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Internorga 2023 | qnips: passion for innovation live on display

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 24. April 2023

Internorga 2023 is behind us and we are grateful for the many great impressions, visions and concepts that we were able to experience and take home with us.

Inspired by the strong performance of our partners, we have once again created a booth concept that fills us with pride and clearly reflects our identity. The concrete idea behind our booth is quite simple: visitors enter a state-of-the-art, fully digitised company canteen. Accompanied by our great staff, they will be able to discover and experience live different scenarios called “Journeys”.

The “Aitme” Journey

It’s simple: open the qnips app and navigate to the Aitme Robotic Kitchen menu. You select one of the available dishes, customise the ingredients if you wish, and place your desired dish in the shopping basket.

Once you have placed your order, something extraordinary happens! It is not the kitchen staff that prepares the food, but an autonomous robot. This robot can produce more than 80 different dishes, and more than 60 of them per hour! Due to lack of space on our booth, this robot was not live, but a video screen from booth partner Aitme gave an overview of the rest of the preparation process.

The „Innovend“ Journey

The halls at Internorga 2023 also allowed us to present larger showcases, one of which is the Innovend Journey. Again, you open the qnips app and select the Lock-Blox menu. The kitchen team then takes the order, prepares the food and – this is where it gets exciting – delivers it to a locker called a ‘Lock-Blox’.

A Lock-Blox can be roughly explained as follows: A large locker with individual compartments and cooling elements. The compartments can be opened individually via an app and filled. The aim of the system is to streamline the preparation and collection of food. Employees order their meals and can reliably collect them at a later time of their choosing. This optimises production planning, as only the food actually ordered is placed in the box. Less waste, more tasty food.

Less food waste thanks to accurate production planning

But what happens if a meal is cancelled? The Lock-Blox trays use coloured LEDs to indicate whether a meal is ready for collection, hot, cold or, in the case of a cancellation, ready for sale. It looks good, tastes good and helps the environment.

The LinX iQ aka “Smart Fridge” is even more flexible than the Lock-Blox. A credit card stored in the qnips app is used to generate a QR code that opens the Smart Fridge. The fridge-like vending machine looks like the vending machines you see at train stations and swimming pools. But instead of waiting for a metal crane, conveyor belt or spiral to collect products for customers, they simply reach into the Smart Fridge and take what they need. Using internal sensors such as weight scales or NFC scanners, the fridge recognises which and how many products have been removed. It then adds them to your shopping basket in the app and triggers the automatic payment process as soon as you close the door. The fact that you feel like you’re stealing something, especially the first time you use it, is a testament to how simple the process is.

The „Order Kiosk“ Journey

Ordering and working with the qnips app is fun and very easy. However, sometimes we also need on-site ordering options, for example to ensure better legibility, faster order processing or the ability to order without a smartphone. At our booth at Internorga 2023, we demonstrated this with an ordering kiosk system using Pan Oston hardware. In combination with qnips, the hardware combines menu display, shopping cart, product scanning and self-service checkout in a compact, locally mounted interface.

On this interface, customers can touch select their meal, order it and send it to the kitchen. When the order is received by the kitchen, an order receipt is printed with the order details. As soon as they start preparing the food, it can be scanned into our Kitchen Monitor and given the status ‘in progress’. The monitor provides the kitchen with an easy-to-read list of which orders are at which stage of preparation.

Easy order processing in the kitchen

However, a simple screen can easily be overlooked in the heat of the kitchen battle. That’s why our Kitchen Monitor is connected to a signal lamp that lights up in three colours, flashes and buzzes when the order phase changes. The kitchen is now well informed, but what about the waiting customers?

Vestaboard showing the orders in preparation

Our booth this year featured the “Vestaboard”, an analogue-mechanical display board like the ones you see in airports and train stations. (The ones that sound a bit like fluttering pigeons when you change the display. Or maybe there are real pigeons at the station that sound like that. Who knows?) This board displays orders in order of processing status, effectively changing the display with each update. In this way, guests can follow the status of their order in real time. For those who are not yet convinced by the clattering analogue charm of the Vestaboard, there is of course also a regular digital pick-up monitor – after all, eating should be fun for everyone.

