Self-service kiosk takes food orders

With its new self-service kiosk, all-day dining restaurant The Nook no longer needs waiters to take orders or give customers their bills.

Instead, the machine, developed in Singapore by Aptsys Technology Solutions and costing more than $20,000, does the work. It has cut 80 per cent of frontline staff needs, said Mr Steven Foo, executive director of The Quayside Group which manages the restaurant.

"Now I need only one frontline staff who can double as a cashier... Customers are encouraged to clear their own trays and I need only one or two staff to wipe the tables and call up customers when their food is ready."

The self-service kiosk, which was installed just this month, allows customers to select items from its menu before paying. A number will flash on a TV screen when the food is ready for collection.

Feedback so far has been positive. Said Mr Foo: "The younger ones find it cool and easy to use... and customers do not have to wait for servers."

This article was published on April 6 in The Straits Times.

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