--- title: "How Technology Can Help QSRs Overcome Cost and Experience Challenges" url: https://burnaze.com/article/e5d2d029-670d-405d-af75-697fa3ddd941 source: "QSR Magazine" original_url: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-technology-can-help-qsrs-overcome-cost-and-experience-challenges/ author: "Danny Klein" category: "QSR" industry: "Restaurants" segment: "QSR" topics: ["Technology"] published: 2026-05-14T18:54:31.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T13:18:12.352Z image: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Baristawithphone.jpg --- # How Technology Can Help QSRs Overcome Cost and Experience Challenges **TL;DR:** Integrated technology solutions are helping quick-service restaurant chains balance rising food and labor costs while maintaining speed and accuracy for customers. Technology is seen as a business driver in the QSR space, with 80% of operators saying it provides a competitive advantage. *By Danny Klein, originally published in QSR Magazine on 2026-05-14. [Read the original](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-technology-can-help-qsrs-overcome-cost-and-experience-challenges/).* ## Key facts - 80% of operators say technology provides a competitive advantage - Technology supports various functions - Connected POS systems improve efficiency ## Story For QSRs, speed is a primary driver of business success. Speed means productive employees, satisfied customers, and increased profitability. In addition, findings from recent QSR reports suggest accuracy, friendliness, and innovation are fast becoming table stakes for customers—who are defining “value” by the totality of the overall experience. Two critical—and variable—cost factors that come with delivering that desired experience are the cost of food and the cost of labor. Both are tied directly to outcomes. In recent years, integrated technology designed for QSRs has changed the cost-equation game, giving QSRs the chance to deliver exceptional customer experiences while diligently navigating headwinds from unpredictable food pricing and availability, and ongoing labor challenges. Technology is no longer met with skepticism in the QSR space. Rather, it is seen as a business driver when used, maintained, and supported correctly. ## Technology benefits **How purposeful technology promotes fast, accurate, friendly service** According to recent findings from National Restaurant Association, 80 percent of operators say the use of technology provides a competitive advantage. Furthermore, six out of 10 say they are planning further investments to improve the customer experience. With potential cost concerns and food and labor unknowns, operators are still expected to move ahead with technology. Balancing the cost of integrating technology while still realizing ROI is the golden ticket. Technology supports a wide range of functions from ordering and payment, to marketing and advertising, and through to back-office functions, inventory management, and business operations. Depending on a QSR’s business model and service structure, each deployment may look a little different. A QSR with in-person seating and the option for staff to bring food directly to customers’ tables may utilize POS and self-service technology differently than a standing-room-only space. Coffee shops with highly personalized orders have different customer needs and experiences than 24-hour drive-throughs. Operators must account for these differences to keep customers satisfied. ## Right technology infrastructure **The right technology infrastructure supports both the worker and customer experience** The use of technology can make or break a restaurant’s operations depending on how it is utilized. According to workforce technology reports, more restaurants are leveraging technology to drive data-driven decision-making, while enhancing the efficiency of the workforce and limiting operational disruptions. It’s hard to offer a warm, friendly experience without people in the mix. QSRs have a desire to reduce the cost and complexity of operations, particularly in talent-scarce situations. Operators are focused on determining which technologies can be used where to either improve the worker experience or, in some situations, provide a cost-effective option to augment or assist with certain tasks. For example: - Connected POS systems and digital menu boards improve efficiency and accuracy by streamlining the ordering process and allowing for accurate customization, letting staff focus on delivering fast, friendly service. By connecting content management to inventory and product availability, staff can avoid tricky conversations with frustrated customers when what they want isn’t available. - Auxiliary technologies like AI-enabled headsets and line-busting tablets give window and counter staff effective tools for clear communication and order management. During peak times, being able to mobilize a POS or meet a customer where they are can limit delays and frustrations. - Back-office software brings together disparate data channels gives managers a single pane of glass to run a more nimble and cost-effective operation. This near-real-time information means that staff can prioritize the most immediate addressable actions, based on time of day, recent ordering trends, and more. ## Managed services **Managed services and support unlock measurable value** When bringing new technology to a restaurant, it is crucial to minimize setbacks by planning ahead and asking the right questions. A common pain point with any QSR transformation is the added administrative burden and IT challenge that comes with digitization. It is not only the cost of purchase and deployment that QSR owners must consider when integrating new technology, but the cost of support, maintenance, and replacement. Operators are incredibly skilled at delivering food and brand experiences that consumers love. But, as organizations become increasingly lean and prioritize all investments on this goal, other gaps may appear. This is leading to a rise in managed services to support these needs, including: - Asset management software for operational continuity and cybersecurity, synchronizing infrastructure across locations and departments for improved communication. - Deployment and fleet management support, reducing cost complexities, and keeping unnecessary operational expenses from surfacing. - Managing and driving content management, adapting content across different locations in different districts. - Repair and replacement services, eliminating downtime and better managing costs for longer term ROI and improved total cost of ownership. Technology must be designed for daily use in the fast-paced, unpredictable QSR environment. If this tech proves to be unreliable, it not only slows down restaurant operations, but can negatively impact customer service and profit. **Creating harmony between people and new technologies** Can the solution be easily deployed and managed to provide maximum uptime? Does it provide an opportunity to simplify or consolidate technologies? Can it measurably increase guest satisfaction, drive revenue, and provide a cost saving? If technology answers one of these questions, when implemented strategically, it enhances experiences, for employees and customers—and leads to more impactful, more in-depth conversations. Although quick-service restaurants have similar key priorities, each establishment has its own unique customer base, menu options, in-store layout, and overall goals for day-to-day operations and customer experience. These differences are reflected in how technology is (and will be) integrated in the years ahead. ****Justin Sivillo** is the Sr. Territory Account Manager, Managed Services & Solutions, Panasonic Connect North America**. Justin is a *seasoned enterprise professional with extensive experience in the hospitality, retail, and technology services sectors. Recognized for a consultative approach that aligns client needs with strategic solutions, ensuring mutual success and long‑term partnership value—delivering high‑impact results across complex enterprise environments.* ## Entities - QSR Magazine (publication) - customer experience (topic) - Technology (sector) - qsr industry (topic) - technology integration (topic) - Danny Klein (person) - National Restaurant Association (company) - cost management (topic) - Panasonic Connect North America (company) - Justin Sivillo (person) --- Originally reported by Danny Klein, QSR Magazine (https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-technology-can-help-qsrs-overcome-cost-and-experience-challenges/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/e5d2d029-670d-405d-af75-697fa3ddd941).