The “qnips App Redesign” Journey

You’ve probably noticed that our mobile app is a recurring topic in this blog post. This is not only because our apps are the heart of our software, but also because we were proud to present the redesign of our qnips app at Internorga. You could see our new design for IOs and Android on several test devices. And it gets even better: in the future, this design will also characterise all other qnips-related mobile applications.

As part of the redesign, we are also introducing our 14 redesigned allergen icons in our app and on the Catering Portal. These are different in shape and colour from the current icons and help to make the allergens easier to identify.

What we have learned from Internorga 2023

The end of each Internorga always means preparing for the next one. That’s why we’re looking forward to presenting what we’re burning for next year: Innovative software, accessible, elegant hardware and a team that is passionate and knowledgeable about all of this. Many good and intensive discussions have shown that the digitalisation of company catering is not just a trendy topic.

qnips says thank you and is looking forward to the next Internorga together!

For more information visit www.qnips.io

Less waiting, more efficiency: qnips and CashControl simplify payment in the canteen

By Thilo in Nicht kategorisiert 12. April 2023

Hamburg, 14th March 2023

At the latest since the Corona pandemic, the use of cash is gradually fading into the background in Germany. At this year’s Internorga, qnips therefore focused on cashless payment alternatives for company canteens. In cooperation with CashControl, a company that specialises in accounting and cash register software, an example of a cashless canteen was presented at the trade fair.

A feature that benefits everyone!

The integration of CashControl’s POS software into the qnips platform offers canteen guests a digital all-in-one solution for the entire process, from food overview and selection to payment. The required credit can be easily topped up on a smartphone in advance, so that all that is needed to pay for the food is to scan a QR code from the app at the POS. Or, for those who prefer analogue payment, a prepaid card can be used, which is then scanned at the POS. Cashless payment saves employees long queues at the checkout and ensures a more relaxing lunch break because it is used more effectively. At the same time, cashless payment has a positive effect on staffing levels, as there is less need for cashiers, who can then provide support in other areas.

qnips x CashControl: Shared innovation in payments

“We are very happy about the partnership with CashControl. It allows us to always offer our customers a personalised payment option. Be it via an analogue employee card, scanning a QR code or the classic credit or debit card,” says Christian Brützel, owner of qnips GmbH. Claus Studener, Managing Director of CashControl, is equally satisfied: “Through the various customer cases of qnips, we are constantly broadening our horizons and becoming aware of new features. An example of this is the credit system that we were able to integrate together with one of the largest catering companies in Europe.”

About qnips

qnips is a cloud-based catering platform that helps businesses improve and digitise their catering operations. qnips automates ordering and payment processes, creates digital menus and designs marketing content that can be delivered directly to apps, web and digital signage. The platform simplifies allergen labelling and the analysis of relevant data on ordering and consumption patterns, as well as customer satisfaction. As a result, processes can be digitised and time and resources can be used more efficiently.

About CashControl

CashControl has been developing specialised cashless accounting and cash register software for community and professional catering since 1991. Their special focus is on cashless accounting at the point of sale. The CashControl cash register software works with the most modern, contact-free media and chip cards.

Press contact:
qnips GmbH
Nathalie Schneider
+49 511 – 165899-0
nathalie.schneider@qnips.io

Smart solutions for the canteen: the “Smart Locker” revolutionises contract catering

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 11. April 2023

Hamburg, 14 March 2023

Round-the-clock catering and smart lockers were once again a hot topic at this year’s Internorga in Hamburg. Catering platform qnips and its stand partner Innovend gave an impressive demonstration of what modern employee catering can look like with intelligent vending solutions.

qnips and Innovend create a modern guest experience featuring a smart locker integration

The collaboration between qnips and Innovend is intended to pave the way for modern and time-independent employee catering. In the best practice example presented at the Internorga, employees can pre-order meals online via an app or web portal. The qnips platform gives them a direct overview of the ingredients, allergens and carbon footprint of the meals on offer. The order is placed by selecting a day of the week and a time when the order should be available in the smart locker. At the requested time, employees can log in to the locker using the QR code or PIN from the order and collect the food.

woman takes water bottle out of a smart fridge

Employees on shift duty also benefit thanks to the use of a smart locker

“This gives companies the opportunity to offer food on less busy days or to provide staff meals without having their own canteen,” emphasises Kenji Koch, Sales and Business Development Manager at qnips. In addition to lunchtime meals, cold snacks and sandwiches can also be offered. This also benefits employees on large factory sites, for example, who can be supplied decentrally and at any time during shift work with smart lockers. “In our Zuply Lockbloxes, the food can not only be kept refrigerated, but the integration of a microwave module also allows the food to be heated up afterwards,” explains Sander Sciarone Managing Director of Innovend Vending Solutions. Innovend’s Lockboxes can be assembled modularly according to the caterer’s needs and flexibly integrated into the qnips platform.

