New technology saves operators money while ensuring quality service.

Sponsored by R.F. Technologies, Inc.

In a challenging economic climate, restaurant leaders need to save money wherever they can. Imagine you could save 60 percent on your drive thru technology expenses and 50 percent on device maintenance without sacrificing customer service.

Enter listen-in-only technology, or LIO—a device that provides managers and kitchen staff with the ability to listen in on customer orders without the unnecessary expense of microphones.

Think about it—when it comes to the drive thru, who really does the talking? It is usually only one or two staff members that actually need to speak to customers, and while most restaurants need to have the ability for several staff members to listen in to drive-thru orders for accuracy and speed of service, do all those employees need expensive headsets that allow two-way communication?

Until now, quick-service restaurants have had little choice, as drive-thru headsets traditionally come with both speakers and microphones built in. But why should companies pay for five or more expensive headsets that allow two-way communication when you only need one or two?

R.F. Technologies, Inc., a quick-service drive-thru industry leader since 1989 knew that there had to be a better way for restaurants to ensure efficient drive-thru communication. As a result, the company designed LIO, which provides a more cost-effective way to provide drive-thru teams the audio features they need to improve customer service at a lower price point.

“Being a customer-centric drive-thru technology leader, we launched LIO, the listen-in-only technology, to help QSR owners maximize their profitability and efficiency,” says Bob Noorian, founder and CEO of R.F. Technologies.

By eliminating unnecessary features, LIO can save quick-service operators up to 60 percent on drive-thru headset costs. In addition, LIO saves on lifetime expenses, as two-way devices need to be repaired after about one year of use, costing approximately $150 to $200 per headset. With simplified design, LIO has a longer life and reduced repair costs, saving over 50 percent on maintenance expenses. As more restaurant brands are mandating that more employees have drive-thru headsets to ensure speed of service and accuracy, these savings are more important than ever.

The LIO system operates as a belt pack with a standard 3.5-millimeter audio plug, which allows restaurants to use their own headphones, ear buds, earphones, or ear sticks with the system giving brands flexibility and further reducing costs. LIO also has a range of up to 300 yards, so managers can monitor the drive-thru from anywhere inside or outside the restaurant. Additionally, the HD-quality audio makes it easier for everyone using the system to understand customer orders. 
 
“Hearing the drive-thru orders in crystal clear high-definition sound quality with a long 300 yards of range makes the job easier,” Noorian says. “LIO, the affordable, alternative listen-in-only technology allows more staff to get connected to drive-thru activities by simply using low-cost, common 3.5 mm earphones or earbuds.”
 
Further simplifying processes, LIO is compatible with all drive-thru headset systems, meaning that individual headsets can be replaced any time, and the system is easy to setup and install without a technician.
 
“There is no other product like it on the market,” Noorian says. “LIO reduces the costs of operating a drive thru, and it increases order accuracy and speed of service without the cost.”
 
In a tough economic market, technology is helping restaurants streamline operations and save money. Instead of investing in whole sets of costly two-way headsets, listen-in headsets allow restaurant leaders to save money without sacrificing audio quality or service to customers.
 
By Peggy Carouthers
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