Implementing a self-order terminal: How to successfully roll It out in a restaurant

Step 1: Clarify goals for your own business

Every food service business operates differently. That’s why there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

It is helpful to ask yourself a simple question in advance:

Where would relief be most helpful in everyday operations?

This could include:

• less pressure on service during peak hours
• faster workflows in the take-out area
• a better overview when handling many orders
• additional sales opportunities

Even an initial assessment is enough to identify the appropriate and effective use case.

Step 2: Choose the application area pragmatically

A self-order terminal doesn’t have to change the entire operation. Often, it’s enough to start at a clearly defined point.

Typical, well-functioning entry-level scenarios:

• a terminal in the entrance area for quick orders
• support in the take-away
• relief during peak hours

Many businesses start small on purpose and develop the concept step by step.

This builds confidence within the team and allows them to gain experience.

Step 3: Keep the menu navigation simple and clear

In the hectic day-to-day, clarity is crucial. This applies to guests just as much as to the team.

A well-structured digital menu helps with:

• Finding offers quickly
• Simplifying decisions
• Structuring orders clearly

Additional benefit:

Guests are more likely to discover add-ons such as drinks, sides, or desserts because these are visible and logically integrated.

This creates added value without requiring additional effort in service.

Step 4: Make guests’ needs visible

Today, guests expect not only speed but also guidance.

Modern self-order terminal solutions therefore offer targeted filters and selection options directly at the click of a button:

• vegetarian or vegan
• lactose-free or gluten-free
• display of calorie information for dishes

These functions are not just a convenience feature. They meet a clear expectation.

Why this is crucial today:

• Dietary preferences have become more diverse
• Food intolerances play a greater role in everyday life
• Guests want to make decisions quickly and confidently

Without such features, guests must laboriously search through menus or ask the staff for help.

With clearly visible selection options, the opposite happens:

• the ordering process becomes faster
• uncertainties are reduced
• satisfaction increases

👉 For the business, this means fewer follow-up questions and a more structured workflow, even with individual requests.

⬇️ Watch the video to see how guests can find the right dishes in just a few clicks. ⬇️

Step 5: Create seamless processes in the background

A major advantage of digital ordering solutions is that many steps automatically interlock.

Orders are forwarded directly:

• to the kitchen
• to the bar
• to the POS system

This reduces coordination within the team and provides a clearer overview of operations. At the same time, processes become significantly faster, as the kitchen can start preparing the order immediately upon receipt.

This can provide noticeable relief, especially during stressful periods.

Step 6: Get the team on board and lighten their load

New solutions understandably raise questions. In day-to-day operations, there is often little time to delve into them in depth.

That’s why it’s helpful to involve the team early on and set a clear focus:

👉 The goal is to reduce the workload, not change at any cost

In practice, this results in:

• fewer walking distances
• less pressure when taking orders
• more time for guests

The role in service doesn’t change fundamentally, but becomes more focused.

Real-world examples from daily operations

Conclusion: Guidance for Successful Implementation

Introducing a self-order terminal is not a one-time step, but a process that should be tailored to the daily operations of your business.

What matters is not the technology itself, but how well it is integrated into existing workflows and where it specifically reduces the workload.

A structured approach to implementation helps identify typical challenges early on and avoid them proactively.

👉 A concise guide for practical implementation:

• Clearly define where relief is needed in daily operations
• Deliberately choose the scope of application step by step
• Ensure simple and understandable menu navigation
• Make guests’ needs clearly visible
• Ensure smooth processes in the background
• Involve the team early on

Those who take these points into account lay the foundation for a solution that not only works but truly makes a difference in daily operations.

At the same time, it is often only during implementation that the details that make the difference become apparent. This is precisely where it pays to consult with an experienced partner who takes a holistic view of the business and provides practical support.