QIKSERVE, the payments software solutions provider for the hospitality industry, is launching a new product that will allow bars and restaurants to offer self-service kiosk terminals for customers.

Major chains such as McDonald’s have launched these self-service kiosks to give customers flexibility when ordering, particularly at busy times, and many hospitality operators see kiosks as the first step towards full mobile ordering.

Typically, the kiosks consist of a screen much like that of a computer tablet, with images of available products and prices. Users can navigate through the screen, selecting products and paying for them, before collecting.

The QikServe Kiosk Application allows operators to create a self-service system for their own outlets, with options to combine brand logos, colours and images with QikServe’s user interface to deliver a bespoke self-service kiosk system for customers.

QikServe said that adding and updating product images, food and drink descriptions or relevant up-sell and cross-sell options can all be easily managed by operators themselves within the app .

The Edinburgh business came to prominence with its cloud-based platform which enables customers to order and pay for items from a smartphone, tablet or self-service terminal.

In January the firm completed a £2.7m funding round, with Maven Capital Partners injected £2m into the business. Other investors include Par Equity, Equity Gap and Scottish Enterprise. At the time, Mr Rodgers and Mr Forbes said the funds would support the global roll-out of the platform, including expansion into the lucrative US market.

Data collection is a key benefit of the system, with operators able to capture guest data insights to intelligently optimise in-house operations, such as number of visits, most popular locations and kiosk positions, typical order spend, most ordered meals or successful upsells, peak self-service hours by day, week or month and more.

“Kiosks offer hospitality operators more than just a new ordering option – they support operational efficiency by helping reduce queues and can provide eye-catching digital signage opportunities,” said Daniel Rodgers, QikServe chief executive.