Technology replacing cashiers?

History has shown that with technological advancements jobs that have always been done by us humans can be done more cheaply by our machines. ATM machines saw the decline in the number of bank cashiers, travel websites have removed the need for travel agents, and self-service tills have reduced the need for supermarket check-out staff.

In a report this week by Chowen’s Andrew Charles, the analyst calculates that McDonalds are to replace their cashiers with self-service kiosks in 2,500 of their stores by the end of 2017 and a further 3,000 stores by the end of 2018.[1]

McDonald’s Experience the Future strategy also includes the use of mobile phone technology as a way for customers to place their ordersWe welcome technology such as ours used in this way and can only predict further growth in this sector. Efficient EPoS self-service systems will mean a faster service, with more customers served in less time. And, although new technology has the potential to take jobs away, it can also create many employment opportunities, especially in the technology sector.However, McDonald’s has also been quick to address rumours surrounding job losses.

Business Insider UK reports that cashiers will be moved to jobs in other parts of the restaurant.[2]

The article quotes: "Our CEO, Steve Easterbrook, has said on many occasions that self-order kiosks in McDonald’s restaurants are not a labor replacement," a spokeswoman told Business Insider. "They provide an opportunity to transition back-of-the-house positions to more customer service roles such as concierges and table service where they are able to truly engage with guests and enhance the dining experience."

We live in interesting times...

[1]http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-06-23/mcdonalds-replacing-2500-human-cashiers-digital-kiosks-here-its-math
‍[2]http://uk.businessinsider.com/what-self-serve-kiosks-at-mcdonalds-mean-for-cashiers-2017-6