About qnips:

As a cloud-based catering platform, qnips helps companies improve and digitise their catering management. qnips is automating ordering and payment processes, creating digital menus and designing marketing content that can be delivered directly to the app, web and digital signage. The platform simplifies allergen labelling, analysis of relevant data on ordering and consumption patterns, and customer satisfaction. In this way, processes can be digitised and time and resources can be used in a more efficient way.

About Innovend:

Innovend offers Smart unmanned vend and intake solutions for various markets. Its own software and hardware offers a wide range of modular (breeze) solutions that can be combined in various ways and can be connected with third party applications.

Press contact:
qnips GmbH
Nathalie Schneider
+49 511 – 165899-0
nathalie.schneider@qnips.io

Intelligent NFC technologies create conditions for a cashless company canteen

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 11. April 2023

Smartphone is scanning a digital price tag via NFC

Hamburg, 14 March 2023

This year’s Internorga in Hamburg once again showcased the latest trends and innovations in the catering industry. Impressive was the best practice example of a completely cashless canteen in the course of the cooperation between the catering platform qnips and the NFC technologies of Opticon. The aim of the cooperation is to create a seamless digital process flow in the company canteen thanks to the integration of NFC-enabled digital price tags.

A great dining experience for guests through the use of NFC technologies

In the Digitisation Hall at Internorga, qnips GmbH presented modern features for the digitization of company catering. With the ePaper Displays from Opticon it is possible to create a completely cashless canteen thanks to modern NFC technologies. NFC-enabled price tags in the form of ePaper Displays are used for this purpose. Via the qnips catering app, the guests of the company canteen receive an overview of the canteen’s daily or weekly offers. In addition, they receive all important information about allergens and nutritional values directly for the respective product. Once on site, the selected dishes can simply be scanned with the app. Contactless data exchange between the ePaper display and the smartphone adds the meal directly to the app’s shopping basket. Payment is then made conveniently via the mobile payment provider in the app, so that guests do not have to wait long at the checkout.

Enhancing the appreciation of work-life balance during the lunch break

“With the Scan & Go feature, we enable guests to save a massive amount of time during their lunch break. By simply scanning and paying, guests effectively get more out of their lunch break because they don’t spend half the time waiting in line at the food counter or cash register,” emphasizes Christian Brützel, owner of qnips GmbH. In recent years, the importance of work-life balance has increased significantly among employees. This also includes a restful and relaxed lunch break with colleagues. “By integrating our hardware with the qnips platform, we create a completely cashless canteen and thus a fast and smooth process flow at the food counter,” says Dick de Haas, Sales Manager at Opticon. The Scan & Go system is already successfully in use at one of the largest Dutch caterers.

About qnips

As a cloud-based catering platform, qnips supports companies in optimizing and digitizing their catering management, by automating ordering and payment processes, creating digital menus and designing marketing content that can be delivered directly to app, web and digital signage. The platform simplifies allergen labelling, as well as the evaluation of relevant data on ordering and consuming behaviour and the satisfaction of canteen guests. In this way, processes can be digitized, and time and resources can be used more efficiently.

About Opticon

Dutch hardware manufacturer Opticon has been developing intelligent barcode scanning solutions for a wide range of industries and markets since 1976. From electronic shelf labels in the local supermarket to NFC-enabled price tags in the company canteen, the company produces internationally leading hardware. Opticon manufactures its products in ISO 9001 certified facilities and works to international standards for quality, safety, and environmental protection.

Press contact:
qnips GmbH 
Nathalie Schneider 
+49 511 ‒ 165899-0  
nathalie.schneider@qnips.io

Robotic Kitchen and Catering Platform create workload relief for canteen staff

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 11. April 2023

Hamburg, 14th March 2023

At this year’s Internorga, qnips GmbH once again presented the latest innovations in the field of digitisation in contract catering. The focus of the exhibition was the cooperation with the Berlin start-up Aitme. Aitme builds a kitchen robot for use in staff catering. Aitme and qnips are working together on an interface between the robot kitchen and the qnips catering platform. The aim is to make ordering more flexible and convenient for guests.

