With the advent of HMT (Happy Meal Thursday) I've had my eyes opened to some interesting things about McDonald's.
The first technological invention that caught the attention of attendees was the drink machine behind the counter. It literally takes care of EVERY step involved in filling the drive through customers' drink orders. Retrieves the cup, rotates it around to the ice, ice is added automatically, rotates it to the selected beverage which is then added automatically. That's got to save a few seconds for sure.
Next with monopoly back, your online playing is even more advanced and enjoyable.
Our most recent discovery is right there on the bucket (the new happy meal container in honor of Halloween)... virtual trick or treating. If that's not incorporating IT into every level of business and promotions, I don't know what is.
Also, I can't forget one thing I've made use of before... the availability to check nutrition facts online. That's a direct connection to the age where people try to be a little more health conscious yet don't always have time to stop and eat... and obviously, employs IT to distribute the information to its consumers.
I'm a fan.
And to show how full circle this is... HMT has its very own place on our favorite social networking site, Facebook.
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool! I have not been in a McD's in so long. I have never seen that drink dispenser. (I have been through the drive thru for late night, just not inside!) Some McD's also have computers and free internet too. I am not sure if that was a good idea thought. The only time I have taken advantage of the internet in McD's was in Europe since it was nice to see a familiar place. One day everything is going to be automated! I am just ready for a town like the "Jetsons"!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much technology has enabled us to be lazy. Gone are the days when you have to fill your own glass or take your kids trick-or-treating!
ReplyDeleteBy the way: Kudos to you Miss Bankston for blogging about HMT.
I have seen that drink machine before! I mean how much time could it really cut down in order for it to be a good business decision for McDonald's? I feel like that may be taking it a little bit far on the automated side of things. I understand making the coffee machine automatic so that it mixes everything correctly, but I mean ice and soft drinks? Not too much that you can mess up there except for getting the type of drink incorrect.
ReplyDeleteMicky D's is really stepping up there game!
ReplyDeleteI cannot honetly say that I am a big supporter of McDonalds, there food, or there customer service. But I would certainly agree that they have continued to stay on top of there game, when it comes to technological innovations. They, much like Apple, have managed to stay one step ahead of the competition.
So although I dont plan on adding McDonalds to my daily diet, I am impressed with their service innovations.
Kudos McDonalds!