Challenges
Wenzel’s existing POS could not seamlessly integrate with delivery platforms and provide comprehensive data access, hindering operational efficiency. Fabian highlighted the data challenges: “Our biggest problem in the last couple of years has been access to data and the level of detail that we have in that data.”
Additionally, the old POS system had some major drawbacks, including a lack of integration with various third-party delivery platforms and inefficiencies in menu management. “We needed to find a more permanent solution that would cover all three delivery platforms,” said Fabian Lapusneanu, Director of IT.
Solution
To address these challenges, Wenzel’s embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of its tech stack, partnering with Vita Mojo to implement an advanced order management solution, including a fast and reliable POS, Centralised Menu Management and a flexible Kitchen Management System.
The project began with an initial pilot of six stores. Then one month later, Wenzel’s and Vita Mojo began the ambitious target of rolling out the new tech to its remaining 102 stores in just 40 days.
The implementation process was extensive. “The actual challenge was that Vita Mojo wasn’t the only solution implemented at the same time,” said Karl.
The Wenzel’s team also implemented new food and hygiene systems and inventory management tools. Training 1,200 employees posed a significant challenge. “We had multiple methods: videos, guides, installation sessions, and even huge Zoom sessions where we’ve had 60 employees on one call,” Karl recalled.
Vita Mojo and Wenzel’s discussed several different rollout schedules. The team settled on a 3-6-6 formula: three stores a day, six days a week, for six weeks.
“We did training in the afternoon,” says Fabian, “going the next day to the same store to assist the launch in the morning, and then in the afternoon, you go to the next site and so on.”
Additionally, the old POS system had some major drawbacks, including a lack of integration with various third-party delivery platforms and inefficiencies in menu management. “We needed to find a more permanent solution that would cover all three delivery platforms,” said Fabian Lapusneanu, Director of IT.
Results
The transformation yielded substantial benefits for Wenzel’s. The new technology improved data accuracy and operational efficiency, particularly in menu management, resulting in a 75% reduction in time wasted updating menus.
“Menu management—with the aggregation on the delivery platforms—has been a massive efficiency improver,” Karl noted. The integration reduced the potential for errors and enhanced the customer experience by ensuring consistent product availability across all platforms.
With accurate and reliable data now available, Wenzel’s can make more informed decisions, although understanding and using this data effectively remains a key focus.
The implementation also streamlined reporting processes, saving significant time and effort. “The reduction in the amount of time it takes me to do any sort of report is a measure of success,” Fabian mentioned. The new POS system’s ability to handle Click & Collect and loyalty programs opened additional revenue channels and improved customer engagement.
