June 27, 2024
Voice AI is transforming how restaurants take orders, offering benefits like:
Key features of Voice AI ordering systems:
FeatureDescriptionNatural Language ProcessingUnderstands speech in multiple languagesPOS IntegrationConnects directly to restaurant systemsData AnalysisProvides insights on customer habitsMulti-language SupportServes diverse customer bases
While Voice AI offers many advantages, restaurants should consider:
As Voice AI technology advances, we can expect:
Voice AI is set to become a standard feature in restaurant ordering, reshaping the dining experience for customers and operations for restaurants.
Voice AI is a tool that lets restaurants take orders using spoken words. It listens to what customers say and turns their words into orders. This tech can understand different languages and accents, making it easy for many people to use.
Here's how old and new ordering methods compare:
Old MethodNew Method (Voice AI)Talking to staff in person or on the phoneSpeaking orders directly to a computerCan lead to mistakes and long waitsFewer errors and faster orderingStaff must write down or type in ordersOrders go straight into the computer systemLimited to restaurant hoursCan work 24/7
Voice AI makes ordering food easier and quicker. Customers just say what they want, and the computer does the rest. This helps restaurants in a few ways:
In the past, ordering food from restaurants was different:
Now, many people order food using computers or phones:
Old WayNew WayCall or visitUse app or websiteTalk to staffType or tap orderPay in personPay onlineWait for receiptGet email confirmation
A study found that almost 60% of digital orders now come through restaurant apps. This change has helped restaurants:
As more people use apps to order food, restaurants need to keep up with these changes to do well.
Voice AI ordering systems use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand customer speech. This lets the AI:
Voice AI links to Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, which helps:
BenefitDescriptionFaster ordersAI updates orders in real-timeFewer mistakesReduces human error in order takingBetter insightsProvides data on customer habits and sales
Voice AI collects and uses customer information to:
Voice AI can speak many languages. This helps restaurants:
Voice AI helps restaurants serve customers better. It makes ordering feel more natural and friendly. This makes customers happier and more likely to come back.
Voice AI reduces errors in orders. This means:
BenefitResultMore accurate ordersFewer complaintsLess food wasteSaves moneyHappier customersBetter restaurant reputation
Voice AI makes restaurant work easier. It:
Restaurants can save money with Voice AI:
HowImpactFewer order-takers neededLower labor costsStaff can do other important jobsBetter use of workers24/7 ordering without extra payMore sales opportunities
Voice AI gives restaurants useful information about customers. This helps them:
While voice AI ordering systems can help restaurants, there are some issues to consider.
Setting up a voice AI system can be expensive, especially for small restaurants. Costs include:
ItemDescriptionHardwareComputers and devices to run the systemSoftwarePrograms that make the AI workTrainingTeaching staff how to use the systemSetupConnecting the AI to other restaurant systems
Even though it costs a lot at first, it can save money over time by working faster and making fewer mistakes.
Staff need to learn how to use the new system. This can be hard if:
Voice AI systems collect customer information. Restaurants must:
Sometimes, voice AI might not understand complex orders. For example:
Type of OrderPotential IssueMany changes to a dishAI might miss some detailsSpecial requestsAI might not know how to handle themUnusual menu itemsAI might not recognize them
To fix this, restaurants can:
Voice AI is changing how restaurants take orders. Here are some new tools restaurants are using:
AI chatbots help restaurants:
For example, Wendy's plans to use an AI chatbot called FreshAI for drive-thrus.
Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant let customers:
Phone apps with voice AI let customers:
For instance, VOICEplug AI Phone lets people order food by talking naturally.
Drive-thru AI helps restaurants:
BenefitHow it helpsFaster serviceCustomers order by voiceBetter kitchen workOrders go straight to cooksMore salesAI can suggest extra itemsHappier customersLess waiting time
These voice AI tools make ordering food easier for customers and help restaurants work better. They cut down on mistakes and make the whole process quicker.
Before adding voice AI, think about:
When choosing a voice AI tool, look at:
FeatureWhy It's ImportantWorks with your current systemSaves time and reduces errorsConnects to online orderingMakes all orders work togetherUnderstands different ways of speakingHelps more customers use itSpeaks multiple languagesServes more customersCan be changed for your menuFits your restaurant's needsCan grow with your businessUseful for a long time
To set up voice AI in your restaurant:
Help everyone use the new system:
Who to TrainWhat to DoStaffTeach them how to use and fix the AICustomersTell them about the AI and how to use it
You can tell customers about the AI through:
Voice AI is changing how restaurants work. It affects many parts of the business, from new jobs to better stock control. Let's look at these changes.