A forward-thinking collaboration for a digital customer experience in the canteen

At the qnips booth, Internorga visitors were able to experience how easy it is to order food from the Robotic Kitchen via an app or web portal. The qnips app allows a simple selection of different meals, including allergen labelling. Meals can be easily customised when ordering and pre-ordered for a desired time. Payment is made via a mobile payment provider or by using credit in the qnips app. Guests then collect the freshly prepared meal directly from the kitchen robot. Authentication is done via QR code or PIN from the order.

Kitchen robot addresses lack of qualified staff and new working habits

The Corona pandemic has ensured that the effects of a lack of qualified staff and hybrid working models are creating ever greater challenges in the catering industry. “Many company caterers are telling us about a shortage of staff. Hybrid working models with home office regulations make it difficult to forecast consumption accurately,” says Kenji Koch, Business Development Manager at qnips. In order to provide catering for employees on less busy days or in locations without their own canteen, qnips is currently working on integrating the Aitme Robotic Kitchen.

“The Robotic Kitchen is a flexible catering option in times of home office and new work. It enables round-the-clock food supply and optimal use of short break times through pre-ordering and pre-production,” says Laura Wulff, Head of Sales & Business Development at Aitme. Minimal space requirements and comparatively low investment costs ensure that kitchen robots are increasingly coming to the fore in the industry. The Robotic Kitchen offers more than 80 different meals – from Currywurst Bowl to Pasta Dishes or Caeser Salad. This cooperation between qnips and Aitme has already resulted in concrete projects using the Robotic Kitchen in well-known company canteens.

About qnips

About Aitme

The Aitme robot can be operated cost-effectively and with low staffing requirements. It provides a simple 24/7 solution that works during off-peak hours and at night. The Robotic Kitchen can be integrated into an existing canteen or operated as a stand-alone solution in locations without catering facilities.

Press contact:
qnips GmbH
Nathalie Schneider
+49 511 – 165899-0
nathalie.schneider@qnips.io

The Yummy Case – Cashless payment for modern company canteens

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 15. February 2023

Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly important to offer contactless and cashless payment methods. Especially in gastronomic businesses, such as modern company canteens or restaurants, guests increasingly expect a modern and digital customer journey. A cashless canteen is not only more hygienic, but also more efficient and faster in the processing of payment transactions. In this way, digitisation in company catering can serve as an opportunity to further develop the user journey and effectively design processes. We took the first step, with a completely cashless canteen, together with one of the largest Dutch caterers – Albron BV.

By combining the qnips platform with Albron’s YUMMY app and the ePaper Displays from Opticon, a modern case for a cashless and user-friendly canteen with various ordering, payment and rating features was created.

Usability and functionality – the YUMMY Case features

After downloading the YUMMY app, in the Apple or Google Play Store, the user receives a short onboarding for all basic features. As soon as the respective location has been activated, all dishes for the current week are displayed at a glance. The user can then decide in advance which dish he or she would like to enjoy at lunchtime. In addition, all important information on ingredients, allergens and nutritional values is available in the detailed view of the dishes. In case of intolerances, dishes can be easily filtered and excluded according to these criteria. Registered app users can also set an allergen alert for certain ingredients. When visiting the canteen, the selected dish is scanned directly via the app on the corresponding ePaper display at the food counter and automatically ends up in the shopping trolley.

The order can be completed by paying for the lunch via the app. With the selected payment service provider or with the credit system, there is no need to wait long at the checkout, so guests can enjoy a longer and more relaxed lunch break. With use of the app, the user receives various coupons with offers and discounts and can collect loyalty points with a digital punch card. In addition, all the latest news and announcements from the canteen can be viewed in the app. Another way to be up to date at all times are the push notifications of news directly in the inbox. While the user is looking at all the dishes on offer, he or she can also give a rating for the dish that tasted best. They can either award stars or write a comment with product-specific feedback.

