After contract catering, tray scanning with AI revolutionizes commercial catering

The evolution of tray scanning: from collective catering to commercial

The gradual digitization within organized catering has reached a new stage with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into management and order-taking systems. Initially deployed in collective catering, notably in company canteens, hospitals and schools, tray scanning has proved its effectiveness by automating the payment process. This system relies on image recognition to identify, in a matter of seconds, the dishes and products placed on a tray. Based on this recognition, the amount to be paid is calculated automatically, considerably reducing queues and human error.

In company canteenss, for example, where hundreds of meals are served daily at restricted times, this technology has made it possible to cut checkout time in half, improving the customer experience while optimizing flow management. The system scans all items on the tray (starters, main courses, desserts, drinks) and associates them with a database of products ready to order, before sending the information directly to the payment terminal. In parallel, the inventory is updated automatically, offering real-time stock managements.

Following its success in the foodservice sector, the tray scanner has gradually evolved to meet the needs of commercial catering establishments. In this sector, there is traditionally greater pressure to offer a fluid, fast and frictionless customer experience, while maintaining rigorous cost management. Restaurateurs have to juggle customer satisfaction, speed of service, order accuracy and control of human and material resources. What's more, in fast-food restaurants or large establishments, this technology makes it possible to process a high volume of orders while reducing service lead times.

How tray scanning works in detail

The tray scan, thanks to embedded AI, is based on advanced image recognition and data synchronization technology, enabling complete automation of the order and payment process.

In practice:

• Dish recognition:Thanks to AI, the system scans the various items on the tray and identifies them in a matter of seconds. Each dish, drink or dessert is associated with a database containing product prices and descriptions. This considerably reduces checkout time and eliminates the human errors associated with manual data entry.
• Payment automation: Once the items have been recognized, the total amount is automatically calculated and displayed. The customer can then proceed to payment via integrated methods such as self-checkouts, contactless payments or via a mobile app.
• Synchronization with the back-office: Scan information is synchronized with the restaurant's management system (ERP or management software), updating inventory in real time.
• Simplified management and data integration:Restaurateurs can use this technology to analyze consumption data, improve offerings and adjust menus according to customer preferences. Detailed reports on sales, most consumed products and margins are automatically generated, facilitating day-to-day decision-making by the point-of-sale manager.

4 major benefits of tray scanning for commercial foodservice

The integration of tray scanning with AI in commercial catering establishments brings several benefits, both for the customer experience and for operational management:

• Waiting time reduction:Thanks to automated checkout, customers spend less time at the cash register, improving their overall level of satisfaction.
• Minimizing checkout errors: Tray scanning eliminates manual input errors by automatically identifying each item. This ensures accurate invoicing on every run, reducing till discrepancies and the risk of customer disputes.
• Improved profitability:Automatic, real-time stock updates enable more precise management of supplies, reducing food waste and optimizing costs.
• Freeing up staff for higher value-added tasks: By automating the ordering and payment process, staff can concentrate on tasks that are often closer to the customer, such as improving table service, reception or quality management. This reallocation of human resources improves the establishment's overall productivity while enhancing the quality of the customer experience.

The integration of tray scanning in commercial catering is perfectly integrated with the technical foundation offered by Adoria. Adoria's commercial catering software offers centralized management of inventory, supplies and technical data sheets, essential for ensuring the smooth operation of automated systems like the AI scan.

Discover how Adoria can support you in this transition to more responsible catering.

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