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News Briefs

  • 9/29/2024

    NCR Voyix Recognized as Largest Provider of Self-Checkout Technology

    NCR Voyix award

    NCR Voyix has once again been recognized by RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights, as the world’s largest provider of self-checkout technology.

    Retailers continue to explore various self-checkout modalities, including mobile applications, smart carts, hybrid systems, and tablets. This evolution in checkout technology highlights the importance of  NCR Voyix' adaptable platform that caters to this dynamic market.

    “Retailers are rapidly diversifying their checkout experiences to meet consumer demands for efficiency and convenience. In response to this trend, NCR Voyix is committed to enhancing retail operations through our comprehensive suite of software and services. Our cloud-based commerce platform is designed to evolve, providing seamless integration and management capabilities,” said Eric Schoch, executive vice president and president, NCR Voyix Retail. “Our focus on software innovation allows us to offer scalable solutions that improve both customer and associate experiences.”

    RBR Data Services found that an increasingly wide range of retailers are adopting SCO technology, from specialty to convenience stores. The NCR Voyix SCO solution helps businesses move quickly to address a challenging labor market, analyze shifting consumer trends and provide consumers with choice of how and where they go through the checkout experience.

    About the Report

    Global EPOS and Self-Checkout 2024 helps suppliers and industry participants understand trends and opportunities in the EPOS and self-checkout market. It provides vendors with data, analysis and insights for 53 markets across six regions.

  • 9/29/2024

    PAR Technology Partners with Hi Auto to Optimize Drive-Thru Operations

    AI voice colorful robot

    PAR Technology Corp. and Hi Auto are announcing a strategic partnership that marks a significant advancement in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, offering a fully integrated solution that enhances drive-thru efficiency and customer satisfaction.  

    Hi Auto is an innovator in voice AI-powered drive-thru automated order-taking. With an impressive 95% accuracy rate and successful implementations in hundreds of restaurants in major chains including Checkers and Rally's, Bojangles, and Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, Hi Auto is transforming the drive-thru experience. 

    By automating the order-taking task, Hi Auto’s voice AI solution enhances operational efficiency, improves order accuracy, increases check sizes, reduces wait times, and saves labor. This technology also frees staff to focus on food quality and customer engagement, improving both employee satisfaction and the overall customer experience. Hi Auto's AI order taker is making significant strides both nationally and internationally. 

    Under this partnership, Hi Auto’s AI-driven automated order-taking platform is now seamlessly integrated with PAR’s POS technology, delivering a powerful, unified system designed to optimize drive-thru operations. Several top QSR brands are already using this combined solution in live production environments, handling orders from real guests and setting a new standard for the industry. 

    The combined solution brings several advanced features to QSR operations: 

    - Reliability: Engineered for maximum uptime, ensuring consistent performance during peak hours. 

    - Automatic 86’ing of Out-of-Stock Items: Real-time updates automatically remove out-of-stock items from digital menus and allow Hi Auto to suggest alternatives when guests order out-of-stock items, streamlining the ordering process and reducing guest frustration. 

    - Integration with Existing Digital Menu Boards: Fully compatible with existing digital menu boards, allowing for instant updates and personalized displays. 

    ​​- I​tem-by-Item Injection: Items are entered into the POS throughout the ordering process, allowing the restaurant team to get an early start on order preparation.  

    “Our collaboration with PAR Technology is an important milestone for Hi Auto as we continue to lead the way in drive-thru automation,” said Roy Baharav, CEO of Hi Auto. “By integrating our AI-powered automated order-taking solution with PAR’s industry-leading POS system, we’re enabling QSR brands to deliver faster, more reliable service while freeing up restaurant staff to focus on enhancing the overall guest experience." 

    “This partnership with Hi Auto is more than just an integration—it’s a game-changer for the future of drive-thru operations,” said Oliver Ostertag, General Manager of Operator Cloud. “We’re not just giving QSR operators a new tool; we’re handing them the keys to unlock faster service, smarter operations, and happier guests. Together with Hi Auto, we’re setting a new standard in growth enablement via frictionless technology and partnership.” 

  • 9/29/2024

    Workstream Launches All-in-One Payroll Solution for the Hourly Workforce

    server waiting with menus

    Workstream, the modern payroll, HR, and hiring platform designed for the hourly business, launched a series of new payroll, time clock, and shift scheduling products today to further expand the capabilities of its integrated all-in-one platform. These products provide much-needed functionality to QSR franchisees, restaurants and other businesses that employ hourly workers.

    “After decades in the restaurant industry, I've learned how important it is to have access to the right tools. Workstream is the only payroll and HR platform I've seen that's built specifically for hourly workers." - Don Fox, former CEO of Firehouse Subsm move faster and save costs,” said Don Fox, former CEO of Firehouse Subs and Workstream advisor.

