all they have to do is tap Complete Order. From there, they’ll be asked to choose a payment method:
The customer can finish their transaction right at the kiosk using a card or digital wallet. The receipt is printed automatically, and the order is sent straight to the kitchen.
Prefer to pay at the counter? No worries. The kiosk prints out a receipt with a barcode or QR code, which the customer takes to the cashier to finalize the payment.
After payment, the kiosk generates an Order ID, which is printed on the receipt. This ID can be used to track the order’s progress, whether it’s through a display screen in the restaurant.
Self-ordering kiosks address customer demands for quick and efficient service. Integrating them with your POS system takes efficiency to the next level, transforming your restaurant's operations. They reduce errors, speed up transactions, and give your customers more control over their ordering experience.
Looking for faster service, happier customers, and smoother operations? With OneHubPOS, you can manage your operations, reduce wait times, and free up your staff to focus on preparing food and providing excellent customer service.
Sahana is a seasoned GTM leader with a passion for building startups. She excels in crafting GTM strategies for tech products, driving revenue growth.
