Microsoft's new self-serve kioks threaten cashier jobs
McDonald's, the world's leading fast-food chain, has introduced a new digital kiosk capable of accepting cash and dispensing change. This innovative move could potentially eliminate the need for human cashiers at its outlets. The company had previously installed self-order screens that accepted card payments at most of its locations in 2020. However, these kiosks still required customers paying with cash to complete their purchases at the counter.
New kiosks aim to enhance customer experience
The newly introduced cash kiosks are currently operational in a limited number of restaurants. They are designed to streamline the ordering process for customers who prefer paying with cash. A McDonald's representative stated that these changes are intended to cater to customers' growing preference for digital options, and enhance speed and accuracy in service delivery. The company also plans to modify its counter screens to feature select items and encourage guests to use self-service kiosks or McDonald's app for ordering.
Franchisees have the option to adopt cash kiosks
The decision to implement these cash kiosks is optional for McDonald's franchisees, who own and manage approximately 95% of the nearly 14,300 McDonald's locations in the US. So far, less than 2% of these franchisees have chosen to adopt the new kiosks and screens. The company has not yet disclosed a timeline for a broader rollout of this technology across its outlets.
McDonald's assures no job cuts due to new kiosks
Despite concerns about the potential obsolescence of cashier roles due to increased automation, McDonald's has assured that the introduction of these new screens will not lead to job cuts. Instead, cashiers will be reassigned to other duties such as delivering food to customers who ordered online or enhancing guest experience. This assurance comes amid a broader industry trend toward automation and digitalization in fast-food services.
Digital orders contribute significantly to McDonald's sales
McDonald's has reported that orders placed through the app, self-order screens, or a delivery service accounted for over 40% of its sales in top markets during last year's third quarter. The company has observed that mobile app users tend to be more loyal and frequently purchase additional items like French fries with their orders. McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated in July that "digital is going to continue to grow for us," indicating a strategic focus on enhancing its digital platform.
