July

Historically, AI was present in predictive BI, biometric- based POS, delivery robots, vision-based autonomous retail, and other innovations. However, with the recent advancements in AI, its adoption has been fast- tracked. Even though I was not able to make it to this year's National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, looking at the companies exhibiting their solutions, it's clear that AI is being leveraged in several areas with the foodservice environment. Here are some key ways generative AI is being effectively used today based on what we see from the exhibitors at NRA: Customer Engagement and Ordering Systems: Voice and Chatbot Ordering: AI-powered voice assistants and chatbots streamline the ordering process, reducing wait times and improving accuracy. Digital Engagement Platforms: AI-driven platforms engage customers with personalized promotions, recommendations, and interactive experiences. Operational Efficiency and Management: Workforce Management: AI optimizes staff scheduling and task management, ensuring the right number of employees are available at peak times. Self-Service Technology: Automated kiosks and self-checkout systems enhance the customer experience by reducing queues and labor costs. Surveillance and Security: Cloud Video Surveillance: AI-enhanced video surveillance systems monitor activity, detect anomalies, and provide insights for security and operational improvements. Supply Chain and Delivery: Delivery Intelligence: AI optimizes delivery routes and processes, minimizing errors and improving delivery times. Inventory and Supply Management: Predictive analytics and automation help manage inventory levels, reducing waste and ensuring fresh supplies.

Food Preparation and Service: Automated Food and Beverage Preparation: AI-powered machines and robots prepare food and beverages consistently and efficiently, maintaining high quality. Smart Cooking Equipment: AI-integrated kitchen appliances adjust cooking times and temperatures for optimal results. Waste Reduction and Sustainability: Food Waste Management: AI tools analyze and predict food usage patterns to reduce waste, enhancing sustainability efforts. Waste Reduction and Sustainability: Experience Intelligence: AI analyzes customer feedback and operational data to provide actionable insights, helping businesses improve their services and products. (omniXM is doing this today) Operational and Financial Analytics: Comprehensive Data Analysis: AI operationalizes financial, operational, and statistical data, offering deep insights into business performance. This helps in identifying trends, forecasting future outcomes, and making data-driven decisions to optimize operations and profitability. (omniXM is doing this today)

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