About Axe Payments’ and Torch POS

Axe Payments’ Torch POS is a cutting-edge point-of-sale system designed to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences in the restaurant industry. For more information, visit  www.getaxepay.com/.

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About Quantic POS

Renowned for its innovative white-label point-of-sale technology, the Quantic POS platform adopts a reseller-driven and payment-agnostic approach. It offers intuitive and robust POS systems specifically crafted to meet the distinctive requirements of the restaurant industry. For more information, visit www.getquantic.com.

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About Dutch Pot

Established in May 2000, Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant began its journey in Plantation, Florida, with subsequent expansions to multiple locations across South Florida. Over the course of twenty-four years, the brand has become synonymous with authentic Jamaican cuisine, thanks to the dedication of its family, staff, and loyal customers. For more information, visit www.dutchpotrestaurants.com/.

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About Restaurant Technology Network

Restaurant Technology Network is a forward-thinking organization that champions innovation and collaboration in the restaurant technology space, providing an Open API Framework that fosters seamless integration and connectivity across industry-leading solutions.. For more information, visit www.restauranttechnologynetwork.com/open_api_framework.

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Chicago, IL – CSP is thrilled to announce the formation of its inaugural C-StoreTEC Advisory Board. Comprising a dynamic and experienced group of industry leaders and technology experts, the board will provide strategic guidance, insights, and recommendations to tackle the biggest technology needs within the industry. The CStoreTEC Advisory Board aims to improve industry standards and identify emerging trends while developing roadmaps that address these needs.

Leading the charge as Chairman of the C-StoreTEC Advisory Board is tech visionary Art Sebastian. With an illustrious career marked by innovation and transformative leadership in convenience and grocery retailing, Art is uniquely positioned to steer the board toward shaping the future of the industry. The newly appointed C-StoreTEC Advisory Board includes:

1. Art Sebastian, CEO, NexChapter Inc.

2. Kieran Carr, Director of Talent Acquisition, EG America

3. Richard Guidry, SVP of Food Service, GPM

4. David Jackson, Director of Loyalty and Digital Marketing, Kwik Trip

5. Jason Craig, Executive Director of Guest Experience and Digital, RaceTrac

6. Jamie Miller, Executive Director of Marketing. RaceTrac

7. Lisa Ham, Director of Merchandising and Space Planning, Yesway

8. Kristin Sword, Manager of E-Commerce and Loyalty, Jacksons

9. Justin Mitchell, VP of Information Technology, Refuel

10. Rachel Puepke, VP of Marketing and Merchandising, CEFCO

11. Fidaa Mohrez, Director of Operational Systems, H&S

12. Chris Hartman, VP of Advertising, Fuels and Development, Rutter’s

13. Scott Smith, Senior Director of Information Technology, Parker’s

14. Nick Triantafellou, Director of Merchandising and Marketing, Weigel’s

15. Chris Thomsen, Chief Information Officer, Dash In/The Wills Group

16. Blackie Wills, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dash In/The Wills Group

17. Ben Hoffmeyer, VP of Marketing and Merchandising, TXB

18. Jake Kiser, Chief Customer Officer, Stuzo

19. John Donnelly, Chief Revenue Officer, DTiQ

20. Krister Hampton, Senior Manager Industry Engagement, Altria

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Each member brings a unique set of skills and perspectives that collectively positions the board to revolutionize the convenience retail industry’s technological landscape. Together, they will work collaboratively to shape the future of convenience retail by fostering innovation, addressing challenges, and identifying opportunities for technological advancements.

“In an era defined by technological evolution, the convenience retail industry stands at the cusp of unprecedented transformation,” said Art Sebastian, “As chairman, my vision is to harness the collective expertise of our esteemed board members to drive technological advancements that will not only meet but exceed the industry’s evolving needs.

“Together, we aspire to redefine possibilities and inspire a wave of innovation that will propel convenience retail into a dynamic and prosperous future.”

C-StoreTEC’s Advisory Board, year-round print and digital programs, and its flagship conference will enable the industry to unlock immense growth potential, ensuring every operator can thrive in an increasingly tech-driven landscape while delivering exceptional customer experiences to customers at every touchpoint.

