Wendy's, the Ohio-based fast food restaurant chain, has decided to adopt technological innovations, and will soon be installing self-ordering kiosks.

The company is planning to open up kiosks in almost 1,000 of its location nationwide by the end of 2017.

This revolution started at many locations of Wendy's from 2016 and since then, both customers and the franchise owners are gravitating toward it.

"There is a huge amount of pull from (franchisees) in order to get them," said David Trimm, the Chief Information Officer of Wendy's during the investors' day of the company.

Self-Ordering Kiosks

These kiosks are the most popular option used by food retailers or any other companies nowadays. With the need to make things faster and hassle free, self-ordering kiosks not only save time but also serve the purpose.

According to Trimm, the kiosks are a highly important part in increasing productivity. However, the cost of installing three kiosks will be around $15,000.

He estimated that it would take less than two years, for the self-ordering kiosks to recover the investment of installing them with reduced labor and increase of sales.

The workers at Wendy's won't be replaced immediately right after the installation of the kiosks, but they may be shifted to other areas to continue their work.

According to Bob Wright, Wendy's Chief Operating Officer, there was 5 percent wage inflation in 2016 and he is expecting a 4 percent rise in wage in 2017.

How Will The Kiosks Help The Company?

According to Wright, in order to boost the company's productivity, they have been able to reduce 31 hours of labor every week from the outlets and with the addition of the self-ordering kiosks, efficiency is expected to be boosted.

These kiosks will attract younger customers and boost sales while at the same time it will reduce queues during peak dining hours.

It will also reduce labor wages significantly for the company and will provide important data about customer preferences.

According to Darren Tristano, the VP of Technomic, a food service research and consultation company, other than the benefits to the company, self -ordering kiosks will ensure better service to customers as well.

One of the main reasons why Wendy's is always considered a front runner among fast food chains is because of the in-house development of these technologies.

To ensure better customer service and integration of innovative technologies, Wendy's has a personal testing lab called the 90 Degrees lab, located at the University District which is packed with researchers working constantly to develop new ideas.

Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr