Whether in restaurants or corporate catering, guests today want one thing above all else: simple and, above all, convenient processes. Digital ordering options at the table meet guests’ wishes perfectly. According to a recent study*, 75% of guests now say that digital menus and ordering optimize their dining experience. So why not offer digital table service that meets these needs – digitally, directly at the table, and without any extra work for the staff?

Less waiting time, more transparency, and smooth order processing create tangible added value – for guests, kitchens, and service staff alike. Especially in times of scarce staff resources, digital table service is more than just an extra – it is the key to modern, efficient guest hospitality.

*https://wifitalents.com/digital-transformation-in-the-foodservice-industry-statistics/

How can you satisfy guests as well as kitchen and service staff?

Corporate catering has changed. Guests expect more flexibility and service, especially in hybrid working environments with flexible break times and shorter stays. Kitchen and service staff, on the other hand, face the challenge of meeting growing demands with scarce resources. The key lies in digital solutions that take the pressure off both sides.

Digital table service with qnips: How it works in everyday life

Whether it’s a spontaneous meal or a planned lunch break, digital table service can be adapted to the guests’ individual situations. The entire process runs via the qnips app or the order kiosk – digitally, contactlessly, and effortlessly. Guests have three different options for being served at their table:

✅ Order directly at the table via QR code

1. First, take a seat and scan the QR code display at the table.
2. You can choose a dish from the menu, which opens in the qnips app.
3. The order is automatically assigned to your seat.
4. The food is served directly to your table.

✅ Pre–order & assign upon arrival

• Do you order via the app or portal before your lunch break? Upon arrival, select your seat, scan the QR code, and your order will be assigned.
• The kitchen will immediately know which table the meal should be brought to.

✅ Order kiosk with table number function

• If you do not have access to the qnips app, you can order at the order kiosk.
• The table number is either entered or scanned via QR code.
• Here, too, the order is assigned automatically.

What added value does digital table service offer for everyone involved?

By using an optimized system, everyone involved in company catering benefits equally:

• For managers, this means better planning, more efficient processes, and optimized guest distribution in the cafeteria—which leads to higher capacity utilization without any additional personnel costs.

• Kitchen and service staff experience structured organization in the serving area, reduced error rates thanks to clear table assignments, and noticeable relief due to fewer queries.

• Guests also enjoy advantages: shorter waiting times, a convenient and contactless ordering experience, and flexible use – whether spontaneous or planned in advance.

A typical canteen visit – only smarter

It’s 12:30 p.m. in the canteen. Julia comes out of her meeting, orders her food on the go via the app, and simply scans the QR code at her table. No queuing, no balancing trays – she leans back, and shortly afterwards her food is brought directly to her seat. Whereas lunch breaks used to start with waiting, now they start with a relaxed click. The kitchen works in a more structured way, the service is more targeted – and Julia really enjoys her break as a break.

Conclusion: Where convenience meets efficiency

Digital table service offers real added value for guests, kitchen and service staff, as well as for operations managers. It creates more comfort for visitors, reduces waiting times, and makes the lunch break more relaxed—without any additional effort for the staff. At the same time, it ensures structured processes in the kitchen, more efficient planning, and reduces stress during peak times.

Especially in times of labor shortages, this is a smart solution for creating a better guest experience with fewer resources.