Retailers looking for more information can contact Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations at mitch.morrison@informa.com. Technology Solution Providers looking for more information can contact Jeanie Hornung, vice president of enterprise sales at jeanie.hornung@informa.com. Visit https://cstoretec.com for more information.

Read the full press release here

American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), a subsidiary of International Dairy Queen, Inc., has selected DTiQ as an approved supplier of intelligent video and loss prevention solutions.

DTiQ’s software now can be implemented at DQ restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.

DTiQ’s 360iQ platform provides QSR operators with remote access to video footage so they can better identify suspicious transactions, report on-site incidents and increase the speed of service. Using proprietary AI technology, DTiQ’s certified auditors assess video footage and point-of-sale data to provide organizations with SmartAudit™ reports. This information includes valuable insights into operational compliance, allowing restaurant teams to deliver operational excellence at each location.

The intelligent video solution provider’s customer success team completely supports managed service installation, which features field support, site surveys, and turnkey installations, thus freeing up time and resources for restaurant teams to deliver operational excellence across locations. Additionally, DTiQ provides its partners with ongoing technical support, diagnostic reports and warranty replacement, proactively monitoring its systems for any necessary remote troubleshooting.

For over 25 years, DTiQ has provided next-generation business intelligence solutions and services to over 45,000 customers worldwide. To learn more about DTiQ’s intelligent video and loss prevention services, please visit dtiq.com.

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Read more at https://hospitalitytech.com/

Continued global growth of the fast-food market underscores consumer hunger for the burgers, chicken, onion rings, tacos, pizza and other menu items quick-service restaurants are known for—and the industry’s dedication to digital innovation. As quick-serves across the country and around the globe continue thriving, these companies are also occasionally plagued by theft, significantly impacting their reputation and bottom line.

While traditional theft prevention methods show limitations in keeping up with increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, artificial intelligence—a transformative industry-spanning technology—equips restaurant management teams with a critical tool to strengthen theft prevention strategies.

The Quick-Service Theft Landscape

Quick-service restaurants often handle a high volume of transactions, serving as attractive targets for criminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in their operations. Despite the rise in alternative payment methods, cash still accounts for almost half of all purchases at quick-service brands. From customer shoplifting to employee theft and even fraud, various types of theft impact these types of restaurants. Whether customers don’t pay for food or drink or take a cool cup or ramekin, shoplifting incidents impact a restaurant’s bottom line, while employee theft undermines organizational trust.

Combine tempting opportunities to pocket cash or take supplies home with the low risk of getting caught by your coworkers, and it is no wonder that quick-serves lose up to 7 percent of sales to employee theft, according to the National Restaurant Association. Additionally, employees can abuse cash register capabilities, deleting, voiding, refunding or otherwise altering transactions to take home extra money.

Given already tight margins, any loss or theft can be devastating. Enter AI technology.

AI’s Increasing Role in Theft Prevention

Much like how transformative technology is revolutionizing customer service, content generation, disease mapping and so much more, AI is reshaping how restaurants approach theft prevention. By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, AI can analyze vast amounts of data and detect anomalies to proactively identify theft.

Video Surveillance Analysis

While traditional video surveillance systems generate massive quantities of footage, a human still needs to parse through that visual information to pinpoint suspicious activities. And in a world where quick-service restaurant managers only ever watch 1 percent of video surveillance footage, that is a serious problem.

AI-powered intelligent video and loss prevention solutions can monitor quick-service restaurant premises in real time, tracking customer and employee movements to identify questionable behavior. In the event of unusual employee or patron conduct, AI can quickly alert management or security personnel to ameliorate the issue or investigate further.

Even better, AI-driven surveillance systems can learn from real-world data, analyzing historical information to recognize patterns indicative of potential theft. From unusual movements to repeated patterns or unexpected deviations from normal behavior, trends tracked across multiple stores or individual locations that might indicate theft or fraud can easily be identified, monitored and presented to enhance organizational consistency.

AI-powered cameras are equipped with advanced computer vision capabilities that can process visual data and track multiple objects—including customers, employees, and potential threats—simultaneously. Some AI surveillance systems even incorporate facial recognition to identify known shoplifters, which can deter potential criminals.

