Self Order Machine: Things You May Want to Know

Efficiency and customer satisfaction are key factors for success in the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants (QSRs). To streamline the ordering process and enhance the front-end experience, many businesses are turning to self-service kiosks as a game-changing solution. In recent years, self-ordering kiosks have become extremely popular, revolutionizing the way customers place orders and pay for meals. Due to their ability to increase operational efficiency and generate revenue, self-service kiosks are becoming a staple product in the fast-food industry.

This article explores the advantages of self-service kiosks in QSRs and how they help businesses thrive in today's competitive market.

The Rise of Self-Service Kiosks in the Fast-Food Industry

The adoption rate of self-service kiosks in the fast-food industry has been steadily increasing, with major chains like McDonald's leading the way. In fact, McDonald's has installed over 70,000 self-service devices worldwide, highlighting the growth trend of self-ordering kiosks in this industry.

Advantages of Self-Service Kiosks in Quick-Service Restaurants

Self-service kiosks offer numerous benefits to QSRs and their customers. Let's explore some of the advantages brought by self-ordering kiosks.

.Increased Operational Efficiency and Reduced Labor Costs

One of the primary advantages of self-service kiosks is the ability to simplify operations and reduce labor costs. By allowing customers to input their orders through self-service terminals, restaurants eliminate the need for dedicated staff to take orders, resulting in significant cost savings. Additionally, kiosks never call in sick or request time off, ensuring uninterrupted service and enabling staff to focus on other important tasks. With self-ordering kiosks, staff can efficiently fulfill orders in the kitchen, thereby increasing overall kitchen capacity and reducing customer wait times.

.Increased Revenue through Upselling and Order Customization

Self-service kiosks provide excellent opportunities for upselling and order customization, thereby increasing revenue for fast-food restaurants. Customers no longer feel judged for upgrading their meals or adding extra items to their orders. Studies have shown that self-ordering kiosks can increase the average order size by 21%, equivalent to an additional $5 per transaction. Kiosks prompt customers to consider additional menu items and promotions, providing an easy way to market and sell high-margin products. Additionally, self-ordering kiosks ensure order accuracy, allowing customers to precisely tailor their orders and reduce the risk of errors.

.Enhanced Customer Experience and Reduced Wait Times

Self-service kiosks significantly improve the overall customer experience by reducing wait times and enhancing order efficiency. Customers no longer need to wait for salespeople to take their orders or rely on busy counter staff to accept orders. Through self-service terminals, customers have full control over their ordering process, enabling them to browse menus, select items, and make payments at their own pace. This not only reduces frustration and wait times but also empowers customers to customize their orders without any social pressure. The result is a more seamless and satisfying dining experience.

.Easier Menu Management and Real-Time Updates

Fast-food menus often change due to ingredient availability, promotions, or seasonal offerings. Self-service kiosks make it easier for restaurants to manage menus and provide real-time updates. If a particular item is out of stock, the restaurant can immediately remove it from the menu displayed on the self-service terminal, ensuring customers have access to the latest options. This eliminates the potential disappointment when customers select items that are no longer available. By integrating information kiosks with the point-of-sale platform, restaurants can easily update menus and notify customers of any special promotions or limited-time offers.

.Seamless Integration and Easy Maintenance

Self-service kiosks are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing QSR operations without disrupting the customer experience. They offer multiple installation options, such as countertop, freestanding, or wall-mounted installations, making them adaptable to different store configurations and layouts. Information kiosks can be remotely managed, allowing for easy troubleshooting and maintenance anywhere with an internet connection. This reduces the need for on-site technical support, saving QSRs time and resources.

Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing the Potential of Self-Service Terminals

While self-service kiosks offer numerous advantages, it is crucial for QSRs to address potential challenges and maximize the potential of this technology. Here are some strategies to ensure successful implementation and utilization of self-service terminals:

.Optimize User Experience and Interface Design

Investing in user-friendly interface design for self-service terminals is essential to encourage customer adoption and satisfaction. The interface should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Clear instructions and prompts should guide customers through the ordering process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

.Provide Adequate Staff Support and Assistance

While self-service kiosks are designed to reduce the need for staff involvement in the ordering process, it is important to have employees available to assist customers when needed. Staff should be trained to provide support, answer questions, and address any issues customers may encounter with the self-service terminals. This human touch ensures customers feel supported and valued during their interactions with the self-service terminals.