    Accoring to Workjam's recent survey of HR leaders and business owners, The State of Hourly Payroll 2025, highlights the importance of tools like this. Among the 250 people surveyed:

    • 23% are still using manual spreadsheets to run payroll.
    • 64% of companies want a tool that specifically addresses the needs of the hourly workforce.
    • 73.6% of companies are looking to consolidate their payroll, hiring, time tracking, and HR platforms into a single solution.
       

    Building on Workstream's successful HR technology, the new products will deliver on the needs highlighted in the survey results: an automated, consolidated payroll solution built specifically for the hourly workforce. This unique offering departs from traditional payroll providers, which are typically geared toward enterprise businesses at a high price point. Workstream’s products lower the barriers to building an all-in-one HR tech stack by offering growing businesses affordable, easy-to-use, customizable solutions that work within any budget.

    With many businesses using Q4 as an opportunity to reset for the upcoming year, it’s a strategic time for employers to consider adding the following hourly-specific products to their HR tech stack:

    • Payroll: Effortlessly accommodate common hourly payroll challenges like dynamic pay rates, multiple jobs, and location changes. When paired with Workstream’s HR and Time Clock products, managers save time on repetitive data entry and reduce payroll errors.
    • Time Clock: Ensure you’re paying the right amount with a smart time clock that proactively flags potential problems with breaks, overtime, and clock-outs, plus seamlessly integrates with Shift Scheduling and Payroll.
    • Shift Scheduling: Easily create, revise, and publish schedules. Get alerts for flagged shifts, giving managers real-time visibility into scheduling changes so they can control labor costs.


    “Our latest payroll solution is a game-changer for hourly businesses looking to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the competition,” said Desmond Lim, CEO and co-founder of Workstream. “By integrating seamlessly with our suite of hiring, onboarding, and HR products, this new offering not only simplifies payroll management but also empowers businesses to increase efficiency and significantly reduce labor costs. We’re committed to meeting the unique challenges faced by hourly businesses, and with these tools, our customers can better compete in a challenging economic landscape, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.”

    To learn more about Workstream and its new Payroll products,  visit workstream.us.

  • 9/26/2024

    Instant Financial Announces New Mobile App for Improved Employee Pay Flexibility

    instant logo
    Instant Financial, a pioneer of responsible earned wage access (EWA), electronic tips, and paycard solutions, has announced the release of its new Instant mobile app and enhanced mobile wallet functionality, providing employees with a faster, more secure app experience that gives them a greater degree of flexibility in how they receive their pay.
     
    Understanding that over 50% of Americans would likely avoid major financial pitfalls if they could instantly access a portion of their pay after every day’s work, the new Instant mobile app is narrowing this financial gap by placing financial empowerment directly into the hands of employees.
     
    The beta version of Instant’s app debuted in October at the 2023 HR Tech Conference & Expo, where event attendees were provided a sneak preview of the app’s new capabilities and functionality.

    Designed with accessibility and financial freedom in mind, the new Instant mobile app is released with a list of innovative new features and functionality including:

    • Faster Access to Earned Wages: Employees have access to their hard-earned wages in fewer steps, with an improved user interface (UI) and key elements surfaced more prominently within the app.
    • Modern Security Features: State-of-the-art security protocols, such as facial and fingerprint biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and encryption technologies protect user information and provide peace of mind.
    • Flexible Payment Options: Users have the freedom to choose how and when they access their wages. Whether it’s through direct deposit, the Instant card, or a mobile wallet, the new app offers a greater degree of flexibility for all employees, ensuring convenience for all.
    • Clear and Informative Design: With improvements to the user interface (UI), the app offers a user-friendly experience, empowering users to make informed choices and navigate the app confidently.
    • New Technology Framework: Underpinned by a new technology infrastructure, the new Instant mobile app is faster, more responsive, and built to allow for additional features and functionality to meet the needs of employees and how they are paid.

    “Employee demands regarding how they access their wages are constantly shifting, and our new app is meeting that head-on,” said Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. “Whether it’s to cover unexpected expenses, avoid predatory loans, or simply to enjoy more control over their finances, Instant is continually revolutionizing the way people get paid.”

    By releasing this enhanced version of its mobile app experience, Instant is furthering its mission of delivering pay to employees, when they want, where they want, and how they want, all free of fees.

  • 9/25/2024

    PolyAI partners with OpenTable

    new product box

    PolyAI, a pioneer in voice AI solutions for customer experience and service, announced a partnership with OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, expanding PolyAI's guest-led voice assistants to enterprise restaurants. Locations that opt in will be able to take reservations over the phone, answer questions, gain visibility in customer trends, and deliver on-brand experiences - all while alleviating staff time and resources.

    This alliance delivers PolyAI's lifelike voice AI to help restaurants tackle challenges around staffing and provide consistent hospitality, even off premise. In a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, 62% of operators said their restaurants did not have enough employees to support existing demand. With onsite staff focused on in-house patrons, restaurant groups routinely miss between 30-60% of phone calls to their front of house (per PolyAI customer data) – meaning missed revenue opportunities and equally valuable customer touch points.

