En Route to Fast and Efficient Service: A Proposed Automated Ordering System in Counter-Style Foodservice Establishments

Abstract

Foodservice establishments have turned out to be a huge business market in the recent times. With the advancement in the foodservice industry, restaurateurs are responsive to cater to the consumer needs. This industry has undergone a constant change in adapting to the technological drift. With fierce competition, foodservice businesses are striving hard to answer to the consumer needs of quick ordering and fast service through the development and incorporation of ICTs. This paper proposes the automation of the food ordering through self-service system in counter style food establishments to maximize the number of customers served during peak hours. It also intends to minimize queue length; waiting time to give in their order; queue length at the pickup counter; and the number of lost customers. Moreover, the proposed system will eliminate errors during order taking and communicate inventory status. Keywords: