Business Challenge
The client experienced increasing customer demand during peak hours, resulting in:
- Long queues and reduced throughput at traditional cash registers.
- Inconsistent order-taking due to human error.
- Limited ability to upsell or personalize the customer experience.
- High dependence on staff during rush periods, increasing labor costs.
They sought a self-service kiosk solution to support contactless ordering, digital menus, and real-time order syncing with kitchen and POS systems. The goal was to deliver a modern, efficient experience for customers while improving operational performance.
Solution
The kiosk software was developed to streamline the client’s day-to-day operations across various restaurant formats — from compact food stands to high-traffic quick-service outlets. Prior to implementation, the order process was heavily reliant on front-of-house staff, often resulting in service delays during peak periods and inconsistencies in how orders were communicated to kitchen staff.
The solution was designed to manage the entire ordering workflow — from menu selection to kitchen routing — with minimal staff involvement. Customers can independently browse menu options, customize their selections, and complete payment directly through the kiosk. Orders are transmitted in real time to the kitchen display system and point-of-sale terminal, reducing the potential for miscommunication and ensuring uniform preparation times. The interface also includes built-in upselling prompts (e.g., “add a side?” or “upgrade your drink”), aligned with typical quick-service practices to increase average order value without additional labor.
The system is now actively used to process hundreds of transactions per location each day. It alleviates pressure on front-of-house staff, accelerates service during high-demand hours, and improves coordination between service and kitchen teams. Additionally, all transactional data is fed directly into the existing sales infrastructure, simplifying reporting and real-time stock management.
Project Stages
Requirements & Planning: We conducted onsite observations and mapped the full customer journey across dine-in and takeaway flows.
UI/UX Design: Created a sleek, touch-optimized interface with minimal steps to checkout and clear visuals for food items.
Development & Integration: Built and tested the kiosk app and backend API integration with POS and kitchen systems.
Deployment & Support: Rolled out pilot kiosks across 10 locations, with ongoing updates based on real-user feedback.
Business Outcomes
- 40% reduction in order time per customer during peak hours
- 22% increase in average order value due to built-in upselling
- 35% decrease in front-of-house labor costs
- 100% order accuracy with direct kitchen transmission
- Real-time data visibility into sales, customer preferences, and peak hours
Technologies Used
To build a reliable, responsive, and user-friendly kiosk system, we used:
- Vue.js: Enabled fast, dynamic interfaces ideal for touch interactions.
- Node.js: Powered the backend services, connecting orders, menus, and payment gateways.
- PostgreSQL: Managed structured data on menu items, orders, and user sessions.
- WebSockets: Enabled real-time updates between kiosk, kitchen display, and admin dashboards.
- Linux: Provided a stable, lightweight operating environment for kiosk terminals.
These technologies ensured smooth performance even under heavy usage, while keeping operational costs low.
Need a Similar Solution?
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