News

KFC UK/Ireland deploys kitchen automation across 900+ stores

KFC in Tonbridge, England. (Photo: iStock)

October 8, 2019

In the U.K. and Ireland, KFC is deploying delivery-centered kitchen management software at the chicken giant's 900 locations there after what was defined as "a successful pilot period," in a press release. 

The brand is using QSR Automation's ConnectSmart Kitchen product to help it operationally to deliver new digital platforms and improve customers' in-restaurant and delivery experiences.

The pilot of the product cut order error rates and improved order-time speed and efficiency. Now through the use of the technology, KFC UK & Ireland will manage all locations through ConnectSmart's centralized database that offers what QSR Automations said is a secure environment to distribute setting configurations and reporting for each store. Other perks of the software cited in the news release include: 

• Live metric data with kitchen team performance scorecards. 
• Activity level control that can be adjust for staffing levels and other factors. 
• Use of delivery specific stations to better manage dine-in and delivery/off-premise orders.

KFC UK & Ireland Chief Technology Officer Brad Scheiner said the automation is enabling smoother, more streamlined operations at the brand's stores. 

"ConnectSmart Kitchen has become an integral part of our kitchen operations and has helped to ensure in-restaurant and delivery demands are not only achieved but exceeded," he said in the release. "We have seen reduced order errors since the pilot and are looking forward to operational improvements in the entire estate roll out."

QSR Automations Head of Client Management Nick Freeston said the systems also are a means of "future-proofing" the chain's operations as delivery and click-and-collect ordering becomes more widespread.