Self-ordering kiosks help keep lines moving

Consumers these days are an impatient lot. Part of what feeds their frustration in a busy fast-food restaurant are long lines and lengthy wait times.

We’ve all experienced it – someone standing at a counter in front of us, trying to decide what they want to eat and then fumbling around for cash or a card to pay for their meal. Meanwhile, you’re stuck several people back with time ticking and your stomach growling.

Self-ordering kiosks have helped alleviate much of that frustration in recent years by allowing savvy, determined diners to navigate the ordering process more efficiently, making the fast-food visit a speedier experience.

“Fast food ought to live up to its name,” said Jegil Dugger, CEO and founder of leading kiosk developer Pye. “This technology is solidifying that moniker.”

Some 27% of U.S. adults who eat at fast-food restaurants expect their food after ordering within two to three minutes at the most, while most (42%) say it shouldn’t take longer than five minutes, according to the latest CivicScience data.

How do self-ordering devices trim wait times? Kiosks have evolved in recent years, becoming recognizable to consumers, who find their intuitive interfaces easy to navigate. Pye’s suite of devices enables diners to pay electronically or with cash.

“Our goal is simple,” Dugger said. “We want to ensure that our kiosks make a positive difference for both customers and the restaurants that deploy our technology.”