7 min read

5 Powerful Reasons to Integrate Voice AI with POS and Online Ordering Systems

• by Soumya Singh
• February 7, 2024
• Blog

Enhancing Customer Experience with Seamless Interactions

Did you know that great customer service and a sustainable work environment can help eliminate inefficiencies in the restaurant business?

AI integration has a huge scope in restaurant marketing. According to Zipdo Market Data Research, the market value of Artificial Intelligence in restaurant marketing could reach $3.6 billion by 2026.

As new technology continually emerges, restaurant businesses need to understand how AI can streamline operations. Irrespective of the ordering channel be it POS, online ordering, or drive-throughs, AI will takeover.

The Impact of AI Integration on POS, Drive-Throughs, and Online Ordering Systems

The main aim of AI integration is to create seamless operations. This is done by combining data analysis and AI algorithms. This approach enables restaurant owners to harness AI’s capabilities to manage customer orders, maximize profits, and enhance the customer experience.

There are several challenges associated with manually handling customer orders on the phone or drive-thru takeouts. These challenges include incorrect orders, delivering the wrong items, or insufficient staff. Let’s explore how VOICEplug AI integration with POS, phone orders, and drive-throughs can enhance restaurant operations.

Benefits of Integrating AI with POS and Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants

Below are the key benefits of integrating VOICEplug AI with POS and online ordering systems for restaurants that take orders via phone calls or drive-thrus. Let’s explore these benefits and see why restaurants need AI integration more than ever today.

1. Seamless Ordering Process via Phone Calls or Through Drive-Thrus

Integrating your POS with an AI Ordering system can make things easier for customers who like to order dishes via calls, drive-thrus, and contactless ordering. The AI system accurately takes orders without missing a word, regardless of the customer’s accent or dialect. According to a McKinsey & Company report, AI enhances customer experience by providing personalized service, reducing wait times, and increasing order accuracy. Thus, enhancing the experience of your customers and increasing your sales. Additionally, the process is so easy and natural for customers that they would most likely order this way the next time they would like to order food from your restaurant.

2. Allocation of More Staff to Help In-Person Customers

The integration of an AI Ordering system sharply reduces the involvement of your employees and waiting staff in taking on-call orders or drive-thru orders. This allows them to concentrate more on your in-house customers and offer better service. A study by the National Restaurant Association highlights how AI technology improves operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, allowing staff to focus on high-touch customer service areas. Lastly, it will also reduce the chances of on-call and drive-thru orders getting ignored or paid less attention to due to the presence of excessive in-house customers in your restaurant.

3. Taking in More Calls and Catering to All Interested Customers

In certain instances, customers may have questions or queries regarding your menu, customizable food orders, services, and operational hours. These calls may sometimes be poorly timed and may go to your voicemail. VOICEplug AI’s Phone AI and Drive-thru AI informs customers about your specials and provides all the details they need to place an order. This approach improves customer experience and encourages positive online reviews, enhancing your restaurant’s marketing efforts. Additionally, Hospitality Technology research shows that AI can reduce labor costs by automating routine tasks and optimizing staff schedules, ensuring that all customer interactions are handled efficiently.

4. Providing the Latest Information Regarding Holidays and Specials

Order management can be a hectic process during holidays, and an inefficient system may lead to you losing out on business opportunities. This is where the VOICEplug AI’s Phone AI and Drive-thru AI can update your customers on your restaurant specials. It can also provide all the information they require to place an order. Moreover, this will enhance your customer experience and encourage your loyal customers to post positive reviews online, which can facilitate your restaurant’s marketing efforts. According to Deloitte Insights, data analytics powered by AI can personalize customer interactions and predict customer behavior, leading to better service and increased loyalty.

5. Use Customer Historical Data and Other Relevant Information as Data Analytics

AI can analyze historical customer data and customer traffic patterns. It can provide relevant information from identifying trends, improving staffing levels, and personalizing customer experience, to name a few. According to Deloitte Insights report, AI-powered data analytics can personalize interactions and predict customer behavior, leading to better service and loyalty. This feature allows AI to suggest previously ordered items or complementary dishes to customers, enhancing their experience.

Additionally, a study by the International Journal of Hospitality Management explores consumer attitudes towards AI-driven interactions in restaurants, revealing a growing acceptance and preference for technology that enhances convenience and accuracy. This validates the blog’s points on improving customer experience and encouraging repeat business.

By integrating VOICEplug AI, you can streamline all ordering methods through your POS. Whether you own a medium-sized chain of quick-service restaurants, pizzerias, or coffee shops, VOICEplug AI can integrate with multiple brands. Connect with us if you want a demo to see how it works.

Additional Research and Insights

1. Market Growth and Trends in AI for Restaurants
   • Study: “Artificial Intelligence in the Food & Beverage Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 – 2028)” by Mordor Intelligence.
   • Key Insight: This study discusses the growth of AI in the food and beverage industry, highlighting key trends such as AI-driven automation in order-taking, customer service, and supply chain management. This reinforces the blog’s point on the growing importance of AI integration.
2. AI and Labor Cost Reduction
   • Study: “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Labor Cost Reduction in the Hospitality Industry” by Hospitality Technology.
   • Key Insight: This research examines how AI can reduce labor costs by automating routine tasks and optimizing staff schedules, underscoring the cost-saving benefits of AI integration for restaurant operators.