Data Analysis

Artificially intelligent systems can analyze thousands of data points to deliver the information restaurant operators need to optimally run their businesses. As mentioned, AI-powered video surveillance systems can identify and authenticate instances of financial loss, including sweetheart deals, product theft, discount fraud and more. Inherent to AI is the ability to continually train the underlying AI model to improve fraud detection accuracy while minimizing the number of rejected legitimate transactions. With support from AI models, e-commerce retailers can review impactful findings and make adjustments to their operations processes; some may even decline sales outside their risk guidelines.

Additionally, some systems use data analytics and video surveillance to track speed-of-service trends and compare location performance, detect objects, and count occupants. This data is then used to take action to improve service speeds and overall profits. Well-trained AI models are capable of analyzing video footage to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and areas for improvement in a quick-service restaurant’s workflow, boosting employee productivity. AI-driven audits can help operators optimize their resources, ensuring the right number of employees are deployed during peak hours, customers are helped promptly, eating areas are clean and all food hygiene protocols are followed.

Some solutions can analyze sales and transaction data, looking for patterns indicative of employee theft or fraudulent activities. By identifying anomalies in employee behavior—like frequent voided transactions, cash register discrepancies or suspect refunds—AI-powered systems can help management intervene to address potential issues.

From video surveillance to data analysis, AI is becoming indispensable in the sector.

AI: Transforming Quick-Service Operations

AI is clearly a powerful tool for quick-service restaurant management teams. Stealing isn’t always as obvious as an employee stuffing fistfuls of cash from the register into their pocket. In those instances, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to take a proactive stance against theft and loss helps quick-service restaurant brands stay ahead—and out of the red.

Remember: Most of your employees are honest, hardworking people with no intention of robbing you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay vigilant. By leveraging AI-driven video surveillance and robust data analysis to combat time and genuine theft, forward-thinking restaurants can proactively safeguard their operations, mitigate risks, and maintain a positive reputation in the local community and throughout the industry.

John Donnelly III is DTiQ’s chief revenue officer, driving global sales growth and customer success. With more than three decades of experience across sales, business development, marketing and leadership, Donnelly has a proven track record of raising capital and private equity to support high-growth tech companies at enterprise scale while returning multiple millions to private and venture investors. Bringing C-level experience with various verticals to the DTiQ team, Donnelly has led numerous teams through successful liquidity events, including initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions, and has experience managing multiple stages of profit and loss, from Series A to over $1 billion in annual revenues globally. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and information technology from Babson College.

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Read more at https://www.qsrmagazine.com/

QSR expands program of DTiQ’s video-based surveillance and loss prevention solutions.

DTiQ announced a strategic contract with Church’s Texas Chicken. The agreement recognizes DTiQ as an approved supplier of managed video and loss prevention solutions in support of Church’s company-owned restaurant operations.

For over 20 years, DTiQ has provided next-generation business intelligence solutions and services to over 45,000 customers worldwide. DTiQ’s technology continuously gets smarter in real-time through AI machine learning to better identify suspicious transactions, including refunds, discounts, and voids. Using its advanced AI technology, DTiQ’s certified auditors assess suspicious transactions through video footage to provide organizations with an unbiased compliance review, allowing restaurant teams to deliver operational excellence at each location.

71% say the ability to integrate with other systems is driving their POS purchase decisions, according to HT’s2 2023 POS Software Trends Report.

Following a successful pilot rollout in 15 Church’s company restaurants, DTiQ’s intelligent video and loss prevention solution will now further expand across company-owned restaurants, and the company is a preferred provider for the franchise system.

“DTiQ’s loss prevention solutions will help us remain focused on our mission of serving the bold taste of Texas to our guests at an affordable cost,” said Bill Mitchell, Church’s Texas Chicken’s vice president of company restaurant operations. “From the pilot launch, we measured locations against comparable business periods and recognized a proven reduction in both cash and product theft, resulting in noticeable improvements in food-related costs. These results made our decision to expand DTiQ’s services easy, and we look forward to our continued vendor relationship.”

Programmable into any remote video system, DTiQ’s proactive solution maps and marries point-of-sale data with advanced video to identify fraudulent transactions. The video-as-a-service provider’s solutions provide customers with an average of 1% to 2% in cost savings to their bottom lines.

“The clear delineation from the tailored insights and services provided by DTiQ revealed compelling economic value,” said Danton Nolan, Church’s Texas Chicken’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We’re excited to continue to roll their cutting-edge technology and services into additional company restaurants.”

