How McDonald's Is Getting Ready For The 4th Industrial Revolution Using AI, Big Data And Robotics

Some experts might say McDonald’s, the fast-food burger joint that truly needs no introduction, was behind its competitors in embracing big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operations, but there are signs the Golden Arches is turning things around and improving business results in the process. This statement in the company’s 2017 growth plan: “enhancing digital capabilities and the use of technology to dramatically elevate the customer experience,” highlights McDonald’s priority and commitment to technology. Central to McDonald’s and really any fast-food business is the need to keep costs low and efficiencies high—something big data, artificial intelligence and robotics can support.

As the largest fast-food establishment, operating in 188 countries and serving more than 69 million people each day, it’s clear McDonald’s creates volumes of data, but it’s what they do with it that will yield powerful results. Here are just a few ways McDonald’s is getting ready for the 4^th industrial revolution and using AI, big data and robotics.
Personalized and improved customer experience
Not only can customers order and pay through the McDonald’s mobile app and get access to exclusive deals, but when customers use the app, McDonald’s gets vital customer intelligence about where and when they go to the restaurant, how often, if they use the drive thru or go into the restaurant, and what they purchase. The company can recommend complementary products and promote deals to help increase sales when customers use the app. In Japan, customers who use the app spend an average of 35% more thanks in part to the recommendations they are provided at the time they place an order. Favorite orders are then saved by the app and offer a way to encourage repeat visits. App users can avoid the lines at the drive thru and at the counters, reason enough for many to share their buying data in exchange for convenience and perceived perks.


Digital menus that use data
McDonald’s continues to roll out new digital menus. These aren’t just fancier versions of the old menus, these menus can change based on the real-time analysis of data. The digital menus will change out the options based on time of day and even the current weather. For example, on a cold, blustery day, the menu might promote comfort foods while refreshing beverages might be highlighted on a record heat day. They’ve been used in Canada and resulted in a 3% to 3.5% increase in sales.

SOURCE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/04/04/how-mcdonalds-is-getting-ready-for-the-4th-industrial-revolution-using-ai-big-data-and-robotics/#87cc5e83d33e