Centralised data management & communication save costs and improve quality.

Balancing data management for changing menus, promotions and individual guest requests is becoming more challenging every day. Guests expect reliable information about ingredients and allergens, as well as an illustrated menu that they can view at any time – and you can probably think of many other requests. At the same time, cost pressures are increasing. You have to manage efficiently with limited resources. How are you supposed to find the time to prepare all the news, daily specials and menus in an attractive and timely manner for all channels?

This case study is exactly what you need.

Find out how Andreas Voßmöller’s team at Evonik Catering Service GmbH solved these challenges with the help of qnips and Matilda FoodTech. Be inspired!

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Table of Contents:

1. Between guest requests and everyday stress:  The challenge
2. Digital data management instead of data chaos – the solution
3. Advantages of synergy:  What makes this collaboration special?
4. Conclusion: What has changed for Evonik?
5. INFO: Useful tips for your digitization project

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The challenge of data management in contract catering: between guest requests and everyday stress

If you are responsible for company catering, you will be familiar with the daily balancing act between guest requests and cost pressures. At Evonik, which has 17 company restaurants throughout Germany, it became clear that if things continued as they were, there would be inaccurate information, overworked teams and angry guests. Evonik did not want to reach this point, so they took action.

“At some point, it became clear that the manual effort was too substantial. We couldn’t carry on like this. We had to react and future-proof ourselves” [Oliver Schoiber, Head of Operations].

Typical problems:

• Menus, promotions and news had to be entered multiple times – often simultaneously – into different systems and channels. Any mistakes inadvertently caused confusion for guests.
  
• Allergens, ingredients and sustainability data had to be updated manually on a constant basis. There was a constant worry that something would be forgotten in the event of a last-minute change.
  
• Changes to dishes or promotions, such as short-term delivery bottlenecks, immediately caused a flurry of activity. Is the information up to date everywhere? Or is there still incorrect information somewhere?
  
• Coordination within the team was always an issue. Who has updated what? Who is responsible for which channel? This wastes time and causes further uncertainty.

Routine tasks were blocking valuable resources. What can you do when the manual effort required becomes too great and you lose sight of the bigger picture?

The solution: Digital data management instead of data chaos

From the outset, the Evonik team realised that only an integrated, holistic approach would ensure long-term improvements. Rather than separate, isolated solutions, they needed a digital strategy that would automatically bring everything together, from meal plans to guest services, at every location.

Evonik opted for qnips & Matilda FoodTech. This innovative combination of smart, centralised data management and state-of-the-art multichannel communication was the perfect fit for their requirements.

‘We wanted a solution that would replace redundant, locally performed tasks with a uniform system featuring numerous automated functions, thereby significantly reducing our daily workload. At the same time, it should increase the security and reliability of data, particularly with regard to advertising. It should also give us the greatest possible flexibility in selecting and designing output channels” [Kai Brzoska, Business Support].

Advantages of synergy: What makes this collaboration special?

The Evonik project once again proves that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Thanks to two specialised solutions that are optimally coordinated, Evonik is able to manage its demanding corporate catering in a contemporary way.

Key solutions and strengths at a glance

qnips platform	Matilda FoodTech
✅ App and catering portal in corporate design ✅ Multichannel display: web app, touchscreen device, digital signage, PDF printout, native app ✅ Central content management, image editing and Unsplash integration ✅ Multilingualism and targeted, flexible display of menus and push notifications ✅ Customer feedback, ratings and surveys.	✅ Digital menu planning, including allergens, additives, ingredients and sustainability data (CO₂).   ✅ Price list calculations with automatic updates   ✅ Cost optimisation through a clear overview of the best prices and transparent cost control   ✅ Centralised data management and automatic transfer of menu data to qnips.

Key benefits for Evonik:

• Security:
  Matilda brings together allergens, additives, ingredients and sustainability values in one place, offering traceability and customisation at the touch of a button.
• Transparency:
  Automatically updated price lists reveal trends and enable targeted adjustments to the product range.
• Efficiency:
  Matilda provides all menu data centrally, which qnips then imports automatically, prepares for all channels and displays in a timely and brand-compliant manner at every desired touchpoint. Once maintained, it is uniformly visible everywhere.
• Visibility:
  All information is up-to-date, consistent and immediately available to guests and teams, whether on the monitor in the cafeteria, the app, the terminal or as a PDF.

Conclusion: What has changed for Evonik?