Innovations & interfaces for cashless payment in modern company canteens

A project like this requires reliable partners and innovative interfaces that interact smoothly with each other. Albron uses the qnips platform to import data from the merchandise management system – Delegate – which are then made available for use in the YUMMY app.

In order to make the payment process as simple and convenient as possible for Albron’s guests and employees, Albron integrated the payment service provider – Adyen – into the YUMMY app using the qnips platform. With Adyen, Albron has a reliable partner at its side with whom secure online and offline payments are possible worldwide. In the future, other payment service providers from the Netherlands will be available for our customers and business partners, such as Rabobank. The project was supported by our Dutch partner and food consultant Fooditis. The company advises clients on the choice of a wide range of solutions, such as food management systems, communication tools or digital signage concepts. With the tool “BrightGreen”, Fooditis can also calculate the CO2 impact of your products as well as your entire menu range.

Scan & Go in the YUMMY Case!

Select, scan and enjoy. This simple Scan & Go principle is possible thanks to the interface with Opticon. With the new ePaper technology, dishes can be scanned directly at the buffet via the app. Via NFC (Near Field Communication), a contactless data exchange takes place between the ePaper display and the app. This way, the selected meal automatically ends up in the guests’ shopping cart. The guest can pick up the food and pay for it conveniently via app at the lunch table.

“The qnips platform helps us gain real insights into what customers actually want.” emphasises Ernest van de Voort (Manager of Business Development, Marketing and Concept-Development) in the qnips x Albron video about the YUMMY Case. Automation at the point of sale saves time and costs, and with the help of the collected customer feedback, processes and the food offer can be improved in the long term. At the same time, trends in customer behaviour can be recognised earlier, measured more easily and used more quickly. Company canteens can thus benefit from the collected data and react proactively.

You can find more Best Practices on cashless payment here!

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Reusable packaging obligation 2023 – What is YOUR reusable solution?

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 13. December 2022

The enormous consumption of single-used plastic products in recent years has become a major problem also in contract catering. With measurably sustainable and reusable packaging, you can make a positive contribution and protect the environment in the long term. By 01.01.2023, contract caterer, and catering companies are obliged to offer take-away food and drinks also in reusable packaging. The decision of the reusable packaging obligation, made by the german parliament, draws attention to the increasing amount of waste generated by single-used packaging in the to-go-sector in recent years.

Further information on the reusable packaging obligation 2023 as well as indications on various reusable solutions and interfaces from qnips can be found in the following blog article.

From reusable packaging obligation to added value

Even if the switch to reusable packaging seems exhausting and expensive at first. In long-term it has numerous advantages for the company, the environment and the employees. Caterers can package food more ecologically and thus reduce waste by about 90% (according to a study by the Climate Alliance Green Events Tyrol). In addition, reusable tableware can be reused over 100 times, thus providing a long-term benefit and a cost-effective alternative.

Furthermore, a reusable system is advantageous for the remote work model. In this case, the employees are at home for a certain period of their working time. With reusable bowls, it is now possible to take the food home with them. Thus they can also benefit from the canteen food during their home office days. On stressful days, the food can be taken to their workspace, if there is no time for a canteen visit. In both working models, additional advantages of the reusable solution can be seen.

In conclusion, the switch to reusable packaging may involve some initial effort, but it has many advantages for companies. By using reusable systems, your guests are supported in sustainable behaviour and thus have a positive impact on the environment.

Our reusable solution for more sustainability in contract catering

Within our qnips system, you have the possibility of using a sustainable reusable system! We offer various interfaces to our sustainability partners, which can be individually adapted to your needs. Your guest select and order the desired food in the catering portal via app or web. They have the option of selecting the preparation in a reusable bowl during the ordering process. The packaging options are available in different sizes, depending on individual requirements.

The order is received by the canteen via kitchen monitor tablet and can be prepared directly by the kitchen team. As soon as the order is ready for pick-up, the guests receive a push notification on their smartphone. On site, the respective reusable bowl is then scanned via QR-Code and electronically stored in the order. You can simply pick up the food at the counter via QR-Code scan and can enjoy the meal. Within a specific period, the bowl is returned to the company canteen and can be reused for the next guest.

Mastering the reusable packaging obligation with reliable partners

The reusable system also works according to the white label principle. This means that you can personalize your packaging from a certain sales volume and add your logo. With a wide range of different partners and interfaces, you have a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Thus you can design your own individual reusable packaging solution.