.Continuously Monitor and Update Menus and Promotions

Regularly reviewing and updating menus and promotions are essential to maintaining the relevance and appeal of self-service terminals to customers. By offering dynamic menus that include new dishes and limited-time promotions, QSRs can entice customers to explore various menu options and increase sales. Ensuring that the menu displayed on the kiosks reflects real-time availability is also important to avoid customer disappointment.

.Leverage Data Analytics for Personalization and Insights

Self-service terminals generate valuable data that can be used for personalizing the customer experience and gaining insights into customer preferences. By analyzing order data, QSRs can identify popular items, customer trends, and upselling opportunities. This information can guide menu development, promotion strategies, and overall business decisions.

.Regularly Maintain and Update Self-Service Terminal Hardware and Software

Regular maintenance and updates of self-service terminal hardware and software are crucial to ensuring smooth operation. This includes performing routine maintenance checks, updating software to address security vulnerabilities, and promptly addressing any technical issues. Regular maintenance and updates help prevent downtime and ensure optimal performance of self-service terminals.

Conclusion

Self-service kiosks have become a powerful tool for simplifying operations, enhancing customer experiences, and increasing revenue in QSRs. By reducing labor costs, improving order efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction, self-service kiosks offer numerous benefits to businesses and customers alike. By addressing potential challenges and optimizing the utilization of self-service terminals, QSRs can unlock the full potential of this technology and maintain a competitive edge in today's competitive market. Adopting self-service kiosks is a strategic move that enables fast-food restaurants to create seamless, efficient dining experiences while maximizing revenue and customer satisfaction.

According to "2024 Global Self ordering Machines", although McDonald's remains the world's largest self ordering technology deployer with over 130000 installations, both Burger King and KFC have significantly expanded their international self ordering machine deployments, covering countries from Romania to the Philippines.

The usage rate of self-service terminals in the Asia Pacific region and Europe, Middle East, and Africa is rapidly increasing.



The report shows that the installation of self-service terminals in restaurants in the Asia Pacific region has significantly increased, mainly due to the Chinese chain Dexter expanding its restaurant scale by more than double, and Korean brands such as Lotteria, Mom's Touch, and A Twosome Place have also widely deployed self-service terminals at their store network.

In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, local chain stores and global fast food brands are pursuing digital store models, including self-service terminals; BCHEF in France and Pasibus in Poland have promoted this technology to all restaurants. North American chain stores are going out of the local market, entering Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and opening stores based on self-service terminals, including Taco Bell in the UK, Dunkin 'Donuts in Germany and Pizzahut in Saudi Arabia.

The largest regional self-service terminal market is in the Americas, with over 110000 installations in the United States alone. In addition to international fast food giants, domestic chain stores in the region, such as Shake Shack in the United States, Habibs in Brazil, and Mostaza in Argentina, are also launching this technology.



More and more restaurants are choosing smaller kiosks

Although the largest standing and double-sided self-service terminals continue to be favored by major global chain stores such as McDonald's, small and medium-sized self-service terminals, including tablet based solutions, are showing strong growth worldwide. In fact, information kiosks with screen sizes between 19 inches and 30 inches now occupy half of the global market.



Space and budget constraints mean that countertop self-service terminals and tablets have gained great appeal in local chain restaurants, including Black Sheep Coffee in the UK, Pokawa in France, and Arctic Circle Restaurants in the United States.

Self ordering is crucial for the future of large chain restaurants

With the rise in food prices and labor costs, as well as the fragility of the supply chain, chain restaurants have seen clear business cases of self-service terminal technology as an effective means of cost reduction. Usually, fast food operators also report an increase in average transaction volume due to the installation of self-service ordering machines.

These economic benefits, as well as the customer's demand for the convenience of this technology, have brought enormous potential for future growth to the global self-service terminal market. RBR Data Services predicts that by 2028, nearly 700,000 self-service terminals will be installed worldwide.

Chris Allen, head of global self-service ordering service terminal research at RBR Data Services in 2024, commented, "As global hotel management costs continue to soar and many developed countries plan to raise minimum wages, chain restaurants of all sizes will introduce self-service terminals or expand their existing service scope as a way to rationalize operations and increase transaction value."

Project name: Self-service payment terminal for the underground parking lot of a large shopping mall



Client Description

The client's application scenario is at the entrance and exit of the underground parking lot of the shopping mall, where drivers can self-service entry registration and exit payment at the entrance and exit of the road gates, which reduces the investment of staff costs and is simple, fast, and convenient. The shopping mall has a high flow of people and requires fast and stable operation of the equipment modules.