All teams, including management, the back office, the kitchen and the service team, benefit equally from the central platform. Success is measurable:

Around 50% less time is spent maintaining and publishing menus, news and promotions, which noticeably reduces the teams’ workload. Communication errors are practically a thing of the past as all information is consistently updated across all channels. Guests can now access clear information about allergens, additives, promotions and offers at any time, whether via the display, app or terminal. The app and portal also enable customers to provide feedback, rate dishes, and participate in surveys. Push notifications and details of the daily specials are sent directly to guests. Teams also have more time for what really matters: creative ideas and first-class service.

BEFORE	AFTER
➡️ Many duplicate work steps	✅ Once maintained, visible everywhere.
➡️ Error-prone transfers	✅ Automatic, secure data transfer.
➡️ Cumbersome changes	✅ Adjustments take effect immediately.
➡️ Confusing communication	✅ Everything is centrally controlled.

“Our everyday work has become easier, more efficient and, above all, safer. Both our employees and our customers responded positively to the new solutions right from the start” [Andreas Voßmöller, Chairman of the Management Board]

How can you apply this to your own projects?
Here are some useful tips for your digitization project:

• Involve all stakeholders as early as possible. Practical goals lead to better solutions.
• Back up all requirements with everyday scenarios. This will result in a system that works in real-world operations.
• Rely on systems with real interfaces and automatic data transfer to eliminate duplicate tasks.
• Test early and roll out gradually to allow errors to be fixed without stress.
• Look for partners who truly understand the processes and challenges of communal catering. This saves time, money and stress.

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Want to put in less effort and gain more clarity?
Start your own digital project now – The free demo is your first step!

How leading international caterers use qnips to introduce a flexible subsidy model for contract catering

This case study examines how leading contract caterers utilise the qnips Catering Platform to digitise meal allowances and subsidies across various workplace sites. It demonstrates how a flexible, app-based system can simplify administration, ensure tax compliance and enhance the experience of guests in company restaurants.

What are digital meal allowances in contract catering?

It is a predefined daily, weekly or monthly benefit that employees can use to purchase meals in a company canteen. The qnips Allowance System enables caterers and employers to configure these benefits digitally, automate redemption and monitor usage in real time, all on one platform.

The challenge:
Bringing flexibility and transparency to digital subsidies

An increasing number of companies want to offer their employees meal allowances digitally and transparently, with minimal administrative effort. However, many catering operations still manage subsidies manually or inconsistently, resulting in complex processes and limited flexibility.

Caterers therefore face a key question: How can meal benefits be efficiently managed across multiple locations while offering a seamless guest experience?

A major international catering provider sought to solve this by offering:

• one free main course per day,
• pre-ordered digitally,
• no price display,
• and no second order possible per day.

The objective: create a clear, digital, tax-compliant meal benefit that’s easy for employees and efficient for caterers.

The solution:
A modular digital allowance system

With the qnips Catering Platform, caterers can easily design and automate meal subsidies directly within their digital ecosystem. The allowance feature for app and web provides flexible configuration options —Key features include:

• flexible configuration of daily, weekly, or monthly budgets,
• definition of user groups (employees, visitors, trainees),
• category-specific subsidies (e.g. main dishes only),
• seamless integration into the digital canteen infrastructure.

Digital allowances in action: A scalable model for global catering providers

In this example, the caterer introduced a daily meal allowance model, offering employees one free main course per day, which they must pre-order via the app. Prices are not displayed to keep the focus on the benefit rather than the cost. A second order on the same day is automatically restricted to ensure consistent usage.

At the heart of this allowance model is the ability to pre-order via the app, where users can select one main course per day. The process begins with an invitation to use the app. Employees receive an email asking them to activate their account. Only after successful activation is the daily budget activated, entitling them to the free dish of the day.

Once the allowance is active, the following applies:

• The front end is focused on food selection and receiving a benefit, with prices
  not being visible to users.
• One meal per day can be pre-ordered; further orders are not possible.
• After ordering, the button for selecting additional meals is automatically deactivated.
• Orders can only be placed via the app
• Meals are picked up in the canteen at the pre-selected time via a QR code in the app.

This logic can be adapted for special locations or regulations. For example, if further purchases are permitted by card after the allowance has been used up, this can be controlled via a corresponding setting in the qnips dashboard.

