10 essential control terminal features
October 11, 2024
Imagine being able to place your orders without even raising your voice.
The solution? A control terminal!
A control terminal is an interactive deviceThese machines, often with touch screens, enable customers to place orders themselves, without having to speak to an employee. Historically in France, they have been found in restaurants, stores and cinemas. They allow customers to choose products, customize options and pay directly on the kiosk, making the process more convenient. fast and practice.
Since the pandemic, digitalization has become a central pillar for the food service industry, from small independent restaurants to large chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. Before the crisis, innovations such as online ordering and delivery apps were booming.
Today, the quality of user experience on digital platforms: order terminals, mobile applications, delivery websites... has become a decisive criterion for attract and build loyalty customers.
But then having a control terminal is all well and good, but what are key features not to be overlooked?
Essential features
1. Intuitive, ergonomic interface
An intuitive, ergonomic interface is undoubtedly one of the most crucial features for a kiosk in the foodservice sector. The main objective is to create a user experience (UX) fluid and pleasant, where every interaction is quick and easy, to encourage customers to use the kiosk regularly, while reducing ordering errors.
Clean design : Screens must be clear and logically organized, with visible buttons, legible text and visuals. understandable. Important options (for examplestart an order", "select a menu"or "pay"must be identifiable.
Large icons and adapted typography : These elements enable improve the experience for the elderly or visually impaired, facilitating stress-free navigation. PRM access is also important, especially for children. choose their products.
2. Customize controls
Customization of orders is a key feature which allows customers adapt their meals according to their specific preferences. It offers the possibility of modifying the dishes on offer by adding or in removing ingredients, such as extra cheese, bacon, sauces or specific toppings. This level of customization makes it possible to reeting consumer expectations who are looking for tailor-made meals, adapted to their tastes, allergies or diets.
For restaurateurs, this means an increase in the average basket thanks to paid options and additional sales. If you're wondering what we're talking about, we'll tell you right after!
3. Product push functionality
Functionality product push is a way of suggesting a product or promotion during the order process.
Thanks to this function, the terminal can suggest products according to the choices already made by the customer. For example, after selecting a burger menu, the kiosk can suggest adding a dessert or a drink, or a garnish, depending on what the establishment offers.
These personalized suggestions allow consumers to discover options that he wouldn't have thought of spontaneously, while maximizing sales opportunities for the establishment.
4. Real-time connection to stock
Imagine the panic during rush hour, when stocks haven't been updated. The orders come in, but the dishes are no longer available...
Thanks to order-taking system integration with your cash register software, you'll be able to update your stock regularly. No need to worry about stock errors! Orders are sent live to the cash register software, and if there's no stock, the product is sold out. is no longer displayed on until it's back in stock. Nothing to do, convenient!
5. Loyalty recognition
Loyalty programs are increasingly popular and in demand among customers... According to aHarvard Business Review, customer loyalty can lead to increased profits for 25% à 95%.
In a context where consumers have more and more choices, a well-designed loyalty program not only helps to maintaining commitmentbut also strengthen relationships with loyal customers by offering them exclusive benefits.
It is therefore essential for a control terminal to be able to recognize and integrate these loyalty programs, whether via physical cards, mobile applications or QR codes.
Thanks to this feature, customers can identify themselves at the very start of the order process, enabling the kiosk to :
- Collecting points with every transaction, reinforcing the customer's motivation to return.
- Automatically apply rewards reductions or special offers associated with the loyalty program.
- Use purchase history to propose new products and services personalized recommendations based on customer preferences.
6. Multilingualism
Not surprisingly, the choice of language is an important key functionality to enable as many people as possible to order.
Offering customers the option of choosing their language at the start of the order process is not only a matter of convenience, but also a way of ensuring that the customer's language of choice is always the same. inclusivenessto make everyone feel at ease and understood.
In addition to adapting to consumer needsThe choice of language reduces the risk of misunderstandings, ensuring more precise orders.
7. Access to nutritional information
With today's changing food consumption trends, it's essential for customers to be able to choose from the range of products offered by the restaurant they visit. At least one access to nutritional information such as allergens, lactose, organic foods... It's simply compulsory, so don't forget it!
