![Would you replace your staff with a McRobot?](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fxgsdm3u/production/2a20bc27951a2f753fd42f8161de63a818c85547-990x732.jpg?rect=1,0,988,732&w=320&h=237&auto=format)
Would you replace your staff with a McRobot?
Automation vs Human Interaction: what’s best for the catering industry?
Last month it was reported that a new McDonalds restaurant had opened in Texas with no front-facing staff at all. Orders are placed by phone or screen, then collected from an automated area when ready. The only staff in the store are in the kitchens - cooking and preparing the food.
This new store is being heralded as the future and is described as ‘the experience customers want’.
But is that really the case?
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fxgsdm3u/production/968f7446aa173a588632ef2948c19ba870bfa6eb-591x341.jpg?w=591&h=341&auto=format)
As consumers we can see and feel when staff members are under pressure, and know that customer service suffers as a result. Moreover, there is a growing feeling that we do actually want some human interaction in our experience. Being served by a happy, motivated employee is always a joy - even in a fast-paced environment.
Looking at the whole customer journey, I’m all in favour of embracing automation to deal with pressure points, but ideally I want the final product delivered by an efficient, relaxed team member - not a conveyor belt! Both customer and caterer achieve harmony when technology has been used to help the server serve, not replace them.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fxgsdm3u/production/b7c4757aa6a4c2ebfd8392e46229618cbab4b5c0-189x266.jpg?w=189&h=266&auto=format)
Here at SwipeStation we feel we have created the best of both worlds. We saw an issue with the F&B service in stadiums and invented a new way of serving fans - while providing our clients with improved staff efficiency. There is still a smiling face greeting your customers, who, although busy, only have to focus on getting product over the counter. An enjoyable, stress-free experience means both fans and staff are more likely to return for future matches… and so the positive cycle continues.
Please book an appointment for a 30 minute chat that could change the way you serve forever.