Welcome back to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast! Today, we’re excited to dive into a game-changing discussion about the future of order pickup solutions with Ashley McNamara, VP of Marketing at Apex Order Pickup Solutions. This blog post is a summarization of our engaging conversation, highlighting the innovative ways Apex is transforming the restaurant industry.
**Introduction: The Order Pickup Challenge** Restaurants are constantly looking for ways to enhance customer service while coping with the increasing demand for takeout and delivery. Traditional methods like shelves or counters often lack the necessary organization and security, leading to inefficiencies and mix-ups. Apex Solutions addresses these challenges head-on with their cutting-edge locker technology.
**Apex Order Pickup Solutions: Streamlining Efficiency** Ashley McNamara gives us an overview of what Apex does and how their solution stands out. The lockers provided by Apex allow customers to receive a code when their order is ready. Upon arrival, they simply scan the code and retrieve their order in about 10 seconds. This eliminates long wait times and improves order accuracy and security. > “Think about ordering from one of your favorite restaurants and picking it up on your way home from work… You go into the restaurant and nowadays, you’re either greeted by a line, or waiting for somebody to pay attention to you. With our solution, you would get the code when your order’s ready, you scan it, and you’re in and out of that restaurant in about 10 seconds or so.” – Ashley McNamara
**The Pitfalls of Traditional Order Pickup Systems** Jeremy highlights the problems with traditional shelf-based pickup systems. There’s often a lack of visibility into how long orders have been sitting, which affects food quality and customer satisfaction. Mixing up orders becomes a common issue, especially during busy hours. The Apex system addresses these problems by offering data visibility and secure compartmentalization.
**Data Visibility and Security** Ashley explains how Apex’s lockers provide crucial data about order times and allow restaurants to set thresholds for how long food can stay in the locker before notifying staff. This ensures food quality and safety are maintained, as well as minimizing the chances of mistaken or deliberate pickups. > “If you think about the entire digital journey, you’re ordering from a mobile app… You have a digital footprint up until the point that an employee is putting the item on the shelf. Now you have no visibility as to how long it’s been there.” – Ashley McNamara
**The Value of Asynchronous Handoff** The discussion moves into how technology must enhance, not deter, guest experiences. Apex lockers offer an “asynchronous handoff.” This means that customers don’t have to wait for someone to hand them their order, and restaurant staff can efficiently manage multiple orders without getting overwhelmed. **Innovative Use Cases: From Restaurants to College Campuses** Ashley shares how different environments, such as college campuses and cinema chains, have successfully implemented Apex solutions. They’ve optimized their workflows by placing lockers at strategic locations, and in some cases, even outside the restaurant. This exterior-facing model enables customers to pick up their orders without entering the restaurant, offering further convenience.
**Integrating Technology for Seamless Experiences** The process doesn’t end at installing lockers. Apex integrates with various order management and delivery platforms, making it a seamless addition to a restaurant’s existing system. Geofencing technology can also be used to trigger order preparation when a customer is close by, ensuring the freshest possible food pickup experience.
**Handling Large Orders and Special Use Cases** Concerns about large orders and special items like ice cream are addressed by utilizing multiple locker compartments that open simultaneously. Brands can tailor the solution to their specific needs, ensuring that even unique requirements are met efficiently.
**Looking Forward: Apex Solutions as a Standard** The conversation shifts to the future and how more brands are recognizing the value of Apex’s solutions. By focusing on optimizing the guest experience, restaurants can improve customer satisfaction, reduce operational headaches, and ultimately, increase profitability.
**Contact and Learn More** To learn more about Apex Order Pickup Solutions and how they can revolutionize your restaurant’s order pickup process, visit apexorderpickup.com or email info@apexorderpickup.com.
**Closing Thoughts** We wrap up our episode by acknowledging the significant impact that innovative technology like Apex can have on both the restaurant industry and consumer experiences. Thank you for joining us today, and remember to subscribe to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast for more insights on how technology is shaping the future of dining.
