Choosing the Best Self-Ordering Kiosk Provider for Your Restaurant
Self-ordering kiosks have become an essential tool in the restaurant industry, helping to increase efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve customer satisfaction. With the rise in consumer preference for self-service options, it has become crucial for restaurants to integrate such solutions into their operations. However, with numerous providers in the market, it can be challenging to identify the best one that suits your specific needs.
The Benefits of Self-Ordering Kiosks
Self-ordering kiosks are free-standing customer-facing devices that allow patrons to place orders and make payments independently. This can significantly alleviate the burden on staff and cater to the changing preferences of consumers, with 65% of them preferring self-service options like kiosks. A well-designed kiosk can seamlessly integrate with a restaurant's Point of Sale (POS) system, kitchen display system (KDS), and payment processor, streamlining the order-taking and order fulfillment processes.
Features to Look for in a Self-Ordering Kiosk Software
The best self-ordering kiosk software should offer features such as:
The ability to add menu photos and easily handle modifiers. Integration with popular modifiers and combo orders. Built-in upsell suggestions to enhance revenue.Moreover, effective self-ordering tools can contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission, making dining safer for patrons. However, it is important to ensure that the self-ordering experience is as hygienic as possible. Here are some key points to consider for safe ordering:
The kiosk must allow for efficient order placement, ideally taking less time than in-person ordering. The order should be directly sent to the kitchen staff to minimize disruptions. A label should be printed for each order, facilitating minimal interaction and reducing confusion.Finding the Right Self-Ordering Kiosk Provider
While it is difficult to pinpoint a single 'best' provider, there are several factors to consider when selecting a self-ordering kiosk solution for your restaurant. Here are some questions to ask during your evaluation process:
Payment Processor Control: Can you choose your own payment processor, or is it controlled by the kiosk vendor? Live Dashboard: Is there a live dashboard to view sales via kiosk, and what does it look like with its features? Integration: Does the kiosk integrate with your existing POS system, and what does this integration offer? Vendor Independence: Does the kiosk vendor work with any restaurant irrespective of their POS, or do you have to use a specific POS system? Cost: What is the total cost, including hardware and monthly ongoing costs? Are there commissions on orders taken by the kiosk? Support: What does the support system look like, and is it available 24/7? Do they offer live chat, email, and phone support? Deployment Time: How long will it take to deploy kiosks into your restaurant? Case Studies: Are there any case studies available for previous deployments?Conclusion
Selecting the right self-ordering kiosk provider for your restaurant is a critical decision that should not be taken lightly. Our team at Foodli has helped numerous restaurants successfully implement kiosks, and we believe that ongoing support is key to the success of any project. To ensure a smooth transition and effective implementation, it is crucial to have a strong WiFi network in your restaurant. A weak WiFi infrastructure can lead to significant operational challenges.