Introduction
South African restaurants and retail food businesses are under increasing pressure to improve service speed, reduce labour costs, and increase order accuracy—without compromising customer experience. In 2026, QR menus and self-service kiosks are no longer optional innovations; they are becoming standard operating tools.
Odoo’s QR Menu and Kiosk functionality enables businesses to digitise ordering, streamline operations, and integrate sales directly into POS, inventory, and accounting—without third-party platforms.
What Is QR Menu Ordering in Odoo?
Odoo’s QR Menu allows customers to:
· Scan a QR code at the table or counter
· View the live menu on their phone
· Place orders directly into Odoo POS
· Reduce waiting time and staff dependency
Because the QR menu is connected directly to Odoo POS:
· Prices update automatically
· Items can be hidden when out of stock
· Orders flow instantly to kitchen or bar screens
There is no re-keying, no disconnected apps, and no manual reconciliation.
What Is Odoo Self-Service Kiosk Mode?
Odoo’s Kiosk Mode turns a tablet or touchscreen into a self-ordering station where customers can:
· Browse the menu visually
· Customise items (size, extras, combos)
· Place orders without staff intervention
· Send orders directly to the kitchen and POS
This is particularly effective for:
· Quick-service restaurants (QSR)
· Food courts
· Takeaway counters
· High-volume venues during peak hours
Why South African Businesses Are Adopting QR & Kiosk Ordering
Faster Service and Higher Throughput
· QR and kiosk ordering reduce queues and waiting times, allowing more orders per hour—especially during lunch and dinner peaks.
Reduced Labour Pressure
· With ongoing staffing challenges, self-ordering allows fewer staff to manage higher volumes while focusing on food quality and customer service.
Improved Order Accuracy
Customers select items themselves, reducing:
· Misheard orders
· Incorrect modifiers
· Costly remakes
Upselling and Higher Average Order Value
Odoo kiosks and QR menus can:
· Suggest add-ons automatically
· Promote combos and specials
· Display images that encourage upsells
Fully Integrated with Odoo ERP
Unlike standalone ordering platforms, Odoo’s QR Menu and Kiosk are native features—fully integrated with:
· POS: Orders flow instantly to tills and kitchen screens
· Inventory: Real-time stock updates prevent overselling
· Accounting: Sales post automatically for accurate reporting
· CRM: Customer data and preferences can be tracked
· Pricing & Promotions: Centralised control across all channels
This eliminates commission fees, third-party integrations, and data silos.
Ideal Use Cases
Odoo QR and Kiosk ordering works particularly well for:
· Restaurants and cafés
· Franchise groups with standardised menus
· Hotels and resorts
· Food courts and takeaway chains
· Retail outlets with food service components
Businesses gain control, consistency, and scalability from a single platform.
Implementation Matters
While the technology is powerful, success depends on proper setup:
· Menu structure and product variants
· Kitchen workflow configuration
· Device selection and network stability
· Staff training and customer guidance
At AP Systems, QR menus and kiosks are implemented as part of a broader operational design—ensuring performance, usability, and ROI.
Conclusion
QR menus and self-service kiosks are reshaping how South African restaurants and retailers operate. When implemented correctly in Odoo, they reduce costs, increase speed, improve accuracy, and integrate seamlessly into the wider business system.
Rather than adding another app to manage, Odoo allows businesses to modernise ordering while maintaining a single source of truth.
Thinking About QR or Kiosk Ordering?
If you are considering QR menus or self-service kiosks for your restaurant or retail operation, a structured assessment is the best starting point. AP Systems specialises in Odoo POS, restaurant workflows, and end-to-end ERP integration.Start writing here...