Restaurants, cafés, and bars that implement self-order solutions can increase their average check value by between 15% and 30%, according to data from Selectsoft, a Romanian provider of ERP solutions for SMEs. In addition, digitalizing the ordering process can reduce service times by around 20% and enable operators to serve nearly 35% more customers during peak hours without increasing staffing levels.
Rising operating costs and ongoing challenges in recruiting qualified staff are driving restaurants to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies. Self-order systems are among the solutions seeing the fastest uptake, allowing customers to place orders directly from their smartphones by scanning a QR code, without the need to download an app. This streamlines operations while reducing manual errors throughout the ordering process.
“Customers expect fast service and a seamless experience, while restaurants are looking for solutions that help them meet those expectations without placing additional pressure on their teams. Self-order systems simplify the ordering process, reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, and allow staff to focus more on service and guest interaction. Technology is not replacing hospitality, it is enhancing it by creating a more efficient and convenient experience for both customers and employees,” said Călin Buciuta, Founder of Selectsoft.
Digitalizing the ordering process also changes the way customers interact with a restaurant’s menu. With continuous access to the menu throughout their visit, guests can browse available options more easily and are more likely to add dishes, drinks, or other items to their order, contributing to a higher average check value.
For operators, the benefits are particularly evident during busy periods. By eliminating part of the manual order-taking and order-transmission process, self-order solutions help reduce errors and improve operational efficiency, particularly in high-volume restaurants and outdoor dining venues.
They also deliver significant advantages for HoReCa businesses operating across larger service areas, such as pubs and bars in ski resorts or beach and poolside lounge areas, where waitstaff do not always have full visibility of customers who wish to place an order.
“The impact of these solutions is best reflected in the results achieved by restaurants already using them. For example, at a trout restaurant located in a tourist destination, the average service time dropped from 30 to 20 minutes, while the number of customers served increased by 23%. In another case, a crêpe restaurant is able to manage 25 tables with just one waiter. These examples demonstrate how technology can help operators address today’s challenges without compromising the customer experience. As consumers become increasingly comfortable with digital interactions, we believe self-order solutions will become as commonplace in restaurants as card payments are today,” added Călin Buciuta.
Selectsoft’s Self Order solution integrates with a restaurant’s management system, enabling real-time order synchronization without requiring major changes to existing workflows. Customers can customize their meals, send special requests directly to the kitchen, monitor their order value in real time, and choose their preferred payment method and tip amount. At the same time, operators benefit from a more efficient workflow and fewer errors associated with manual order processing. The solution complies with Romanian legislation and can be implemented in restaurants, cafés, and bars of all sizes.