How it Works

DTiQ’s solution integrates with POS data to identify high-risk trends (like employee theft, voids, and discounts) to deliver real-time exception reporting with daily alerts for instant action. For Church’s, DTiQ developed a direct integration with their POS provider, Qu POS. This allowed DTiQ’s solution to integrate their camera footage with their POS data to identify high-risk trends. Managers are able to see changes in sales trends and location performance in real-time as well as receive video reviews and analysis of POS data points that support the restaurant’s business objectives.

Combined with data and video analytics, DTiQ’s technology continuously gets smarter in real-time through AI and machine learning to better identify suspicious transactions. Using its advanced AI technology, DTiQ’s certified auditors assess video footage to provide organizations with an unbiased compliance review, allowing restaurant teams to deliver operational excellence at each location. These findings are then used to train the system through Machine Learning to get better at automatically identifying similar scenarios in the Church’s Chicken environment.

• DTiQ is a camera-agnostic solution that can use existing cameras combined with our edge device. DTiQ’s proactive solution maps and marries point-of-sale data with advanced video to identify fraudulent transactions.
• DTiQ’s solution helps to save time! Managers and district managers are seeing time savings through utilizing DTiQ’s mobile application, which provides real-time insights to promote a culture of operational excellence.
• In addition to tracking illicit activity, and saving time, DTiQ solutions help managers monitor employee performance, track operational outcomes and capture various important data points.
• DTiQ’s solutions help support the operational, brand, and profitability goals for store managers as well as the company and franchise restaurants as a whole.

DTIQ’s advanced server technology is a versatile option – ideal for a growing business, seeking exceptional customer care.

Founded in 2015, Siesta Coffee has two drive-thru sites and two walk-in stores in the north of England, expanding to six owner-managed sites before the end of 2023. Ryan Stainsby and Carly Moir are Siesta Coffee directors, and their aim is to provide a service and experience which is welcoming for the local community and visitors. Stainsby explained: “We offer table service and encourage our team to engage positively with customers. As we grow, ensuring how the consistency of our great brand experience could be replicated easily across our stores required some thought – so we partnered with DTiQ for video surveillance, analysis of data, and reporting.”

TECH-SAVVY

Often working with existing CCTV systems, DTiQ’s advanced server technology records video surveillance of stores, and software maps this to EPOS data. Integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) automatically picks out and alerts operators to any anomalies. It also provides the option to search for precise time slots or incidents, and footage can be stored for the duration of the contract, so QSR operators can check past events easily if needed. “We always like to be ahead of the technology curve, so our locations run smoothly and cost-efficiently,” said Moir. “Working with DTiQ means we can be proactive to spot trends or any issues faster, then take action to create an even better customer experience.” Stainsby continued: “We had CCTV installed previously, but also have DTiQ’s solution in two of our stores, and we intend to roll it out across all of our estates shortly. “A straightforward illustration of our machine maintenance requirements is that they must undergo a ‘steam cleaning’ process after each coffee is prepared. This means the steam rod is cleaned to prevent the build-up of limescale, which can be expensive. However, more importantly, it is an essential process to prevent any risk of Legionellosis, a serious type of pneumonia. To make sure staff consistently follow procedures, we have strategically positioned the video cameras to face the machines. This allows for easy monitoring of the nozzle twisting process. “We have footage of all stores streamed to our phones and on systems in the office, but don’t have time to watch hours of footage! Therefore, DTiQ’s AI is invaluable and has ‘learned’ to pick up if the machines are being properly maintained. We can then step in and ensure our team prioritize this important process,” said Stainsby.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

