Examples of Self-Service Technology Providers
Overview of Self-Service Technology
Self-service technology refers to digital systems that allow customers to complete tasks independently without direct assistance from staff. In restaurant environments, these technologies are most commonly used for ordering, making payments, and guest interactions, creating restaurant automation. Similar systems are also widely used in industries like retail, hospitality, banking, and transportation.
These solutions typically combine customer-facing hardware with software platforms. To function effectively, they integrate into existing operational systems such as point of sale terminals, kitchen display systems, and back-office reporting tools.
Self-Ordering Kiosk Providers (Restaurants)
Self-ordering kiosk providers focus on digital terminals that allow guests to place and pay for their own orders. These systems are frequently found in quick-service and fast-casual restaurant environments to help manage customer flow.
Examples include:
- GRUBBRR provides customizable self-ordering kiosks designed to handle high-volume restaurant operations.
- Toast offers kiosks that function within its wider ecosystem of restaurant technology and point of sale tools.
- Square delivers tablet-based kiosk solutions that connect to its central payment and management platform.
- Applova focuses on touchscreen kiosks that are compatible with various restaurant point of sale environments.
- INFI provides self-service kiosks designed for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants with point of sale integration.
Tabletop Ordering System Providers
Tabletop ordering providers specialize in compact devices mounted directly to tables. These are used for ordering and payment without the guest needing to leave their seat. These systems are typically found in casual dining and bar environments, called tabletop kiosks.
Examples include:
- Ziosk offers table-side ordering and payment devices frequently used by large casual dining chains.
- Jamezz provides flexible tabletop and self-ordering solutions for the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
- Square supports tablet-based hardware that can be configured for tabletop ordering use cases.
POS-Integrated Self-Service Platforms
Some providers focus on software-driven platforms that work closely with existing point of sale systems. This allows restaurants to add kiosks or mobile ordering without replacing their entire technology infrastructure.
Examples include:
- Clover offers point of sale-based self-service solutions intended for small and mid-sized businesses.
- Lightspeed provides integrated self-service tools for both restaurant and retail environments.
- Revel Systems supports enterprise-level self-service deployments for large restaurant groups.
Enterprise and Hardware-Focused Providers
Enterprise providers typically focus on large-scale hardware manufacturing and custom technology deployments across multiple different industries.
Examples include:
- KIOSK Information Systems designs and manufactures custom kiosks for retail, hospitality, and specialized business needs.
- NCR Corporation delivers self-checkout, kiosk, and point of sale solutions for the restaurant, retail, and banking industries.
- Diebold Nixdorf provides transaction technology and self-service systems primarily for financial services and retail.
Broader Self-Service Technology Examples
Beyond the restaurant industry, self-service technologies are utilized in many different ways to improve efficiency. Common examples include:
- Self-checkout systems found in grocery and retail stores.
- Airport kiosks used for flight check-in and printing luggage tags.
- Hotel terminals that allow guests to check in and out independently.
- Smart vending machines with interactive digital interfaces.
- Automated banking systems and ATMs.
- AI-powered chatbots used for customer service and support.
These technologies share the common goal of reducing friction for the user, increasing operational efficiency, and allowing people to complete tasks on their own schedule.