Advantages at a glance

Employees:

• Simple, transparent, and digital benefit experience
• Easy pre-order and payment via app or employee card
• Focus on the meal, not on prices

Caterers:

• Automated allowance management and reporting
• No manual checking or control required
• Scalable setup for multiple locations and customer groups

Employers:

• Tax-compliant meal benefits
• Strengthened employer branding and employee satisfaction
• Seamless integration into existing catering infrastructure

Why use qnips for digital allowances?

The qnips allowance system demonstrates how digital tools can simplify complex benefit structures in company catering. From daily allowances to category-based subsidies — caterers can offer customised, tax-compliant meal benefits that are transparent for employees, efficient for operators, and ready to scale for future needs.

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This solution is part of the qnips Catering Platform, a cloud-based system for menu management, pre-ordering, digital payment, reporting and more in contract catering.

With the aim of continuously improving digital workplace catering, we have completely redesigned our apps for Android and iOS. The new qnips app redesign combines modern UI/UX, accessibility, and the latest qnips features to provide an intuitive, fast, and engaging user experience. Our goal is to create an app that is enjoyable to use, saves time, and simplifies everyday canteen life. 

Why we redesigned the qnips app

The catering industry is changing rapidly. Guests expect simple, personalised processes, while operators want flexible, forward-looking tools. It was therefore clear that the qnips app needed an aesthetic and functional design with a view to the future.

We have:

• completely redesigned the app,

• standardised the structure for Android and iOS,

• incorporated feedback from customers and guests and

• improved/ added several features, such as cross-selling, subsidies & allowances and new loyalty functions.

These changes ensure that the app remains the central touchpoint for modern contract catering and the key companion tool for its users.  

What’s new with the qnips app redesign?
Here’s an overview of the most important highlights:

The qnips app has been completely redesigned – from the home screen and ordering process to the loyalty and subsidy functions. The result is an app that is faster, easier to read and more customisable to use. Alongside the new look, the redesign brings technical improvements, such as optimised database queries, improved synchronisation mechanisms and more stable loading speeds. These changes mean that the app now runs noticeably more smoothly and reliably.

“It was important to us not only to modernise the design, but also to update the technology, especially the backend queries on both platforms. This will enable us to develop much faster and more efficiently in future, without legacy issues holding us back”, explains Tobias Frank – Team Lead Product at qnips.

This benefits both guests and operators, improving the visual design and enhancing performance and stability. We explain some examples of the relevant changes below.

1. A home screen that makes you look forward to your lunch break!

The new home screen displays all content in a modular tile layout. This enables features such as menus, orders, digital credit and loyalty programmes to be activated flexibly without altering the overall appearance. The new navigation bar with a fold-out page list enables intuitive operation. Guests can quickly find what they are looking for, whether it’s their favourite dish or their last transaction.

2. Ordering made easy: efficient, transparent and error-free.

The ordering process has been optimised based on real user experiences. For example, active filters now have a visible indication. This allows guests to keep track of their preferences throughout the ordering process. In the shopping basket, a traffic light system provides full transparency: green items have been added and red items have been deselected.

“Our goal was to increase the usability of all functions and make existing features more visible, without removing anything that our customers have come to appreciate over the years”, emphasises Tobias.

3. Loyalty and subsidies: better visibility, greater motivation.

We have it in black and white: loyalty pays off. The new design makes this clear. The revamped loyalty section presents stamp cards, loyalty points and employee benefits in an easy-to-understand, clear format. Thanks to our new filter function, your guests can find the different types of loyalty programme they are looking for even faster. Information on employee subsidies (e.g. lunch subsidies) is clearer and more accessible in a dedicated section.

4. Accessibility as standard

Accessibility is about more than just meeting legal obligations; it is also an expression of respect and sustainability. It promotes innovation and user-centred design, as well as social responsibility. This is why the new app design complies with the latest accessibility standards (BFSG), incorporating features such as adapted colour contrasts, font sizes and screen reader compatibility.

5. A design that strengthens brands digitally

The qnips app is more than just an application; it forms part of our customers’ brand identity. The new Whitelabel design adapts even more closely to each company’s corporate identity. Background colours in the Onboarding are now graduated variations of the customer’s colour. Dynamic theming, based on Android Material Design or iOS guidelines, creates an immersive brand world. The new onboarding process, complete with animations and colour transitions, brings the app to life from the outset.

“Along the way, we’ve also incorporated a few little gimmicks and nice design updates, such as the new onboarding animations. This makes the app more lively and modern”, says Tobias.