    Never miss another call

    With this strategic partnership, OpenTable's global network of restaurants will be able to integrate PolyAI voice assistants, built using generative AI and spoken language technologies, to assist their diners in seamlessly booking and managing reservations over the phone, during and outside of operating hours.

    "We know how tightly restaurants manage their guest experience and this can be even more complex for our partners doing business at scale," said Susan Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenTable. "We have, and continue to invest in, technology that pushes boundaries and enhances hospitality and our integration with PolyAI is a new way we can drive efficiencies for our restaurants, and diners."

    For larger operators, this partnership enables numerous iterations of voice assistants to cater to the unique needs of multi-location and multi-brand portfolios, while providing PolyAI's proven enterprise-grade assurances around availability, security and data protection.

    "We have extensive experience deploying voice assistants to hundreds of locations for some of the largest restaurant groups in the world, helping operators resolve up to 70% of calls over the phone without the need for additional staff," said Michael Chen, VP of Strategic Alliances at PolyAI. "This strong connection with the restaurant industry started right from the earliest days of PolyAI. We're thrilled to deepen that further and work with OpenTable to help even more restaurant operators attract more diners, streamline operations and maximize revenue."

    Popular fondue restaurant group among the first to dip in

    North America-based fondue restaurant Melting Pot is an early adopter in leveraging this partnership. With PolyAI voice assistants rolling out to locations in Indiana, New Jersey and New York and many other restaurants in the implementation stage, the appeal of quick scale is evident. "Locations can go live with a branded, pre-trained voice assistant in as few as three weeks, which for our restaurants, means less time working on technology and more time taking care of our guests." says Randy Barnett, VP of Innovative Technology Systems & Data at Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

    Smart automation that puts the guest first and keeps the staff attentive to onsite diners is crucial for Barnett: "Anyone who's dined at a Melting Pot knows it's an immersive experience, and by integrating this technology our teams can spend more time delivering the Perfect Night Out to our guests. Having PolyAI's voice assistant answer our guest calls not only offers immediate attention and resolution to those offsite guests preparing for their meal with us, it also preserves that intimate, social environment we provide for our in-house guests and team members."

    Barnett reports the voice assistant is popular with Melting Pot team members and guests alike, and that the ability to fully book, change or cancel a reservation through an integration with OpenTable has been seamless. Barnett anticipates wider spread adoption of the platform in the coming weeks and months among Melting Pot's 90+ locations.

    The journey starts at the Integration Marketplace

    OpenTable restaurants will be able to request an integration with PolyAI via its Integration Marketplace, which powers 150+ integrations among the most widely used restaurant software. Beyond managing reservations over the phone, PolyAI's guest-led voice assistants also offer operators a powerful new channel for implementing consistent brand experiences that can deliver greater personalization, more proactive revenue and upsell as well as offer new ways of collecting diner feedback and tracking customer satisfaction.

  • 9/25/2024

    STUDY: 60% of Consumers Fed Up with Tipping

    skeptical man facing a payment terminal
    Tighter household budgets paired with tipping fatigue is causing U.S. consumers to pull back on gratuities for restaurant staff and wish for a general departure from tipping. This is according to a nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers by Popmenu, a leader in restaurant technology that works with more than 10,000 restaurants.
     
    The majority (60%) of consumers say they are fed up with being asked to tip for different services at various establishments, up from 53% last year. Around the same percentage (61%) feel pressure to tip. When consumers were asked how many times they tipped for different services when they didn’t think it was warranted, the average was 40 times.
     

    Restaurant Tipping Trends

    After rallying around restaurants during the pandemic, budget-conscious consumers have reduced gratuities in recent years:
    •  In 2024, 38% of consumers say they tip restaurant servers 20% or more. This is down from 42% of consumers last year and 56% in 2021.
    • In 2024, 19% of consumers say they tip restaurant delivery drivers 20% or more. This is down from 26% of consumers last year and 38% in 2021.  
    • The number of consumers tipping restaurant staff 10% or less jumped 10 percentage points over last year:
      • 30% of consumers tip restaurant servers 10% or less, up from 19% of consumers last year.
      •  42% of consumers tip restaurant drivers 10% or less, up from 32% of consumers last year.
     
    Most consumers (61%) are willing to pay more for restaurant meals to facilitate higher wages for staff and eliminate tipping.

    “The continued squeeze on consumer bank accounts is impacting restaurants and other industries that are heavily reliant on tips,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. “Not only are they dealing with heightened competition for guests, they have to work even harder for the tips that account for the majority of their income.”    
     
     
    Survey Methodology
    Popmenu conducted an anonymous, nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and older, from September 6 to September 7, 2024.

    *Totals in may not equal 100% due to rounding.
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