8. Queue management and order notifications
Notification systems, such as digital beeps or SMS text messages, allow customers to be alerted as soon as that their order is ready for collection. This allows the customer to sit back and avoid queuing in front of the counter. Control terminals for a smoother customer experience at the point of sale!
Geolocated trestles add an extra layer of convenience, allowing restaurant staff to know exactly where they are and where they are going. where to deliver the order in space, thanks to devices placed on the tables.
9. Visual communication
Visual communication is an essential feature in consumer order-taking. By giving a precise idea This feature reduces uncertainty, improves the user experience and facilitates decision-making. In concrete terms, this is when you'll succeed in make a consumer want to buy to choose one dish over another. We therefore recommend that you beautiful photos.
By seeing the dishes, the customer is more likely to make informed choices and add extrasor even be tempted by products that he wouldn't have thought of initially.
10. Multi-basket controls
The multi-basket controls is a major asset for control terminals located in environments such as food courts. Thanks to this function, a customer can place an order with several brands in a single transaction.
This simplifies the process for customers who want to order from different stands without having to make several separate payments. The order and payment are then split on each stand concernedwith cash register software integration.
"We needed to distribute multi-basket orders as well as payments so that they could be sent to the different kitchen stands. Obypay was the most interesting and appropriate solution for our needs. "Matthieu, General Manager, Palmito
Must-have bonuses :
NFC payments
The integration of NFC payments (Near Field Communication : solution for exchanging data between a reader and any compatible mobile terminal, or between the terminals themselves) is a key feature for all modern order terminals, giving customers the opportunity to pay for their orders quickly, conveniently and securely.
This contactless payment solution enables users tocarry out their transactions simply by bringing their bank card, smartphone or connected watch close to the terminal, without having to insert a card or enter a code.
Flexibility and accessibility
The order terminals are designed to adapt to a variety of catering environments and rhythms, from typical fast-food outlets to the most sophisticated, high-tech food service operations. fast food or service facilities more mediumlike brasseries or à la carte restaurants.
They can be easily integrated into all formats, including direct solutions. to the tableThis allows customers to order from the comfort of their seats.
These terminals are an ideal ally for teams : they reduce the workload associated with order-taking, enabling staff to concentrate on other, more strategic tasks, such as reception and room service.
The terminals on feet are ideal for open spaces where customers can move about freely, while the countertop terminals are suitable for smaller spaces, allowing installation at customer height for fast interaction.
Visit wall-mounted terminalsThey save floor space and are ideal for environments where every square metre counts.
Terminals adjustable or specially designed, must be installed to allow easy access to the people with reduced mobility. This includes reduced-height screens, ergonomic interfaces and wheelchair-friendly features.
Benefits of control terminals for the company
In addition to the many advantages that kiosks offer restaurateurs, here are a few more significant elements more.
Reduce queues and optimize resources.
By offering customers a wide choice of productsthey enhance the efficiency of kitchen teams and improve service overall in the restoration fast or food courts.
Employees, who are less involved in order taking, can be redeployed to other tasks value-added activities, such as customer reception or faster preparation in the kitchen.
Data collection to analyze consumer habits
These terminals also enable restaurateurs analyze data to adjust their offerand propose loyalty programs.
Every transaction, every order and every interaction with the menu is recorded, enabling restaurateurs valuable information about the consumer habits.
These data can be used to analyze the most popular products, adjust the offersand even customize suggestions based on customer preferences. The kiosks make it possible to monitor the impact of loyalty and promotions, helping to optimize sales strategies. sale.
Connecting the terminals to the point-of-sales software centralized system for real-time synchronization of information related to ordersto stocks and payments. In addition to improving the management of financial flows, it enables us to quickly adjust our offer according to product availability, thus avoiding product shortages or ordering errors. Visit inventory management becomes smoother, and menu optimization more responsive.
Ordering kiosks simplify the customer experience and open up exciting prospects for the future. They continue to evolve with the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and personalization, affirming their central role in modern restoration solutions.
Accelerate your success with order terminals
Ready to take the plunge? It's time to think of control terminals as a way of life. key solution to offer a experience fast, fluid and customized to your customerswhile increasing your sales. This is this way.
Discover our guides to help you take your business to the next level:
➜ Guide: everything you need to know about ordering kiosks for fast-food outlets