With one of our partners – Crafting Future – we have a reliable manufacturer for measurably sustainable and reusable packaging at our side. The packaging is produced in Germany and has a low carbon footprint. Furthermore, due to their mono-material nature, they are easily recyclable and also LFGB tested. With the interface to the reusable system from – Vytal – qnips offers another solution for implementing reusability. By scanning a QR code, reusable containers can be easily borrowed at the food counter. Another possibility for switching to reusable dishes is the qnips reusable integration in combination with already existing reusable packaging. If you already have reusable tableware, it can easily be digitized and provided with a QR code. In this way, you can also use other packaging from manufacturers such as Mepal.

Various types of reusable solutions

When switching to reusable alternatives, you have the option of choosing from various models, for example a deposit system. Employees must deposit an amount for each reusable bowl they borrow and are repaid in full when they return it. If the reusable bowl is not returned within a defined period, the fee is automatically debited from the employee’s account via the respective payment method. Another model is based on trust with your guests. In the trust model, you assume that your guests will return the reusable bowls without charging a deposit or similar. The third option is the late fee. Guests are given a return period of, for example, 14 days. If this deadline is not met, a late fee is incurred and automatically collected by the respective payment method, as for example Adyen or VR Payment.

If you are not sure which reusable system is right for your business, there is the option to start with a Proof-of-Concept. This means you can choose test locations for your company, test the reusable system via pre-orders and then gather feedback from your employees. If the reusable system meets with approval, you can add more locations with an expanded reusable product portfolio, customize it and also integrate our qnips software.

Vending integrations in the returnable system

*Aramark is planning a returnable integration in combination with a vending machine*

Within the reusable system, there is also the possibility of integrating vending solutions. This means that the reusable bowls can be used in combination with, for instance, pick-up stations. In this case, employees on large factory sites could pick up their food at the nearest station and thus save the long way to the company canteen. By serving the food in the reusable bowls, transport is made easier and it is ensured that the meal is still warm after transport. If the dish will be eaten later, the bowls are also suitable for the microwave and afterwards also for the dishwasher. In this way, you offer your employees a quick alternative for a hot lunch and promote sustainability in your company in the long term.

Are you interested in reusable solutions? Would you like an individual alternative to disposable packaging combined with a digital platform for your company canteen?
Then feel free to contact us at info@qnips.io or book a personal consultation at the following link: Schedule a personal consultation! – You can book online!

About qnips!

qnips promotes the topic of sustainability in contract catering. The implementation of the project “Use of a digital reusable system in business catering” is supported by funds from the European Regional Development Fund.

“New Work” concepts – chances or risks for contract catering?

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 26. October 2022

Most recently, the Corona Pandemic has ensured that terms such as “New Normal” and “New Work” also play a major role in the catering industry. Due to the associated hygienic measures, there have been some changes and innovations in the catering industry. Many concepts in company canteens have changed to “to-go” or “delivery to the workplace”. The trend towards open restaurant concepts, away from classic canteens with food counters and waiting queues, is therefore clearly visible in order to cope with the effects and changes of the pandemic. This makes it easier to comply with distance regulations and hygienic measures, even after the Corona High-Peak. The role of company restaurants will thus change almost completely in the future. They will nevertheless remain an important part of employees’ everyday working lives.

“New Work” and “New Food” – challenges in a changing catering industry

“New Normal” generally means that a new work culture is being developed around home office and flexibility in the choice of working hours and location. Several companies have been working on new “New Work” concepts for years. But Corona is now operating as an accelerator of these changing processes. As a “place of communication and recovery”, catering spaces are gaining importance in the new world of work in order to successfully shape the new type of collaboration.

Furthermore the trend of digitization is getting a push in the contract catering industry through the Corona Pandemic. For example, the “people counting” has been introduced in many canteens and company restaurants. This system registers how many people are in a company restaurant. Either online, via app or web view, visitors are thus informed about the occupancy rate in the respective area. Another possibility would be to show the number of seats. Through a stele or a traffic light at the entrance to the canteen you can show how many places are still available. In this way, the flow of visitors can be controlled more efficiently. Additionally, hygienic and spacing regulations can be observed more easily.

