During peak times, queues and congestion at Kent University’s catering outlets were somewhat inevitable, making their catering operations a top priority for improvement. And so, the university adopted a semi-portable, stand-alone counter concept featuring a touchscreen kiosk self-ordering system, so students and staff can order their sandwiches, snacks and drinks through the touch screen kiosks, or even online from their own desktop PC.

Nigel Allan, who was involved with the technological transition, explains, “Reducing queuing and congestion was a priority, as was improving productivity. Added to that was the desire within the university to create an innovative offering that delivered an added value customer service experience.”

The ‘Bag It’ solution is a secure, lockable unit that opens out to reveal a full service counter, complete with touch screen ordering terminals, printers and LED call order displays. Customers are invited to select their choice of meal, as well as add extras. Having placed their order, customers take their receipt and wait for their order number to be displayed on the LED number boards.

Orders can be paid for at the point of order, via the VMC Metro cashless system, or at a till, or at the point of collection if they have been ordered online.

Counter staff can now concentrate on fulfilling orders rather than taking them, which leads to increased productivity and a reduction in waiting times for the customer.