Installing a control terminal: 8 mistakes to avoid

Installing a self-ordering kiosk in your fast-food restaurant isn't just about plugging in new equipment. It's a real opportunity to improve customer service and streamline your day-to-day operations. If you're thinking about it or about to take action, this article is for you!

Here we share with you the 7 most common mistakes when installing a control terminal, with one goal: to save you time, avoid hassle, and maximize the return on your investment.

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Installing a control terminal: a strategic project, not a simple connection

The terminal at the heart of the customer journey 

As restaurant professionals, you know better than anyone: in this business, every second counts. A well-designed self-ordering kiosk allows your customers to order faster, more independently, while reducing queues. The result? A better customer experience , an increase in the average basket, and less pressure at the checkout.

The benefits of a self-ordering terminal

The benefits of such a system are multiple: 

• Save time for the teams in the room,
• Increase in average ticket thanks to automatic upsell,
• Reduction of order taking errors,
• Detailed analysis of sales in real time,
• Improved customer satisfaction.

But you still need to think carefully about the installation of your control terminal and avoid the frequently made and often costly mistakes.

👉 To find out more: Surpass your competitors in 2025: digitalization as your secret weapon

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8 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Control Panel

Installing a self-ordering kiosk can have a positive impact on your fast food restaurant, provided you avoid some common pitfalls. Here are the mistakes we see all too often and how to effectively prevent them.

1. Not thinking about positioning in the operational flow

A poorly placed kiosk can become a real bottleneck. It's important to consider its location in the customer flow : it must be visible, accessible, and not obstruct traffic.

Ask yourself this question: Can your customers see and access it without feeling like they're disrupting service?

2. Ignoring accessibility and compliance constraints

Don't neglect PMR (persons with reduced mobility) standards : screen height, floor clearance, readability. Nothing should limit its use. 

Also, be sure to comply with current regulations regarding electrical safety, the location of charging stations in public spaces, and applicable hygiene standards. This will help you avoid potential penalties and ensure a reliable and secure customer experience.

3. Install without connecting the terminal to the rest of the tech ecosystem

A kiosk that's not connected to the rest of your system can quickly become a source of malfunctions. Make sure the kiosk is integrated with the cash register , inventory management, and your back office. Seamless synchronization prevents order errors, visible stockouts at the kiosk, and guest frustration.

4. Leaving a misconfigured default interface

The configuration of your touchscreen kiosk must be personalized : enticing photos, highlighted products, quick ordering tunnel, etc. If the original interface does not match your image, do not hesitate to change it. 

Our tip: test the interface yourself, like a normal customer.

5. Forgetting about dynamic inventory management at the terminal

A product that's out of stock but still visible on the terminal? Nothing could be more frustrating for your customers. To avoid this type of display error, consider enabling real-time inventory management . 

6. Training teams too late or too little

Staff training for the kiosk is key. Your teams must know how to explain its operation to customers and how to respond in the event of a bug or slowdown.

Think about it from the commissioning phase: trained staff = a well-used terminal = an investment that quickly pays for itself.

7. Underestimating operating and update costs

Installing a control terminal doesn't end with the big day. You need to budget for software updates, maintenance, and upgrades to your card.

Too many fast food restaurants forget the additional costs associated with the self-ordering terminal and regret it afterwards.

8. Choosing a terminal format that is unsuitable for the space or concept

Short on space? Don't panic: there are several kiosk formats, including wall-mounted, free-standing, and integrated. Adapt the model to your concept and the layout of your restaurant . A well-chosen fast-food ordering kiosk blends harmoniously into your environment and enhances the efficiency of the customer journey. At Innovorder, we offer different formats to suit your needs. 

👉 To go further : Fast food ordering terminals: comparison of the best models

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Anticipate, test, integrate: the keys to a successful installation

Before you even install your self-ordering kiosk in your fast food restaurant, take a step back. A successful installation often depends on your ability to design a seamless customer journey. This preparation phase is essential to avoid last-minute mistakes.

Put yourself in your customer's shoes : Where do they enter? Where do they look? Is the path to the kiosk clear? A well-placed and intuitive kiosk naturally guides your customers, streamlines traffic flow, and improves the experience.

Once the ordering kiosk is up and running , it's time to analyze. Observe behavior: How many customers are using the kiosk? What's the abandonment rate? Is the average basket increasing ? This data is valuable for adjusting the interface, improving the configuration, or strengthening your team's training.

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Our customers say it better than we do

🎥 Watch the video testimonial from our client Burgouzz , who equipped their restaurants with our self-ordering kiosks. The result? An optimized experience for customers and simplified management for the team.

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Installing a self-ordering kiosk in your fast-food restaurant is a powerful transformational lever. By avoiding the critical mistakes listed in this article and adopting a strategic approach, you'll maximize your return on investment and offer your customers an experience that meets their expectations.

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Need help installing your self-ordering kiosk successfully and effectively digitizing your fast-food restaurant ? Schedule an appointment with an Innovorder expert for personalized support.