DTiQ’s solution can also help with staff management. “Like any service industry operation, it can be challenging to find good staff, so it’s important that our team are well trained and processes are efficient,” said Stainsby. “We run the whole operation from our hub Head Quarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. Our previous CCTV system helped, but the data and analysis from DTiQ now saves us a lot of time, as we don’t need to monitor footage – the solution simply alerts us to any issues, based on the questions we have inputted.” Moir continued: “The surveillance system, data analysis and reporting have also reduced the need to travel to sites so often. Previously, we would do random store visits, arriving when least expected. More often than not, everything was going really well, with processes being followed by the book. This was great, but effectively it was a day of our time wasted. Now, the system can pick up any small issues and we only need to attend if there is a challenge that our team needs help with.” Stainsby said: “Store cleanliness is also incredibly important. Similarly, if staff are not consistently using gloves, PPE or tongs, it will be difficult to monitor as we grow. We are excited to introduce DTiQ’s SmartAuditTM soon. This is a reporting structure where we provide DTiQ with a check list of questions, such as ‘are staff always wearing gloves?’. DTiQ’s remote team will analyze all surveillance recordings and report back. Stores are scored on a regular basis, so we can see which teams are doing well and incentivize them – or identify individuals who may need support or training. “For our drive-thru stores, speed of service is key, but the system also picks up on how well the team engage with visitors. We can compare data between stores, enabling us to create motivational bonus schemes. “We have only been using DTiQ’s video surveillance, data analysis and reporting for a short time, but are already seeing benefits. This will help us drive and enhance customer experiences as we expand,” concluded Stainsby.

Email Gareth Bakewell: gbakewell@dtiq.com or visit: dtiq.com.

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Read more at https://issuu.com/

DTiQ shares the most practical ways to address these challenges.

Leader in video surveillance and data analysis DTiQ, who is confirmed as one of the lead sponsors for the QSR Media UK Conference and Awards 2023 powered by Redbull, has published a short guide identifying the seven major risks for QSR businesses. The paper also looks at how to tackle these risks across multiple locations.

How to Tackle Seven Major Quick Service Restaurant Risks (dtiq.com) examines internal risks including bandwidth, food safety, injury/slip or fall, internal theft, fraudulent third party chargebacks, external theft and reputation risk.

“Most importantly, we look at practical ways to address these challenges,” confirms Gareth Bakewell, Business Development UK, DTiQ.

“As an organisation DTiQ works with thousands of multi-site QSR businesses across the world and so we understand the common issues they share, regardless of location. This also means our experts can offer insight about how organisations can work to solve such problems.

“Our video surveillance, analysis and reporting offer just one solution that can help monitor and address risk factors within the QSR space. With video evidence, training and policies can be adjusted and the right technology and intelligent data analysis can minimize, if not completely eradicate, some of these risks,” Bakewell said.

“A good example is tackling the rising issue of fraudulent third-party charge backs. Here, a customer might order through an aggregator and claim something was wrong with their meal. Incidents have gone viral across the internet, with some people dubbing it their “unethical life hack”. Even when the meal is correct, people will claim something was wrong so the third party will provide a refund, hence the free meal. Using video-proof you can show evidence that your restaurant completed their order in-full and on time. Once the footage is shared with the third-party delivery service, you’ll win the chargeback.

“These sorts of risks are a part of the quick service restaurant experience, but there are more ways now than ever to minimize — and almost entirely eliminate — them.”

If you’re looking for another set of eyes to keep operations as smooth as possible, see how DTiQ can help. For further information please email: Gareth Bakewell: gbakewell@dtiq.com or visit: www.dtiq.com The short guide can be found: How to Tackle Seven Major Quick Service Restaurant Risks (dtiq.com).

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Read more at https://qsrmedia.co.uk/

Its head of business development will talk about it at the upcoming QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023.

Foodservice inflation may have dropped to 18.9% in March 2023 according to a report by CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index, however, the cost of living crunch continues to have a significant impact on the fast-food industry’s profitability.

These issues and more will be the topics of different panel discussions at the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023, powered by Redbull.

One of the key speakers will be Gareth Bakewell, head of Business Development UK at DTiQ.

In a quick interview with QSR Media, Gareth shares some of his thoughts on the economic developments in the UK and how it is affecting QSRs.

How do you see the increased cost of living affecting fast-food brands?

Costs have increased for QSR businesses across the board, and this is likely to become the new normal, while consumers are spending less due to concerns over the cost-of-living crisis. This presents challenges and puts QSR businesses under real pressure.

On the plus side, now is a good time to act to impress potential new customers who have traditionally used full-service restaurants and may now be looking at QSR due to limited budgets. The challenge is that there is so much choice in the market, QSRs need to stand out with service and quality.

Being smart and looking at ways to do things differently, can offer solutions. Technology and data analysis for example, can help operators trying to reduce cost bases, protect eroding margins and maximise profitability.

