The order begins. A customer goes to the restaurant’s Web site and browses the menu. They select their items, choose a pickup time and place an order using the Delphis Software AROS online ordering system (www.delphissoftware.com) that is integrated into the Web site. AROS lets the customer choose specific food options and add any special instructions. No staff time is consumed by phone calls or menu questions.
- The order begins. A customer goes to the restaurant’s Web site and browses the menu. They select their items, choose a pickup time and place an order using the Delphis Software AROS online ordering system (www.delphissoftware.com) that is integrated into the Web site. AROS lets the customer choose specific food options and add any special instructions. No staff time is consumed by phone calls or menu questions.
- It’s captured electronically. The customer’s order is transmitted to the restaurant by fax or directly to a compatible POS system. Delphis monitors the fax for completion and notifies the restaurant if anything goes wrong with the transmission. The AROS system has variable setup costs based on a restaurant’s needs and generally costs only $1 to $2 per day to operate.
- It gets filled and packed. The restaurant staff prepares the meal and packs it into innovative
takeout dishware. Takeout requires packaging that can keep food at the right temperature, resist spilling and contain liquids. Dixie’s To-Go line, for instance, includes PerfecTouch Containers for items like soup or chili (www.dixie.com). The line uses a heat barrier to keep items hot but still easy to handle. - The customer arrives. The customer drives up to a designated takeout parking space. Long Range Systems’ all-in-one 3CurbAlert2 curbside to-go notification system goes to work (www.pager.net). An outside camera captures the arrival and triggers the alert system to notify the staff by pager. A monitor and PC inside the restaurant let them watch cars in the takeout lanes and keep track of greet times and service times. The system costs about $4,800.
- They’re on their way in a flash. A staff member delivers the meal to the car and takes a credit card payment right there on the spot. VeriFone’s CarsidePAY solution (www.verifone.com) is designed to help speed up this part of the takeout process. The centerpiece is the Vx670 compact handheld that uses a wireless connection to input and process credit cards. It also includes an integrated printer for receipts. Implementation costs will vary. With this high-tech takeout meal delivered and the payment complete, the customer leaves happy and the restaurant gets a big efficiency boost.
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