In an increasingly competitive business environment, fast food companies are constantly looking for ways to optimize their operations, improve the customer journey and reduce costs. Automation is emerging as a promising solution to these challenges, taking advantage of the latest technological advances. This white paper explores the automation technologies used in fast food, their impact on operations, and presents case studies illustrating their successful implementation.
According to a study by Deloitte, the French fast food market is set to grow by 3.5% by 2022, reaching 54.8 billion euros. However, the sector faces major challenges, such as labor shortages, rising raw material costs and the need to improve the customer journey. In 2023, 68% of fast food companies in France said they would have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees.
Cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) systems enable centralized management of sales, inventory and employees from any Internet-connected device. They offer greater flexibility, automatic updates and improved data security.
Touch-screen POS systems modernize the ordering process, facilitate employee training and speed up service thanks to an intuitive interface. They can also be used to display attractive images of dishes, for an optimized customer experience even before being served.
Portable POS systems, such as tablets, enable waiters to take orders and collect payments directly at the customer’s table, improving efficiency and service.
More and more fast food restaurants are adopting contactless payments by credit card, digital wallet or face/fingerprint recognition, offering a fast, safe, secure and hygienic payment experience.
QR codes are widely used to enable customers to access digital menus, pay their bill and even leave feedback, reducing physical contact and printing costs (and the time a customer spends leaving positive feedback).
Food Tech refers to all technological innovations applied to the food sector, from production to distribution, processing and consumption. In the fast food sector, Food Tech encompasses solutions such as food robots, self-service order kiosks, queue management systems and many other technologies designed to optimize operations and the customer experience.
The foodservice industry needs to take an interest in new technologies to improve profitability and remain competitive in the long term.
Automation offers innovative solutions to these challenges. Here are some of the emerging technologies that are transforming the fast food sector.
Automated kitchen robots can prepare food consistently and efficiently, reducing human error and improving food quality. According to a Capgemini study, the use of kitchen robots can increase productivity by 30% and reduce food waste by 24%.
Self-service ordering kiosks allow customers to place their orders independently, reducing waiting times and improving the customer experience. According to a study by QSR Automations, restaurants that have adopted these kiosks have seen an average increase in sales of 12%.
Queue management systems use sensors and algorithms to optimize customer flow, reducing waiting times and improving operational efficiency. A Qmatic study revealed that these systems can reduce waiting times by 35% in fast food restaurants.
Autonomous delivery robots enable deliveries to be made efficiently and cost-effectively, drastically reducing labor costs and improving delivery times.
The ability to book online is an essential convenience for customers today; easily reserving a table using intuitive software is key to loyalty.
What’s more, it facilitates reservation management for restaurants, optimizes space utilization, reduces waiting times and increases table turnover, thus improving margins.
With augmented reality menus, customers enjoy an immersive experience by viewing dishes in 3D before ordering.
Efficient inventory management to reduce food waste and optimize orders is made easier with digital stock tracking.
Offer a unique immersive restaurant experience, transporting customers into captivating virtual environments using virtual reality. This technology can increase customer engagement and translate into higher sales.
Digital display screens in kitchens improve communication and coordination between teams, reducing errors and increasing operational efficiency.
Maintaining the comfort of customers and staff is not something to be neglected; optimal air quality in catering and kitchen areas is very important. In addition to reducing the risk of food contamination, high-tech air purification systems significantly enhance customer satisfaction.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots can efficiently manage orders, reservations and customer service 24/7, reducing staff workload and improving the customer journey.
Automation through new technologies has a significant impact on fast food profitability.
By automating certain repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as food preparation or order-taking, fast food businesses can reduce their staffing requirements, resulting in significant savings on labor costs, while freeing up employees to concentrate on higher value-added tasks.
Automation systems guarantee consistent preparation and service, reducing human error and improving product quality.
Automation streamlines processes, eliminates bottlenecks and improves overall operational efficiency.
By reducing waiting times and offering faster, more consistent service, automation improves the overall customer experience.
McDonald’s has successfully deployed self-service ordering kiosks in its restaurants in France. According to an internal report, this initiative has increased average sales per transaction by 17% and reduced waiting times by 25%. Customers appreciate the convenience and speed offered by these kiosks, while the company benefits from increased operational efficiency.
KFC has adopted kitchen robots in some of its restaurants in France to prepare food consistently and efficiently. According to an internal report, this initiative has reduced food waste by 22% and increased employee productivity by 18%. The kitchen robots have also helped improve product quality and consistency, boosting customer satisfaction.
To reap the full benefits of automation, fast food businesses need to adopt a strategic, well-planned approach. Here are some key recommendations.
Start by identifying areas of potential improvement, such as cost reduction, improved customer experience or workflow optimization.
Select the automation technologies that best meet your specific needs, taking into account factors such as cost, ease of use and integration with existing systems.
Make sure your employees are properly trained in the use of new automation technologies to maximize their effectiveness and adoption.
Closely monitor the performance of the latest innovations and adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize results.
Inform your customers about the changes brought about by automation, and highlight the benefits they will derive from it, such as faster service and an enhanced experience.
Automation represents a significant opportunity for fast food businesses in France, enabling them to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve the customer experience. Although the adoption of these new systems may require initial investment, the long-term benefits, such as substantial cost savings and increased customer satisfaction, make them a wise choice for businesses keen to remain competitive in a constantly changing environment.
As automation technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more revolutionary innovations in the fast food sector. Artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and voice command systems are all promising areas that could further transform operations and the customer journey in the years to come.
By embracing automation strategically and staying at the forefront of the latest technological trends, fast food businesses in France will be well positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive business environment.
With over 25 years’ experience in the foodservice sector, Inibar Services is the ideal partner to support businesses in their transition to automation and integration of the latest technologies.
Our teams of certified experts analyze in depth the specific needs of each establishment to propose tailor-made solutions. Thanks to its personalized approach, in-depth knowledge of existing systems, and constant, effective technology watch, Inibar Services guarantees the seamless integration of new technologies, helping to optimize operations, reduce costs and improve the customer experience, while maximizing the overall profitability of the fast food business.
In an increasingly competitive business environment, fast food companies are constantly looking for ways to optimize their operations…
