Mobile ordering has become a popular and easier alternative to ordering and waiting in-person used by popular companies such as Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A.
Now, technology has come to Belmont as a new way to dine on campus.
The TransAct Mobile Order App allows students, faculty and other Belmont-affiliated employees to order online and wait in a virtual queue for all on-campus dining options, with the only exception being the Caf.
As this system is considered very new to Belmont, employees working at on-site food companies are navigating new technology, intricate techniques and a different manner in serving food in past years.
Students have waited for over an hour for their food in locations such as Bruin Bites & Einstein Bagels as well as receiving wrong modifications, sizes and inaccurate wait times.
“It took 30 minutes for me to get a breakfast sandwich, and my order was still wrong. It took even longer for me to get my smoothie after that,” said freshman Grace Baker.
Kelli Davis, director of Auxiliary Services Technology and Business Analytics, recognizes that although these issues occur, it is imperative to look at the whole picture.
“This is not a systemic issue. There may be some cases where this could happen if someone orders in the middle of a very busy time, and there are many mobile orders already ahead of them in the queue,” said Davis.
Despite minor mishaps in rolling out the new program, the analysis of tracking orders shows a 40% increase in ordering food in the time frame of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Davis said she is aware of the issues and has been able to observe, communicate and troubleshoot these complaints.
However, not many issues have been reported from customers, she said.
“We are able to provide more meals for our students at times in tight windows between classes. When students plan ahead and schedule orders early, they are more likely to be able to eat what they want and when they want it,” Davis said.
The TransAct app allows customers to rate their order after receiving it.
Only 25 total people out of 800 have reviewed their order due to statistics shown from Monday, September 23, showing only about 30% of clientele.
Despite the issues circulating, Davis and Jerome are adamant in encouraging students to ask about an order that is 5-10 minutes past target, as well as rating their order.
“We want to continue to improve service and food,” she said.
-
This article was written by Emily Garver
Comments