Customer Objective

The product is placed in outdoor use, the whole machine should meet the requirements of the outdoor environment, waterproof, dustproof, and explosion-proof;

The product has different operators, each responsible for the management of different modules, the need to make the body up and down into a split, the upper and lower parts of the management can be separated, the maintenance of the selection of the key does not open;

This is an underground parking lot, the entrance is downhill into the garage, the exit is uphill out of the garage, according to the scene customize the body of the appropriate height, convenient for the owner to sit in the car operation;

The parking lot entrance and exit are dimly lit at night, so the body needs to add light elements.



Challenges

LOGO elements on the cabinet need to be hollowed out, using acrylic to carve out the shape of the LOGO and mounted in the position of the cabinet, acrylic LOGO must be flush with the enclosure, the requirements of the acrylic carved out of the LOGO and the position of the body hollowing out the size of the body to maintain consistency, the assembly of personnel should be careful enough to do carefully and conscientiously, and the acrylic LOGO can be transmitted to the effect of the light.

Peak hour data processing: to ensure that the system can operate stably during high traffic hours, and quickly deal with a large number of transactions.

User interface friendliness: design an interface that users of all ages can easily use.

System security: Ensure the data security of the payment process and prevent any kind of data leakage.



Specific solution

Considering the use of the outdoor environment, the screen adopts 1000 lumens high-brightness touch one-piece screen with anti-glare treatment on the glass and a light-sensitive regulator is added so that the screen will automatically adjust the brightness according to the environment;

The whole chassis is made of 1.5mm galvanized plate + outdoor powder spraying, all the inner side of the chassis is affixed with a heat insulation layer, and waterproof strips are added at the door joints of the chassis to prevent water from seeping into the inner side from the door joints; each module is individually designed with a waterproof structure, so that even if the water seeps into the inner side, it can still be discharged through the drainage channel, and the double-layer waterproof structure guarantees the stable operation of the internal electronic modules;

To solve these problems, the shopping center management introduced self-service bill payment terminals. These terminal technologies include:

Automatic License Plate Recognition: Automatically calculates parking time and fees through license plate recognition technology.

Multiple Payment Options: Supports multiple payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay).

Touch screen interface: Provides a clear and concise user interface that is easy to operate and supports multiple language options, including local language and English

Optimized License Plate Recognition Algorithm: Upgrades the license plate recognition system to improve recognition accuracy and processing speed, reducing errors and delays.

Enhanced Payment Security Measures: Introduces end-to-end encryption technology to ensure the security of all payment data.

Customer Feedback System: Instant feedback option at each terminal, allowing customers to provide feedback during use to optimize the system continuously.

Application design board innovation and practical needs:

Energy Saving Mode: The terminal automatically shifts to low energy mode during off-peak hours to reduce energy consumption.

Emergency Support Button: Provides users with the option to call for support at the touch of a button, ensuring immediate assistance in the event of a problem.



Application effect and revenue impact



The ergonomic modular parking lot self-service terminals are suitable for a variety of gate entrance/exit environments, meeting customer needs, enhancing the user experience, and expanding accessibility.

The introduction of self-service payment terminals greatly accelerated the payment process, reducing the average processing time from 5 minutes to 1 minute. Customer traffic management in the parking lot was significantly improved, especially during peak shopping periods. On the management side, significant operational cost savings have been realized by reducing the number of human resources required.

Self-checkout systems have been on the rise in retail settings as a means to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance customer convenience. However, traditional systems often suffer from limitations in flexibility, installation complexity, and customer interaction. The **Detachable 21.5-inch Universal Self-Checkout Machine** was designed to address these challenges, offering a scalable solution that can be used both as a standing kiosk or a desktop unit, adaptable to various retail layouts and service environments.

Key Features of the 21.5-inch Universal Self-Checkout Machine:

1. Detachable Design: The self-checkout machine features a detachable 21.5-inch touchscreen interface, which can be mounted on a stand or used as a desktop unit. This provides flexibility for retailers to install the system based on available space, customer traffic patterns, and overall store layout.

2. Touchscreen Interface: The high-resolution touchscreen allows for an intuitive, user-friendly experience. Customers can scan products, view their total purchase amount, and make payments with ease. The interface is designed to handle multiple languages and integrates with a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and even loyalty points.