Voice AI creates new jobs in restaurants:
JobWhat They DoAI TrainersTeach AI to understand different ways of speakingAI AnalystsLook at AI data to help make decisions
These new jobs bring in new skills and ideas to restaurants.
Voice AI gives restaurants useful information about what customers like and how they order. This helps restaurants:
For example, if many people order a dish with a certain side, the restaurant might make it a combo meal.
Voice AI helps restaurants keep track of their food and supplies better:
How It HelpsResultTracks ordersKnows what's sellingPredicts what will sellBuys the right amount of foodOrders supplies automaticallyStaff can do other work
This means restaurants waste less food, save money, and make customers happier.
A SoundHound study shows that 8 out of 10 regular diners think AI voice assistants will handle most food ordering in the next few years. This means many customers are okay with using voice AI to order food.
To help more people use voice AI ordering, restaurants can:
ActionDescriptionGive clear instructionsShow customers how to use the systemMake it work on many devicesEnsure it works on phones, tablets, and computersOffer rewardsGive discounts to people who use voice AITrain staff to helpMake sure workers can assist customers with the system
It's good to use both AI and human workers. Here's how:
TaskWho Does ItTaking simple ordersVoice AIHandling complex requestsHuman staffAnswering basic questionsVoice AIProviding personal serviceHuman staff
This mix can make customers happier and improve their experience at the restaurant.
Voice AI in restaurants will keep getting better. In the future, we can expect:
Voice AI will help restaurants know what customers want:
AI CapabilityBenefit for RestaurantsPredict ordersOffer personalized suggestionsAnalyze customer likesChange menus to match tastesTrack food trendsKeep menus up-to-date
This will help restaurants sell more food and make customers happy.
Voice AI will team up with other new tech:
TechnologyHow It Works with Voice AIAugmented Reality (AR)Show virtual menusInternet of Things (IoT)Track food prep and delivery
By using these tools together, restaurants can:
These changes will make eating out or ordering in feel very different in the future.
Domino's Pizza started using voice AI for orders in 2014. Their system, called Dom, lets customers:
Dom has helped Domino's a lot:
BenefitResultMore personal serviceCustomers like itMore digital ordersHalf of all sales now come from digital platforms
White Castle is using voice AI in their drive-thrus:
This AI system:
Chipotle is also using voice AI:
Their system:
This helps Chipotle:
To make sure your voice AI system is working well, keep an eye on these important numbers:
Number to WatchWhat It MeansOrder accuracy rateHow many orders the AI gets right without helpAverage order timeHow long it takes customers to order using voice AIAbandonment rateHow many customers stop ordering before finishingCustomer satisfaction rateHow many customers like using voice AI to order
By watching these numbers, you can see what needs to be fixed and make your voice AI system better. This can help make customers happier and increase your sales.
To get information about how well your voice AI is working:
Use this information to:
Voice AI ordering systems can help people with disabilities order food more easily. It's important to make sure these systems work for everyone, including people who have trouble speaking. By using voice AI, restaurants can make ordering food easier for all customers. Some companies are working on making websites and software that work well for people with disabilities.
Restaurants should be clear about how their voice AI systems work. They should tell customers:
What to Tell CustomersWhy It's ImportantHow the system worksHelps customers understand the processWhat information is collectedBuilds trust with customersHow the information is usedAddresses privacy concerns
Being open helps customers feel more comfortable using the system.
When restaurants collect customer information through voice AI, they need to use it carefully. Here's what restaurants should do:
ActionReasonKeep customer data safeProtects customer privacyUse data only for its intended purposeBuilds trust with customersImprove ordering experienceMakes customers happierOffer personalized dealsEncourages customers to come back
Voice AI is changing how restaurants work. It helps them:
BenefitHow it HelpsTake orders betterFewer mistakes, faster serviceSave moneyLess need for staff to take ordersMake customers happyEasier ordering, personalized serviceUse data smartlyBetter marketing, improved menu choicesManage food betterLess waste, better stock control
Voice AI will keep changing restaurants in the future:
As this happens, eating out or ordering food will feel very different. Restaurants that use voice AI well can:
GoalHow Voice AI HelpsKeep customers coming backBy making ordering easy and personalGrow their businessBy working faster and smarterStand out from other restaurantsBy offering new ways to order
Voice AI is set to change how we talk to restaurants and get our food. It's an important tool that will shape the future of eating out and ordering in.
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