Vine is our in-house, fully EPOS-integrated web application designed to enhance the self ordering process. Users can access Vine by entering a friendly URL into a browser address bar or by loading the URL by scanning a QR code. Whereas a quick QR code scan is possible from an iPhone camera, Android OS typically requires an additional app to be downloaded, therefore we provide RFID tags that may be encoded in a way that holding a smartphone within proximity to the tag wirelessly reads and loads Vine. There is no need to download an app from the Apple store or any of the Android stores.
Once the Vine web app is open, users can save a tile or button to their smartphone home screen, making repeat use as quick and simple as possible. The web app is optimised for and may be accessed on any smartphone, tablet or desktop equipped with a modern browser. The screen resolution and display auto-adjust to the device type.
There is an option to edit the ‘look and feel’ with a bespoke image and corporate logos in the page header. Vine can be set to operate as either a single or multiple outlets. Alongside the header screen, there is an option to display site details such as opening times, location, food hygiene rating and contact details. Different outlets are named as individual sub-outlets in a way that allows the Coffee Shop and Restaurant to operate with their own images, menus, and parameters.
As a single solution, our version 6 back office is central to both EPOS and Vine Self Ordering with Click & Collect as well as Deliveries (if required) and Self-Service Kiosks. Therefore, setting up a product (Price Look Up – PLU) is easily managed centrally. Product information such as price, details and options are created and then saved to specified locations, either EPOS units and/or specified Vine outlets. Additional information such as images of product dishes and allergen information is managed within the central back office. It is this level of back-office control that allows menus to be created in such a way that users can easily and visually move through the menus choosing products with optional ‘modifiers’ such as ADD A DRINK.
In-app navigation is simple, it follows a typical online ordering format with prompts such as ADD TO BASKET, ADD MORE ITEMS, GO TO BASKET and CHECKOUT, to name a few. Filters can be applied in a way that users are only presented with, for example, vegetarian menu options. Customers are guided through the simple-to-follow process, however, a link in the footer may be used to display a help document if it is required. The page footer also includes a link to a mandatory Terms & Conditions page.
Once a user has selected an order within Vine, they are guided to CHECKOUT. The next stage is to REVIEW the order ahead of choosing either Table Service (order delivered to named table or location), Collection (click and collect during a specific session/location) and, potentially Delivery to a specified address.
We have an integration with various payment providers including Global Payments and WorldPay. There is also option to CHECKOUT and make payments using a cashless account card assigned to authorised budget holders.
A notification appears at a Vine monitor point when an order is placed using the Vine app. This may be on a till, or a Windows PC running a version of Vine Monitor. Notification of an order and all the corresponding information, such as collection time or table number are updated within the order list and data is refreshed automatically. Alternatively, or in tandem with the Vine monitor, order notifications can be sent to print at a designated ‘kitchen printer’.
Meanwhile, as the operation, maybe the coffee shop, restaurant r bar receives the order notification, an email confirmation is sent to the customer. The outlet can print/re-print mark the order as complete etc from within the Vine monitor. In terms of kitchen management, an important feature to note is that session times for collection and the number of orders that can be accepted within a session are configurable so that production does not become overwhelmed.
Customers who use the Vine app can place orders and check out with or without creating and signing into an account. However, a signed-in account holder can access the benefits associated with earning digital rewards and loyalty points.
There are many benefits to self-ordering platforms in a number of settings. If you’d like to discuss our Vine platform or would like to request a demo you can send an email to sales@haven-systems.co.uk or call us on 01646 601992 and we’ll be happy to assist you.