The rise of self-service and what it means for society

The concept of self-service was first introduced by the brilliantly named ‘Piggly Wiggly’ supermarket in America in 1916.  Previously, shoppers would present a list to the super market clerk who would then fetch the items.  Piggly Wiggly allowed customers to browse through the isles and collect items themselves.  Some people found the concept difficult to begin with and almost felt as though they were stealing.  However, as ‘housewives’ realised the deals one could get the concept quickly caught on and spread around the world.  This was the birth of the modern-day supermarket.

Finding new and inventive ways for customers to help themselves in a manner that is fun and engaging, is an excellent way to save a company money on staff.  Many believe, however, that it is this ‘progress’ that has led to a rapid decline in our customer service.

The first ever self-service technology was invented even earlier with the invention of the vending machine in the 1880’s.  These were small coin-operated contraptions that would typically house postcards, gum or stamps.  It is the vending machine concept that is particularly prevalent at the moment, with self-service check outs being the most widely used incarnation.

As publicans we know first hand the challenges facing hospitality, the skills gap being one of our biggest challenges.  We have designed our software and products to support staff; providing them with more time and space to improve the areas of the business that often get neglected.  Our products allow for a premises to have a small team of quality staff who are able to keep on top of presentation and customer service, with our technology helping to ease the pressure at the bar.

There is a fine balance that needs to be struck between advancements in technology and removing jobs from the marketplace.  We are targeting our focus on using technology to support the people within the hospitality sector.

Our technology should allow people run a more productive and sustainable business.  A key part of this is in the space saving design of our products.  They are designed to sit on the bar allowing a premises to retain that person to person contact that is so crucial.  It also allows a bar tender or landlord to have eyes on every transaction even if they are not processing it themselves.

Technology is progress and we are bringing this progress to the hospitality sector.

We are welcoming establishments to apply to try our technology for free, starting in August of this year.  If you would like the opportunity to take part we would love to hear from you.

Apply now