Compare the operating models
A fictional boutique scans goods at a fixed till. A server takes table orders on a mobile screen. A takeaway customer chooses meals at a self-order station. These need different controls even when they use the same product catalogue.
| Business requirement | Staff-operated selling | Customer self-ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique till | Scan, adjust authorised sale, take payment | May add steps to assisted purchase |
| Table service | Mobile order with table context | Only if customer journey is actually supplied |
| Takeaway station | Staff could assist separately | Menu choices, price and completion |
Work through the chosen model
Define operator, physical service point, allowed actions and output destination. Mobile staff screens need table/customer context; customer screens need only their order choices and payment/collection outcome. Hardware compatibility must be checked separately against the actual selected system.
- Enter order at the actual service point
- Route sale or preparation work
- Give the customer the matching next action
Mobility reduces returning to a till but changes handling and connectivity needs. Self-ordering shifts entry to customers and needs accessible choices.
The boutique uses fixed staff checkout, table service uses staff mobile ordering, takeaway uses the supplied self-order journey. Three jobs do not require one universal screen.
When the other model fits
All customers require assisted product advice at the till. Is a kiosk automatically better?
Show the worked answer
No. The decision must follow the assisted service, not the novelty of the device.