The restaurant industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by technology that enhances both operational efficiency and customer experience. One of the most transformative forces behind this shift is our restaurant industry IoT solutions at SUNMI. These Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are changing how restaurants handle ordering, cooking, customer service, and payment processing. With the right IoT technology, our clients can deliver quicker service, streamline operations, cut costs, and boost overall customer satisfaction.

In this article, we at SUNMI share how our restaurant industry IoT solutions are reshaping restaurant operations, highlighting the success story of our client Xibei, a leading Chinese restaurant chain that demonstrates IoT transformation in action.

Understanding the Impact of IoT in the Restaurant Industry

Within the restaurant sector, IoT means deploying interconnected devices that share data to optimize workflows and enhance guest experiences. Our restaurant industry IoT solutions deliver real-time data to both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, empowering them to make smarter decisions and deliver faster service.

These solutions offer several benefits to our clients:

•         Improved Efficiency: By automating tasks and integrating systems, our IoT solutions help restaurants streamline everything from order processing to food preparation.

•         Enhanced Customer Experience: IoT-enabled devices reduce wait times, personalize dining experiences, and create more enjoyable visits for guests.

•         Cost Savings: Our IoT systems help track inventory, monitor energy use, and minimize waste—saving money across restaurant operations.

•         Real-Time Data: Our devices allow restaurants to monitor kitchen performance, service speed, and customer feedback in real time, enabling quick, data-driven decisions.

As the industry embraces digital transformation, our IoT solutions have become a vital tool for restaurant chains and smaller establishments alike, improving processes from the moment an order is placed to final payment.

Xibei: Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with Our IoT Solutions

Xibei, a leading restaurant group specializing in Northwest Chinese cuisine, has always focused on quality and guest satisfaction. As the need for faster service and fresh dining experiences grew, Xibei turned to us at SUNMI for the right restaurant industry IoT solutions to keep their operations competitive.

Founded in 1988 in Linhe city, Inner Mongolia, Xibei now operates over 300 locations in more than 60 cities across China. With their commitment to food quality and exceptional service, Xibei needed to improve efficiency and speed without compromising standards.

The Challenge

One of Xibei’s promises is to serve every dish within 25 minutes of order placement—an ambitious goal that demands maximum operational precision. With a rising number of young, tech-savvy diners, Xibei needed a modern way to streamline communication among kitchen staff, waitstaff, and customers, while eliminating errors and delays.

Our IoT Solution

To help Xibei meet these goals, we provided a suite of advanced IoT devices tailored for the restaurant industry:

•         SUNMI T2 LITE: Serving as a Kitchen Display System (KDS), this device enables kitchen staff to see order details—time, sequence, and dishes—at a glance. By digitizing tickets, Xibei reduced errors and optimized kitchen workflows.

•         SUNMI S2: This device merges weighing and ordering. Kitchen staff weigh dishes, record details, and send them to the front-of-house instantly—no paper, no mistakes.

•         SUNMI V2 PRO: A portable POS device for table-side checkout, it enables guests to pay right at the table, eliminating lines and improving the overall dining experience.

•         SUNMI M2 MAX: Used by waitstaff to take orders directly at the table, this device speeds up and enhances order accuracy.

Thanks to these restaurant industry IoT solutions, Xibei achieved its goal of delivering dishes within the promised 25-minute window.

Results and Impact of IoT Solutions in Xibei’s Operations

Our collaboration with Xibei has driven clear, measurable improvements:

•         Greater Kitchen Efficiency: The SUNMI T2 LITE KDS increased kitchen productivity by over 50%, helping Xibei maintain its speed promise while upholding food quality.

•         Faster Order Processing: The SUNMI S2 reduced weighing and ordering to a single step, saving time and reducing errors—streamlining the entire order-to-service workflow.

•         Improved Customer Experience: SUNMI V2 PRO cut checkout times from three minutes to just thirty seconds, minimizing wait times and boosting table turnover.

•         Empowered Staff: With SUNMI M2, waitstaff focus more on guests instead of running back and forth to stationary POS terminals. This resulted in an 80% boost in staff focus and guest engagement.

•         Sustainability Gains: By replacing paper-based systems with our digital IoT solutions, Xibei cut waste and moved toward greener operations.

The Future of IoT in the Restaurant Industry

As we continue to innovate, we foresee even more advanced IoT solutions reshaping restaurant operations. Soon, AI and machine learning will work hand-in-hand with IoT devices to predict demand, manage inventory more effectively, and optimize supply chains.

Emerging trends include:

•         Predictive Analytics: AI-powered IoT systems will help restaurants forecast busy periods, popular menu items, and guest preferences—enhancing inventory control and staff scheduling.

•         Voice-Activated Ordering: Voice assistants will make ordering even more convenient, reducing wait times and adding a layer of novelty for tech-savvy diners.

•         Smart Kitchen Equipment: Connected appliances will allow chefs to monitor and adjust cooking in real time, guided by data from IoT devices for unmatched precision.

How IoT Solutions Are Transforming Restaurant Operations and Customer Experience

Our experience with Xibei shows that adopting restaurant industry IoT solutions is not an option but a necessity for staying ahead. Xibei’s success with our technology proves that restaurants can optimize operations, lower costs, and deliver faster, more personalized service when they choose the right partner.

At SUNMI, we remain committed to equipping restaurants with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive landscape. The future belongs to those who embrace transformation—restaurants that harness IoT solutions today are paving the way for long-term success.

FAQs

How do IoT solutions benefit the restaurant industry?

IoT solutions automate tasks, streamline workflows, and deliver real-time data, which helps restaurants improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance guest satisfaction.

What are the main devices used in restaurant IoT solutions?

Key devices include Kitchen Display Systems, mobile POS terminals, smart weighing scales, and mobile ordering devices—each designed to simplify tasks and speed up service.

Why did Xibei choose SUNMI IoT solutions?

Xibei selected our solutions to meet their promise of serving dishes within 25 minutes, streamline communication between teams, and boost operational efficiency.

How does a Kitchen Display System (KDS) work?

A KDS digitizes order tickets, displaying them in real time for kitchen staff. This reduces mistakes, speeds up prep times, and ensures orders stay organized.

Can IoT solutions help with sustainability?

Yes! By replacing paper tickets with digital systems and optimizing resource use, IoT solutions help restaurants minimize waste and adopt greener practices.

What is the future of IoT in restaurants?

We expect more AI integration, predictive analytics, and smart appliances—all designed to further streamline operations and deliver even better guest experiences.