How Kitchen Automation can Streamline Your Restaurant’s Operations

Restaurants are fast-moving work environments where every second counts. No wonder managers in these establishments face so many operational challenges. Luckily, automation technology can help.

To keep customers coming through the doors and the drive-through lane, quick service restaurants (QSRs) must maintain high standards on all fronts. They must excel at quality of service while maintaining high quality of food, and they must do it all while keeping margins acceptable and consumer costs reasonable, even as supply costs rise. This requires maintaining experienced, competent employees in a high-turnover sector.

Technology can help to address these challenges. Automation drives efficiency into QSR operations, starting with a well-planned kitchen display system. This can drive customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and establishment profitability.

Better customer satisfaction with KDS

The benefits of a KDS system begin with quality of service. Good service is a priority for 63% of QSR diners^[1], and a KDS helps to improve it. One of the biggest gains is in order accuracy. Its ability to relay information clearly from server to kitchen — or even to collect orders directly from customers themselves — reduces order errors by 56%.^[2]

Real-time order tracking and the use of customized views for different stations keeps things moving in the kitchen. Speed of service is a factor for 56% of diners^[3], and 77% of consumers expect kitchen automation to accelerate dish preparation.^[4]

A KDS also brings more functionality directly to customers. Kiosks at the table or in the waiting area help keep them informed about the status of their order. Order tracking is important for 65% of restaurant customers.^[5]

Why QSR employees love KDS

Employees are the linchpin in any QSR environment, but they can be difficult to attract and keep. That’s why 46% of restaurants prioritize their technology investments based on employee retention.^[6] KDS can help retain employees by creating a less stressful restaurant environment. Friendly user interfaces are easy to follow, while standardized processes leave less room for guesswork and error.

Additionally, because KDS can reduce physical contact, it may provide an overall safer work environment for employees. Whether it’s reducing the chance of collisions and injuries or limiting the spread of germs, KDS can help improve busy working environments for restaurant staff.

Operational efficiency gains

Kitchen automation brings real-world efficiency gains. In 2020, Taco Bell introduced a KDS that allowed workers to prioritize orders based on size and complexity. They were able to share order details with fellow team members to help improve order accuracy.

Alongside minimizing order wait times, KDS brings other operational improvements. For example, seamless integration with existing POS systems enhances end-to-end workflow efficiency beyond food preparation.

Boosting your bottom line with kitchen automation

Many of the advantages of a KDS translate directly to the bottom line. For example, streamlining workflows helps to reduce labor costs, enabling QSR workers to handle more tasks during an average shift. As restaurants become more confident in the ability of a KDS system, they can increase these efficiencies by extending those workflows directly to the customers’ tables with self-ordering kiosks, for example.

More efficiency in meal ordering and delivery also helps QSRs to increase their throughput. This is especially important during peak hours such as the breakfast rush, which is increasing overall in the U.S. as diners move away from lunch dining.^[7] The ability to flex as dining patterns change is critical.

Increased order accuracy and more consistent food quality also help reduce food waste. Not only does this help to reduce overall raw material costs, but it also contributes to restaurant sustainability.

The next step in automating QSR operations

Investing in kitchen automation is an ideal way to make operational gains in a competitive sector. That’s why 52% of restaurant operators planned technology investments to help improve productivity in 2024, joining 41% who had already done so in 2023.^[8]

You can join this group by evaluating your current operations and identifying areas for improvement. Our team can help you to map the gaps that you find in your operational efficiency against key KDS features that can boost your performance across multiple areas. Learn more about how you can modernize and optimize kitchen operations at Epson.com/kitchen-display-system