People Counting Stele in a company canteen

“Mobile Canteen” as a future trend in the “New Work” world

Employees are becoming increasingly mobile. They work from home, in their garden or in their office. Therefore, food must also become mobile to meet the demand for “to-go” options for everyday work. A major challenge will be to make the “to-go” alternatives sustainable as well as in line with hygienic guidelines. “In-house delivery” will be a promising option, following the trend towards decentralized, mobile and smaller catering locations. Classic self-service, on the other hand, will be viewed more and more critically in the future. Alternatives are offered by various new features, such as a pre-order function.

Therefore, kitchen staff has longer lead times and can plan resources more efficiently and sustainably. For the visitors, it offers the advantage of being able to order and pay more quickly and thus benefit more from the actual lunch break. In addition, alternative sales concepts independent of the company restaurant are being further developed. One example would be vending machines or refrigerators for self-service. This solution is particularly practical for employees on night shifts who do not have the opportunity to take advantage of the regular daily offer in company canteens. This gives everyone with different working patterns a chance to benefit from the companies catering offer.

Go with the Flow – chances of “New Work” in the catering industry

Less conferences and a smaller amount of guests, changed working conditions and new hygienic rules – the previous concept of company catering is undergoing a major change. New procedures, such as adjustments to the “New Work” and “New Food”, as well as the calculation of expenses, should urgently be put on the agenda of every company. Moreover, not all employees will continue to come to the office after the Corona years. Home office and remote work concepts will be an integral part of the new working world. This is an opportunity for company catering to change, to remain future-proof and to go with the trend of digitization. An employee restaurant could develop into an all-day, multifunctional communication platform and thus represent a creative gastronomic alternative.

Trends recognized? Then go for it!

Dashboard of the qnips catering portal in a company canteen

There are many ways to adapt to these trends and integrate the “new food” concepts into your company. qnips offers various features to bring your company canteen or staff restaurant up to the latest, technical standard. Using the ordering system, your guests can order their food in advance and pay directly if required. In order to provide the guests with comprehensive service, especially at large locations, there is the option to define different delivery locations and times as well as lead times, among other things. This allows the kitchen staff to plan and use resources and capacities more efficiently and sustainably. In addition, you can place conference orders, giving your staff a relaxed lunch break between long meetings and discussions.

We can support you with our qnips platform in the digitization of your contract catering or you have questions about further features of qnips? Then take a look at our Demo-Portal and click through our catering portal to get to know our ordering system better. Simply book a free demo appointment.

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About qnips!

Fast, clever, innovative… the qnips ordering system

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 23. September 2022

No waiting queues in the canteen? Coordinated ordering processes with simple payment? No problem for our qnips ordering system! Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly important to automatize and digitize processes in company canteens. It is significant that your guests are involved and convinced in the process of digitization. For this purpose, we have developed the qnips platform with an ordering system, with which the latest features and technologies are coordinated and integrated into the company canteens.

Manage your menu efficiently? No problem with qnips!

With a clear dashboard, menus, pre-orders, nutritional information, news, product feedback and much more can be structured and all data can be evaluated through order reporting for instance for each cost centre. Moreover you can import all information automatically from your merchandise management system and manage it in qnips’ central CMS (Content Management System) as well as present your own product details such as allergens, additives and nutritional values. Besides the filter for allergens and additives gives your guests the possibility to exclude certain dishes directly. Content only needs to be created once and can be published with one click in the qnips ordering system. Different price levels can also be created for dishes, for instance to distinguish between subsidized and external prices. This implies the setting regarding a different price for trainees or for external guests, for example.

Ordering process in company catering

Using the pre-order function, your guests can order food in advance and pay directly if required. You could read more about qnips as an interface for payment providers in the further payment section of this blog entry. Thus, waiting queues in canteens can be avoided and production planning can be more sustainable. The different ordering modes display your individual process for each location. For instance, in order to supply the guests comprehensively, especially at large locations or canteens, there is the possibility to define different delivery locations and times as well as lead times. If your guests want to eat lunch, they can pick up the order at a specified location and define the pick-up time in advance.