6. Focus on UI/UX – Design that inspires

Our redesign adheres to the most important design guidelines from Android and iOS. Our goal was to create an app that looks and feels good. Clear structures, logical navigation and harmonious colour accents ensure a high-quality user experience. After all, only intuitive technology can generate genuine enthusiasm. 

A redesign that shapes the future!

The new qnips app design is about more than just aesthetics. It demonstrates our clear commitment to the vision of a digital workplace catering service that is simple, efficient and inspiring. With its stable technological foundation, strong brand integration and well-considered user experience, the redesign paves the way for future innovations.

“Our goal was to create a modern app structure in terms of both design and technology, both externally and internally. This will enable us to develop new features much more quickly and efficiently in the future. It was a mammoth task, taking around five years to complete. But the result shows how worthwhile this effort has been”, Tobias summarises.

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Questions & answers about the qnips app redesign for 2025.

When will the new qnips app redesign be introduced?

The rollout will start gradually throughout 2025. Existing customers will automatically switch to the new design at no additional cost, effort or downtime. If desired, selected user groups can first test the redesign before it is rolled out completely.

Can we determine the timing of the changeover ourselves?

Yes. We want to ensure that our customers have sufficient time to prepare internal communications and information for guests. That is why the changeover will only take place once you have given your approval – it is both flexible and planable.

Do locations need to be reactivated after the update?

No, the switch to the redesign has no impact on activation. All existing access and user accounts, as well as location activation per user, will remain unchanged. Guests can continue to use the app as normal, but with a new, modern design.

What benefits does the new design offer in everyday use?

Thanks to a clearly structured home screen, simplified navigation and an optimised ordering process, guests can order faster and enjoy using the app more. For operators, this means fewer queries, higher satisfaction and more efficient processes, particularly during peak times.

Why is the redesign worthwhile for operators?

The update improves both the user experience and the app’s effectiveness as a communication and branding platform. A clear loyalty system increases stamp card and subsidy use, thus directly boosting customer loyalty and sales.

What does accessibility mean for users?

The new design meets the requirements of the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), ensuring digital participation through adapted contrasts, font sizes, and screen reader compatibility. This means the app remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their vision, the device they are using, or the situation in which they are using it.

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How can I experience the new design?

Would you like to see what the new app design looks like, or find out when your location will be updated? Talk to your qnips account manager, book an online demo or follow us on LinkedIn to make sure you don’t miss any updates.

Successful canteens use catering apps to make as many processes as possible as simple as possible. Contract catering is no exception.

Or at least it shouldn’t be.

Yet every day, thousands of catering managers around the world wonder how they are going to print all their menus on time and distribute them by hand around their facilities. They ponder whether to reprint all their menus at short notice or rewrite them in pencil. They struggle with whether to take food orders by email and painstakingly enter them into Excel spreadsheets, or to print the spreadsheets, distribute them and collect them throughout the day because they have to.

A digital solution could obviously save a lot of time and money, but questions like “Where do I get it? “How do I make sure it covers all my needs?” and “Is it right for my business?” get in the way of implementation.

Catering apps offer you a wide range of features!

This is where we at qnips come in and provide you with exactly the answers you are looking for. qnips offers catering apps that allow your customers to

• View menus for multiple locations online,
• Place and manage orders and track their collection status,
• Leave reviews of dishes and the canteen
• Receive information from the canteen directly as a notification in the app,
• Make contactless payments directly in the app or automatically.

As a caterer, you can also send news, announcements and special offers to your customers quickly and easily via the app. You can automatically receive, organise and manage orders in the central dashboard.

Both the reporting functions (automatic collection of all relevant sales and interaction data for your products, available to you at any time) and the integrated stock management, which allows you to keep track of your stock, help you do this.

Choose between catering apps that you can access on Android or iOs devices such as mobile phones or tablets, and apps that you can access as websites on all Internet-enabled devices such as computers. All this speeds up and simplifies organisational processes in the catering business, which means also your customers will be happier.

Build your own customised catering app!

The special thing about qnips products is that they can be tailored to your individual needs. This means that you are not tied to an off-the-shelf solution, but can decide for yourself, module by module, which features your catering app should have and which not. The building blocks are the above-mentioned functions of the catering app, such as the ordering system, feedback feature, content manager and mobile payment. You can also add or remove modules after your catering app is complete, just as your business needs them.

Importantly, you don’t have to take these steps alone. Part of the app development service is full project support from qnips project managers. They will advise and assist you in all matters relating to your catering app and then take over the building, support and customisation to your corporate identity.