In what ways can QSRs manage increasing costs effectively?

QSR businesses need to look at how they can make improvements to their operations on every level. On the one hand, they need to be proactive to enhance customer journeys to keep people coming back and spending more to keep revenue coming into the business. This may be through heightened store cleanliness, improved speed of service or increased staff engagement with customers.

They also need to examine how they can minimise loss prevention through internal and external theft or fraudulent third-party chargebacks, but can also look at other processes which may include things like improving order accuracy.

We say ‘if you can see it we can measure it’ so even down to preventing excessive food waste, processes can be better monitored and adjusted to help QSR businesses face increasing costs head-on. With increased energy costs hitting hard, if we tie into the organisation’s data, our video surveillance and analysis can identify and flag issues for example if a fridge door is left open, or the oven or lights are left on by mistake.

What value does video analytics have that most fast-food businesses do not leverage?

At DTiQ we work with multi-unit operators to help them utilise their existing CCTV & Infrastructure to lower costs and increase profits. Our advanced server technology records video surveillance of stores and software maps this to EPOS data. Integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) automatically picks out and alerts operators to any anomalies which need highlighting so there is no need to view hours of video footage. Overall, we aim to add approximately 2% to an average customer’s bottom line through savings in wastage, loss prevention and an increase in speed of service/ turnover.

What sets DTiQ’s solutions apart, is our expert analysis and reporting. For example, our SmartAuditTM services include a reporting structure where clients provide us with a checklist of questions of their choice such as ‘are staff always wearing gloves’ or ‘was the store opened on time’ or any other question that is relevant to them. DTiQ’s remote team in combination with the AI will analyse surveillance recordings and report back as regularly as the client needs and any issues addressed proactively. Stores can then be scored and compared to ensure consistency across the estate.

The DTiQ solution is also incredibly cost-effective as we can often integrate with existing CCTV and EPOS systems. In many cases, operators have already invested in the technology but aren’t using it to the fullest extent. We can help them realise and leverage its full value. By checking every transaction with 24/7 location coverage, we can help QSRs spot trends to ensure the restaurant is always as efficient as possible.

What would be the focus of your speaking session at the upcoming QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023 powered by Redbull?

I am delighted to be presenting at the forthcoming QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023 powered by Redbull. I will be speaking at a session about Using Video Analytics to Increase Profitability. Times are tough right now for QSR businesses and tech can offer solutions to help reduce cost bases, protect eroding margins and maximise profitability. I will talk about how to utilise existing CCTV and Infrastructure to lower costs and increase profits; how we observe, measure and present the data for effective use and analysis; and discuss staff training and retention and ways to incentivise best practices.

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Hear more from Gareth and DTiQ at the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023 powered by Redbull. For more information about the event, please visit this link or contact Rose Ruiz at rose@charltonmediamail.com.

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Read more at https://qsrmedia.co.uk/

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What is the scale of the problem?

The statement that ‘you are never more than six feet from a rat’ has largely been disproved. However, a recent article in The Sun highlighted the issue of ‘super rats’ being found in people’s houses: ‘Our estate is being terrorised by super-rats that destroy cars – even the CATS are too scared to go outside at night’. Further, one survey suggested around five per cent of commercial premises had rats present: ‘Are you never more than 6ft away from a rat?’ – BBC News.

One high profile case reported in the national news, resulted in a London franchised restaurant recently being shut and fined almost half a million pounds after a customer found mouse droppings in a burger.

Figures from Pest.co.uk also highlight that rodent problems are getting worse, particularly in our cities. During Covid, where less people were on the streets of the capital, London saw an increase of 23% in the rat population between 2019-2020.

How and why are pests a problem in a hygienic kitchen?

The challenge for QSR owners is that rats come out at night, and they are attracted by food. It’s a situation that is hard to monitor. Despite stringent hygiene controls, operators may not even realise they have a problem before it is too late, and issues can escalate quickly. According to Pest.co.uk, because of the speed that they breed, just two rats can grow to a population of 1,250 in one year.

Why consider modern technology to identify issues?

Modern CCTV cameras can be set up with motion detectors to highlight any issues. A good IP camera is needed, and a movement capture grid will record any unusual activity. However, operators usually haven’t got time to view all CCTV footage, so using a smart system where peaks of activity can be isolated and checked quickly on a timeline is helpful.