3. Barcode Scanning and RFID Technology: The self-checkout machine is equipped with advanced barcode scanning and RFID capabilities to ensure accurate and efficient product identification. The system can easily detect and process items, reducing errors during checkout and speeding up the entire transaction process.

4. Compact and Space-Saving: Despite its large, high-resolution screen, the machine is compact and designed to fit seamlessly in both small and large retail environments. Its detachable feature makes it ideal for different configurations, including corner units, walls, or dedicated self-checkout stations.

5. Security Features: To prevent theft and fraud, the self-checkout machine includes security cameras, weight sensors for item verification, and alerts for unusual activities. The system can detect items not properly scanned or any attempts at bypassing the checkout process.

6. Customizable Software: The machine can be configured with software tailored to different industries, including retail, grocery stores, libraries, and pharmacies. It supports inventory management systems, promotional offers, and customer loyalty programs, all of which can be integrated for a personalized experience.

7. Maintenance and Upgrades: The machine is designed with easy maintenance in mind, allowing for remote diagnostics, software updates, and hardware repairs. Its modular design ensures that parts like the screen, scanner, and payment systems can be easily replaced or upgraded.

Deployment and Implementation:

The Detachable 21.5-inch Universal Self-Checkout Machine was first deployed in a variety of retail settings, ranging from supermarkets and convenience stores to larger department stores and electronics retailers. The deployment process involved several key steps:

1. Assessment of Store Layout and Traffic: Retailers conducted an initial assessment of their store layout, customer traffic patterns, and checkout volume to determine the optimal placement of the self-checkout machines. The flexibility of the detachable design allowed for customization in installation.

2. System Integration: The self-checkout machine was integrated with the store’s existing point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and payment gateways. This seamless integration ensured that transaction data was automatically synced with backend systems for real-time inventory tracking.

3. Staff Training: Retailers provided staff with training on how to assist customers with the new system, address any technical issues, and ensure that the checkout process ran smoothly. This included troubleshooting hardware malfunctions, guiding customers through the payment process, and managing returns.

4. Customer Education: In-store signage and digital tutorials were introduced to help customers understand how to use the self-checkout system. Customer feedback was gathered during the initial pha

Guangzhou, March 2025 – The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) is set to open with the theme "Innovation & Smart Living," showcasing cutting-edge technologies from global exhibitors. Among the highlights are "self-service ordering kiosks, cloud-based POS systems, and automated phone film applicators", offering efficient and personalized solutions for businesses worldwide.



Smart Ordering Kiosks: Revolutionizing the Food Service Industry
Designed for fast-paced environments, "AI-powered ordering kiosks" streamline operations with multilingual interfaces, payment integration, and real-time menu updates. Ideal for restaurants, cafes, and food courts, these kiosks reduce labor costs while enhancing customer experience.

Key Features:
- Touchscreen & voice-controlled operation for accessibility;
- Cloud-synced analytics for sales tracking and inventory optimization;
- Modular design compatible with third-party delivery platforms.



Cloud-Based POS Software: All-in-One Restaurant Management
Complementing the kiosks, "next-gen POS software" enables seamless order management, loyalty programs, and kitchen coordination via mobile devices. Its scalable architecture suits diverse F&B models, from food trucks to fine dining.

Why It Stands Out:
- AI-driven customer insights for targeted promotions;
- Cross-platform synchronization for multi-location control;
- Low-code customization to adapt to regional markets.



Automated Phone Film Applicators: A 24/7 Profit Machine
Inspired by the viral *"Dress Your Phone Now"* concept, **self-service film applicators** deliver precision installation in 60 seconds—no human staff needed. Deployable in malls, campuses, and transit hubs, these devices promise "passive income with high ROI"

Investor Benefits:
- Compatible with 2,000+ phone models (99% market coverage);
- Multi-film options (anti-glare, privacy, tempered glass);
- Remote monitoring via IoT for real-time revenue tracking.



Event Details:
- Dates: March 14 – March 19 , 2023
- Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou
- Booths:the first phase of the Canton Fair in the electronic consumer products and information products exhibition area. The booth number:1.1L40.

Closing Note:
From "contactless dining" to "unmanned retail innovations", this year’s Canton Fair bridges smart technology with real-world profitability. Visit our booths to explore partnership opportunities!

Style: Concise, action-driven, and tailored for international B2B audiences. Keywords like "passive income" and "IoT" enhance SEO.*