What does “white label” mean?

qnips helps you to get a catering app that is functionally adapted to your needs. But is it YOUR app? Yes, absolutely!

An important part of qnip’s products is whitelabelling. Whitelabelling means that a product is designed in such a way that we seamlessly integrate elements relevant to branding and corporate identity (such as logos, colour accents or product labels) into your app without applying our own qnips labels.

This means that no one but you will know which technology partner is behind the app. That great app from the flagship canteen of a famous institution that you admired the other day? Who knows, maybe qnips is behind it.

We can help you create your own Catering app!

As you can see, the answers to the questions “Where can I get an app?”, “How do I make sure it covers all my needs?” and “Is it right for my business?” are answered quite quickly. We are there for you with our qnips apps, our customisation services and our white-labelling options!

If you would like to find out more about our apps or how to make your existing qnips app even better, why not arrange a consultation today by emailing info@qnips.io. Or by contacting your contact person directly.

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Hanover, 16.01.2024 – qnips GmbH is pleased to announce its participation at Intergastra 2024, one of the leading trade fairs for the catering and hotel industry. The exhibition will take place from 03 to 07 February in Stuttgart.

Following its successful appearance at Horecava in Amsterdam, qnips is continuing its trade fair presence in 2024 and will also be presenting its catering platform at Intergastra. The platform, which specialises in the digitization of contract catering and the optimisation of processes in the cateen, was already very well received at Horecava.

“We are delighted to be able to present our platform live at Intergastra for the first time this year and to strengthen our role in the digitization of contract catering. Our participation at Horecava in Amsterdam was extremely positive, with the industry showing great interest in our self-checkout and Smart ePaper integrations. We are confident that Intergastra will also provide an excellent platform to present our innovative solutions to a wider audience,” says Kenji Koch, Team Lead Business Development at qnips.

Smart partnerships for catering innovation: qnips, KOST and Delicious Data live at Intergastra 2024

qnips will be present together with two partner companies. In cooperation with KOST, visitors will be able to experience the latest developments in enterprise resource planning and POS systems live. Together with Delicious Data, an innovative solution for sustainability will be presented. The platform enables canteens to use artificial intelligence to lower the cost of goods and reduce food waste. In addition, qnips will show how this data from enterprise resource planning and sustainability can be combined to create attractive menus for the app, web and digital signage.

Visit qnips, KOST & Delicious Data at Intergastra 2024 at booth 4D52. Kenji Koch will also be happy to talk to you in person, just send him an email (kenji.koch@qnips.io). For further information and press enquiries please contact:

Nathalie Schneider
Marketing Manager
nathalie.schneider@qnips.io

About qnips:

As a cloud-based catering platform, qnips helps companies optimise and digitize their catering management, for example by 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 canteen guest satisfaction. As a result, processes can be digitised and time and resources can be used more efficiently. More about qnips

About KOST:

KOST Warenwirtschaft & Mehr offers efficient and seamless handling of all relevant processes and provides all information from procurement to quality management and from production to administration. Through a constant exchange of information and experience, the software is continuously developed and adapted to the needs of the company and the requirements of the market. Overview of KOST software solutions: ERP, cashless payment systems, web portal, cash registers, pre-order system & sustainability. More about KOST

About Delicious Data:

About Delicious Data:

Founded by Valentin Belser and Jakob Breuninger, Delicious Data is a pioneer in intelligent planning optimisation for food companies. Using Delicious Data’s AI, customers can reduce avoidable food losses and increase operational efficiency. By December 2022, approximately 600 tonnes will have been saved, equivalent to a reduction of more than 787 tonnes of CO2e equivalent. More about Delicious Data

Ordering and providing snacks and drinks for meetings and conferences can be a stressful task. But with the right tool, it can be a quick and easy process that ensures meetings and conferences are a complete success. Find out how qnips conference ordering can help you organise your conference catering and make all the preparations via the intuitive qnips dashboard. How does it work? See for yourself:

Conference catering with a wide selection of food and drinks!

Central dashboard for efficient attendee management & seamless room allocation:

Smooth running of the event thanks to streamlined event tracking:

Transparent cost overview, including ancillary and delivery costs, as well as cost centre billing:

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qnips Conference Catering is a brand new feature that will help you make your events a success and impress your guests with first class conference catering. For more information, visit our website or email us with your questions!

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