What you need to know about automatic doors for the QSR industry

We’ve all heard it said: “time is money.” If you work in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, you know how true that adage really is.

The ripple effects of Covid-19 made waves in technology and in customer behavior. Customers may crave certain food, but they also crave convenience. In fact, QSR Magazine recently reported that convenience was the number one desire of drive-thru customers.

If convenience is what customers want, how can QSR brands increase convenience - and ultimately maximize throughput? One word: flexibility.

Why flexibility?

To quote another QSR Magazine article, “Of all the lessons restaurants learned amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important can be summed up in two words: Be flexible.”

Realistically, everyone has a different idea of what “convenient” means. For some, it might be a quick drive thru run. For others, it might be an online order and a curbside pickup. Some prefer third-party deliveries.

To meet all of these demands, today’s top QSR brands are serving customers through multiple channels. This allows customers to tailor their experience, and it also means that operations need to shift. When brands move staff outdoors, or create designated pickup areas for digital orders, they need physical solutions that are flexible too.

Just like QSR brands do, we take the voice of our customers seriously here at ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems. That’s why we have created the premier automatic door solution for the QSR industry: the SL500 Express door series.

Designed with input from top quick-service organizations in the nation, the SL500 EX is an automatic door that doubles as a drive-thru window. Talk about a flexible solution!

How can the SL500 EX boost convenience for your QSR restaurant?

The SL500 has a range of unique features that can positively impact your employees, your operations, and your customers.

Convenience for Operations

Because the SL500 EX door is both a window and a door, it literally opens the door to flexibility in your operations. If traffic is light, use the SL500 EX in window mode as a traditional drive-thru window. When lines are longer, take goods directly to customers by switching to express door mode – which lets employees pass in and out as needed. Flexibility abounds!

Speaking of numerous possibilities… the SL500 EX is also highly customizable. Choose from a variety of activation options and sensor packages. Whatever your operation looks like, we’re sure to have a configuration for you.

Convenience for Employees

The SL500 EX was designed with employee activity in mind. With activation that can be controlled via wave plates or key fobs, and adjustable sensor patterns which allow employees to get close to the door without activating it accidentally, it’s activation methods are easy and intuitive.

Plus, the SL500 EX was built for ease of maintenance. After a long shift, the last thing your employees want to do is spend excessive time keeping your door in working order. Our track design prevents debris from getting trapped, and no manual lubrication is required.

Convenience for Customers

Ultimately, convenience for your employees and your operations translates to convenience for your customers. With the SL500 EX, you can serve customers quickly and easily, in the way that is most convenient for them – and for you.

To learn more, view the SL500 brochure here or contact us!