Table Order, QR Order, NFC Order, Kiosk: What's the Difference?

Which Digital Ordering Solution is Right for You?

When looking to introduce digital ordering to your restaurant, you might hear various opinions. Some say QR Order is best because it doesn't require charging. Others prefer NFC Order for its simplicity—just a tag sticker. And some argue that Kiosks are the way to go.

For those confused by the various terms, we break down the meaning of Table Order (the overarching concept) and the differences between QR Order, NFC Order, and Kiosks, along with their pros and cons.

Quick Summary

• Table Order: A digital solution where customers order at the table. Tablet PCs are the most common form.
• QR Order: Customers scan a QR code with their smartphone, access a link, and order from the menu.
• NFC Order: Customers tap their smartphone on an NFC tag to access the menu link. It offers better security than QR codes.
• Kiosk: Best for takeout-only shops, food courts, or places where customers order and pick up their food directly.

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1. Table Order

Table Order refers to any digital solution that helps customers order directly from their table. It is a new solution literally meaning "Ordering at the Table" and is gaining popularity in the restaurant industry. The most common form involves a tablet PC mounted at each table.

How it works: Previously, a customer sat down, a server brought a menu, the customer decided, called the server back, and the server entered the order into the POS. With Table Order, this process is drastically reduced. The customer checks the menu on the tablet and orders directly, sending the order straight to the POS/Kitchen.

Benefits:

• Streamlined operations.
• Reduced labor costs.
• Prevention of order errors.
• Especially effective for large venues, busy BBQ restaurants, or pubs with frequent re-ordering.

2. QR Order

This solution allows customers to scan a QR code attached to their table using their smartphone camera, access a link to view the menu, and place an order.

Pros:

• Low Cost: No need for expensive tablet hardware. You only need stickers.
• No Maintenance: No devices to charge or manage.

Cons:

• User Friction: Customers must unlock their phone, open the camera, scan, and navigate the web interface.
• Accessibility: Can be difficult for older demographics not familiar with smartphones.
• Payment: If payment is required on the phone, it adds another step that can lead to drop-off.

3. NFC Order

Similar to QR Order, but uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Customers unlock their phone and tap it against a tag to open the ordering page.

Pros:

• Security: Harder to tamper with than QR codes (which can be pasted over with malicious codes).
• Speed: Slightly faster than opening a camera app to scan a QR code.

Cons:

• Compatibility: Requires the customer to have NFC enabled on their phone (though most modern phones have this).
• Awareness: Some customers might not know they can just "tap" to order.

4. Kiosk

Kiosks are standing terminals usually placed at the entrance or a central location.

Best for:

• Fast food, cafes, or food courts where customers order before finding a seat.
• Takeout-heavy businesses.

Difference from Table Order: Kiosks require customers to stand in line to order. Table Order allows customers to relax at their seat and order whenever they want.

Conclusion: Which should you choose?

• Choose Table Order (Tablets) if you run a full-service restaurant, pub, or BBQ place where you want to enhance the guest experience and encourage ordering more items comfortably.
• Choose QR/NFC Order if you have a very large outdoor area, a limited budget, or a younger demographic that prefers using their own devices.
• Choose Kiosks if you are a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) or cafe focused on speed and self-pickup.

At Videmihi, we specialize in providing the best Table Order solutions tailored for the Istanbul market. Contact us to find out how we can transform your restaurant operations.