Kitchen Monitor System

The Kitchen Monitor System (KM) systematizes and organizes the production and ordering processes in the canteen. It is connected to our cloud-based system and provides an overview of all orders at a glance. Furthermore, it is usually a tablet, or a large screen, which is used in the kitchen as a collection point for customer orders (via the catering app). So when a user orders his food, that assignment appears directly on the screen to the kitchen staff. The status of the order changes depending on its stage from, for example, “In process” to “Ready for collection”. The KM can also be connected to a printer for the creation of individual labels. The push notification function can be activated and shows when the order is ready for collection. Additionally, live status updates for incoming orders can be displayed to the user on the mobile phone or on the web app.

Simple Payment, Simple Process, Simple Qnips!

Our order system has a variety of mobile payment options that enable fast and secure payments. Mollie, FreedomPay, PayPal, Stripe and VR Payment and many others are available to the user. More details can be found on our partners & interfaces page. A POS (Point of Sale) interface for your cash registers for billing or your own credit cards can also be connected to the qnips platform. By connecting the CV-SB (Computer Vision Self Checkout) cash register, we enable a seamless checkout. Thus the AI-controlled (iPad) checkouts ensure better canteen management, shorter queuing times, faster ROI (Return of Investment) and easier operations. Connected to the qnips platform, all data is collected and is made available in one place. In addition to our seamless checkout, the qnips platform offers you seamless payment, mobile payment or QR-payment. This means that payment is made via cloud credit.

Attention! Extended functions for the qnips ordering system

In the last few months, some new features have been added to our ordering system.

In the menu management, qnips offers the possibility to store main and secondary components. This has an effect on the allergen filter in the apps and in the catering portal, because secondary components can be exchanged or omitted in order to avoid an intolerance. In addition to the effect on the allergen filter, the orderer can select numerous variation options (deselection, exchange of components…) for a dish via optional component groups.

Another new feature offers the possibility to store preparation options for individual dishes. For example, you can define the cooking level or portion size. Furthermore, it is now possible to define a minimum order value and additional delivery costs for orders, which are automatically added to the guests’ order in the shopping basket.

qnips photo feature

With the help of the photo feature, you can fill your menus in the app and now also in the Catering Portal with attractive photos and icons of ingredients or allergens. Product images for daily dishes can be created and uploaded directly after the sample plate has been prepared in the kitchen. These can then be forwarded to the mobile apps, the catering portal or digital signage screens. Photos in the menu are enhancing, offer your guests something for the eye and help with decision-making.

We can support you with the automation and digitization of your company canteen with our catering app. Would you like to learn more about it? Then take a look at our demo portal and click through our catering portal to get to know our ordering system. Simply book yourself a free demo appointment.

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Achieving carbon neutrality as an IT company – #qnipsgoesgreen | PART 3

By Nathalie in Nicht kategorisiert 26. July 2022

The topic of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the area of contract catering. Efforts to reduce waste, the increasing focus on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and the reduction of food-related CO₂-emissions and the pursuit of carbon neutrality underscore this movement.

That’s why we at qnips decided to make our contribution to sustainability more than a year ago and embarked on an exciting journey to carbon neutrality. We’ve been busy scoping our CO₂-emissions and coming up with measures and strategies to offset and reduce them. Now we are happy to say – qnips is carbon neutral! (at least for the year 2021)

Supporting projects to achieve carbon neutrality

Together with our partner Cozero, we have chosen a portfolio solution to offset our CO₂ emissions. We will explain in this blog post what exactly this means:

We offset the total of 175t of carbon emitted in 2021 via The Gold Standard Foundation. The Gold Standard manages best practice measures in the areas of climate and sustainable development and promotes projects to offset emissions caused by companies. “Proyecto Mirador” is a project we have chosen that promotes the use of environmentally friendly cooking stoves in Honduras.

The “Proyecto Mirador” project provides families in Honduras with heat-efficient, low-smoke cooking stoves that require 50% less fuel to heat than conventional cooking stoves. As a result, families have to collect less wood – this counteracts deforestation and the time saved can be invested in the children’s education.

And these are our next steps:

Now that we have offset our emissions for last year, we can call ourselves carbon neutral (at least for this period). But we also know that this is not the end of the road when it comes to climate neutrality – on the contrary, it is only just beginning.

We are currently tracking our emissions for 2022 so that we can offset our CO₂-emissions at the end of this year.

We can also support you with the digitization of contract catering or you have questions about further features from qnips? Then get in contact with us today. We take questions and appointments via info@qnips.io or via +49 511 165 899 0.

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