Overview
Restaurant management software is transforming how QSR chains operate. This case shows how a global fast-food chain with 30,000+ stores used ZedIoT’s AIoT SaaS platform to cut costs, improve efficiency, and boost customer experience.
Customer Background
Our client is a global fast-food chain (QSR) with 30,000+ stores worldwide.
In the trillion-dollar quick-service restaurant market, store efficiency, customer experience, and brand image are key to competitiveness.
As the chain expanded rapidly, three challenges became critical:
- Fragmented equipment management: Kitchen appliances, fryers, ovens, HVAC, and lighting ran independently. Faults went unnoticed, and energy was wasted. Traditional tools lacked the features of modern franchise management software, making it harder to unify operations across thousands of stores.
- Limited customer engagement: Stores only offered basic ordering and pickup, without deeper interaction to build loyalty.
- High management costs: Traditional operations were expensive and slow to respond, limiting appeal to younger franchise partners.
This project became a flagship example of fast-food chain digital transformation, proving how AIoT can scale across 30,000+ QSR outlets.
To address these issues, the chain partnered with ZedIoT to build a new generation of restaurant management software that integrates IoT, AI, and SaaS—transforming QSR operations into smart, efficient, and engaging experiences.
Technical Solution: A Cloud–Edge–Device Smart Store Platform
1. IoT Technology: Building the Data Nervous System
- AIHub Edge Box: Industrial-grade processor, supports RS485, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Runs at -20℃ to 60℃, with anti-interference and 1T+ local computing power.
- Real-time monitoring: Captures equipment data (power usage, status, fault codes).
- Secure transmission: Data encrypted and sent to the ZedIoT IoT Cloud Platform.
- Remote control: Enables fault alarms and precise command dispatch, solving scattered device management.
2. AI Technology: The Store’s Interactive Brain
- Voiceprint recognition: ESP32 desktop robot verifies store manager identity, ensuring secure command delivery.
- Natural language processing (NLP): Robot answers customer questions about menu, promotions, and location; also supports fun interactions like riddles and coupons.
- Computer vision (CV): Cameras capture human activity. With 2.5D modeling, create a dynamic store map showing customer flow and staff activity, supporting real-time decision-making.
3. Cloud Platform: The Central Control System
- Massive data storage: Millions of data points from equipment, energy, and interactions.
- Scenario-based automation: Pre-set modes such as Open, Close, Peak, Off-peak, Energy-saving.
- Real-time analytics: Supports nationwide monitoring, energy reports, and smart scheduling.
Software System: Multi-Terminal Management
- HQ IoT Cloud Platform:
- Device monitoring dashboards with fault alarms by region and severity.
- Energy management in retail with trend charts and optimization suggestions.
- Notification system for updates, inventory alerts, and procurement suggestions.
- In-store Pad (Manager level):
- Dynamic cloud map: Real-time 2.5D view of customer flow and staff activity.
- Equipment control: Manage refrigerators, fryers, HVAC, lighting with real-time parameters.
- Scenario switching: Six pre-set modes (Open, Close, Peak, Off-peak, Energy-saving, Auto).
- Energy statistics: Daily/monthly usage reports compared to historical data.
- Direct HQ messaging: Receive and confirm HQ instructions instantly.
Hardware System: Reliable Infrastructure
- AIHub Box: Edge computing, 3-day offline data storage to prevent data loss.
- ESP32 Robot: Dual modes (management & customer). Voiceprint recognition for managers; conversational service for customers.
- Smart cameras: 2MP, wide dynamic range, AI human detection for accurate cloud maps.
- Smart controllers: Retrofit modules for legacy HVAC and lighting, enabling upgrades without replacing old equipment.
Project Results: Efficiency, Experience, and Cost Savings
1. Efficiency Gains
- Device fault response time: 2 hours → 15 minutes.
- Fault rate dropped 40%.
- Remote monitoring reduced manual checks, saving ~$300 per store annually.
- Data reporting automated, saving 8 hours per store monthly.
2. Customer Experience & Brand Image
- ESP32 robot increased customer interactions 60%.
- Average stay time increased 5 minutes.
- Repeat purchases up 15%.
- Wait time down 20%, complaints reduced 35%.
- Social media exposure up 80%, rebranding the chain as a tech-driven QSR attractive to younger customers.
3. Cost & Sustainability
- Energy consumption down 25%, saving over $180M annually across 30,000 stores.
- Equipment lifespan extended by ~2 years, saving ~$700 per store yearly on maintenance.
Before vs After: Results of Smart Restaurant Management Software
| Metric | Before (Traditional QSR Operations) | After (With ZedIoT Restaurant Management Software) |
|---|---|---|
| Fault response time | ~2 hours | 15 minutes (real-time IoT alerts) |
| Device fault rate | High, frequent downtime | Reduced by 40% with predictive maintenance |
| Manual inspections | Daily staff rounds required | Remote monitoring via cloud platform, saving $300/store |
| Data reporting | Manual, ~8 hrs/month per store | Automated by cloud-based restaurant operations software |
| Customer interactions | Limited to ordering & pickup | +60% via ESP32 service robot and customer experience AI |
| Customer wait time | Standard QSR queue | Reduced by 20% with dynamic cloud map |
| Customer complaints | Frequent, long waits | -35% after smart scheduling |
| Energy consumption | High, inefficient | -25% per store (energy management in retail) |
| Annual energy costs | Uncontrolled growth | Savings of $180M across 30,000+ stores |
| Equipment lifespan | Frequent replacements | +2 years average life extension |
| Brand image | Traditional fast-food chain look | Tech-driven QSR, +80% social media exposure |
Replicable Value for QSR Chains
The solution is scalable across fast-food franchises, QSRs, and retail chains.
It functions not only as a restaurant management software platform but also as franchise management software, supporting multi-store scalability and efficient franchise operations.
With IoT SaaS and smart inventory management, new stores can be deployed in days instead of weeks.
Outlook: Digital Transformation in the Restaurant Industry
This collaboration set a benchmark for smart QSR management.
ZedIoT will continue to expand with:
- AI-powered menu recommendations
- Smart inventory management
- Predictive maintenance in restaurants
- Digital transformation in the restaurant industry
ZedIoT remains committed to driving fast-food chain digital transformation, helping franchises and QSR operators achieve smarter, greener, and more engaging store operations.
FAQ: QSR and Smart Restaurant Management
What is QSR management?
QSR management covers tools and strategies for running quick-service restaurants efficiently, including equipment monitoring, staff scheduling, and customer engagement.
What is QSR software?
QSR software is a specialized form of restaurant management software for fast-food chains. It integrates IoT, AI, and SaaS to optimize multi-store operations.
How does restaurant management software help fast-food chains?
It enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy management, and customer experience AI, improving efficiency and loyalty across franchises.
What is digital transformation in the restaurant industry?
It means adopting cloud-based restaurant operations software, IoT devices, and AI analytics to automate workflows and modernize customer experiences.
Is QSR management software scalable for franchises?
Yes. Cloud-based systems can manage tens of thousands of stores, making them ideal for fast-growing fast-food chains and franchises.
Contact Now
Upgrade your QSR chain with ZedIoT’s restaurant management software.
Contact Us →