What else goes bump in the night?

The latest smart video systems can also provide insights into other back of house issues. Movement detectors can identify when staff arrive and leave for example. During out of hours, if the system picks up unusual patterns of movement of a more human-sized rat, this can trigger an alarm to help minimise any intruder theft or damage. With a back up battery, DTiQ’s smart video systems will continue to work for five minutes after they’ve been unplugged and so can be useful to identify perpetrators attempting to destroy CCTV evidence if necessary.

How can technology and artificial intelligence/machine learning help?

Artificial Intelligence or machine learning is usually used to highlight suspicious transactions. At DTiQ, we use exception based reporting to help identify and train the AI. Trends can then be tracked across multiple stores as well as individual transactions which can easily be identified, monitored and presented. Most of this is used for front-of-house transactional behaviour, however, analysis of data can be applied to many different scenarios as it identifies anything out of the ordinary. If you can see it we can measure it.

The great thing about video is that it provides proof. Multi-unit stores can be compared, and consistency and quality then applied across the estate. Also, video of examples of best practice can easily be shared with each location to help with staff training too.

What other uses do Smart Video Systems have?

With cost bases increasing and consumer spend decreasing due to concerns over the cost-of-living crisis, technology such as smart video systems can offer solutions to help operators work smarter not just harder. They offer the chance for business owners to reduce costs, protect eroding margins and maximise profitability.

This is achieved in part through smart system insights that help improve every aspect of a customer’s experience from the moment they enter the establishment. Smart surveillance systems can provide key metrics and reports on transaction times, customer conversion and employee behaviour to identify issues and other trends to enable positive action to be taken.

Often there is no need to upgrade current CCTV or EPOS to get on board with intelligent video, as the latest tech can work with existing infrastructure. DTiQ even offers SmartAudits to evaluate working practices remotely and provide data-driven insights to improve employee performance and company efficiency. The key is we can tailor our data analysis to suit a customer’s needs and so if they do think they have a ‘rat in their kitchen,’ even a human sized one, we can help identify the issue so it can be addressed swiftly.

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Read more at https://www.foodserviceequipmentjournal.com/

DTiQ which offers next-generation surveillance software and data analysis now brings its ‘Big Sister’ technology to the UK, to transform the way QSR firms manage costs, optimise revenue and drive operational excellence.

DTiQ works with some of the leading QSR brands in the USA and Europe including Burger King, Subway, Starbucks, Domino’s and the Hard Rock Café. They do this by combining video, data and expert services to deliver an unparalleled performance improvement solution to over 45,000 customers in the retail, restaurant, and convenience store industries. Collectively, DTiQ’s customers have realised a reduction in voided transactions of 22%, a reduction in operating costs of 1-2% and an increase in sales across their brands.

Gareth Bakewell, Head of UK Business Development confirms: “Due to cost increases in energy and supplies, QSR firms are under increasing pressure. However, leveraging DTiQ’s intelligent solutions can help operators gain as many operational efficiencies as possible, particularly in tough trading conditions. If you can see it, you can measure it and DTiQ’s software and analysis services provide a cost-effective option, as we link with existing CCTV infrastructure and combine information with POS data and conduct remote audits that drive consistent performance across all store locations.

“Our ‘Big Sister’ technology and comprehensive analysis can then be used to reward and motivate teams, enhance staff training, improve the customer experience, increase the speed of service, order accuracy, and minimise loss through fraud. This can all be achieved smartly and remotely, saving time for managers and franchisees responsible for multi-unit stores.”

“With an ROI focus, after DTiQ was installed in all Company restaurants, Burger King Corporate reported an increase in profits of $700 per restaurant, per month.”  Bakewell continues: “DTiQ offers an intelligent way to understand and compare everything that’s happening across a whole QSR and restaurant brand at any point, providing a great snapshot into the health and profitability of the estate. That said, data needs to be interpreted and acted upon to unlock real ROI. This is where our team’s expertise comes in, as we can advise on how information can be best used to improve staff training, for example, manage costs or mitigate fraud.

“We now look forward to working closely with QSR brands and franchisees in the UK to help them transform the way they manage costs, optimise revenue and drive operational excellence.”

‍ Read more at https://qsrmedia.co.uk/