From Queues to Convenience: QSR Success with UTC-124 and ChromeOS Flex

In today’s fast-paced Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, labor shortages are a major challenge. To reduce reliance on staff and enhance customer experience, many restaurants are adopting self-service technologies. Long queues not only frustrate diners but also limit sales potential. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics—an event expected to bring massive international crowds—our client needed an innovative solution to ease staffing pressures, streamline operations, and ensure smooth service during peak demand.

To meet this challenge, our client deployed Advantech’s UTC-124, a 23.8" all-in-one touch computer. Part of the UTC-100 series, the UTC-124 combines a slim, lightweight profile with a modern, elegant design that integrates seamlessly into retail environments. Whether functioning as a digital signage display or a self-checkout terminal, the UTC-100 series delivers reliability and flexibility. For this particular deployment, the UTC-124 was configured into a self-ordering kiosk system by our software integration partner, offering an intuitive and efficient checkout experience for QSR customers.

While hardware performance is critical, software stability and manageability are equally important. The UTC-124 supports multiple operating systems, giving the software integration partner the flexibility to evaluate and select the most suitable option for this project. After careful testing, ChromeOS Flex was chosen to run on the UTC-124. This choice provided several benefits:    

1. Simple, Fast, Secure: ChromeOS Flex offers rapid boot times, a clean interface, and strong system stability with minimal crash risk: Zero ransomware attacks, ever on a ChromeOS flex device. Automatic updates and built-in security make it ideal for high-traffic public settings like fast-food outlets.    

2. Web App and Cloud Compatibility: Modern self-service systems and digital menus increasingly run on web applications. ChromeOS Flex supports these directly via Chrome browser, reducing the cost for complex local installations. The rapid deployment, from out-of-the-box setup to a fully operational kiosk within minutes, is enabled by ChromeOS Flex Kiosk mode and web application deployment, all managed through Google’s integrated centralized admin console.

3. Centralized IT Management: Through Google Admin Console, restaurants can manage kiosks remotely, lock down functionality, enforce regular reboots, and push updates across all devices. This significantly reduces IT overhead for enterprises deploying kiosks at scale. By leveraging ChromeOS Flex, the QSR system minimized both upfront costs and ongoing software maintenance, while ensuring fast, secure, and reliable customer interactions.

The solution delivered immediate benefits: shorter wait times, smoother ordering, and staff freed to focus on food preparation and service. Even at peak periods, the system stayed stable, preventing costly disruptions. Powered by Advantech’s robust hardware and ChromeOS Flex, the deployment proved both cost-effective and future-ready.

This outcome was enabled by close collaboration between Advantech, the software partner, and the client. Advantech provided rapid prototyping, technical support, and flexible customization, ensuring operational needs were met while building a foundation for scalable self-service solutions. 

This case shows how QSR self-service solutions can address labor shortages and service bottlenecks with the right hardware and software. By adopting the Advantech UTC-124 with ChromeOS Flex, the client is well positioned to benefit from greater efficiency, cost savings, and higher satisfaction. As self-service expands across retail and hospitality, this project stands as a model for reliable, scalable, and user-friendly solutions. 

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