McDonald’s adds Georgia, Kuwait, Qatar, Romania, South Africa to fast food giant’s Orquest partnership

Georgia, Kuwait, Qatar, Romania and South Africa have been added to McDonald’s global collaboration with Orquest, which has developed an AI driven in-store workforce scheduling solution.

The roll-out started in Orquest’s home country, Spain.

In a LinkedIn post, Orquest said: “We’re ready to predict demand using AI, optimise employee scheduling, comply with labour regulations, increase productivity and reduce labour costs, and enhance guest service.”

“A big thank you to everyone involved. Let’s move forward, fostering efficiency and crew wellbeing n every restaurant.”

RTS 2024

In April, Orquest was announced as the winner of the 2024 Innovation Awards by Retail Technology Show 2024, which took place at London Olympia.

Announced at the BIG Retail Party at the end of day one, Orquest was chosen from a shortlist of ten companies also selected as finalists as part of the 2024 Innovation Awards programme, which champions best-in-class technologies and solutions.

Each year, the RTS Innovation Awards seek out the foremost examples of future forward innovation from across the RTS show floor, selecting those disruptive technologies that that can transform retailers’ operations – from building sustainable retailing practices, to next-generation in-store solutions and new retail formats. 

Orquest’s in-store workforce scheduling solution and smart planning capabilities simplify store and HR management processes to improve retail interactions at every level of the business. 

Made up of members of the RTS Advisory Board, as well as independent industry analysts and influencers, including Redline Retail’s Andrew Busby, the RTS 2024 Innovation Awards judging panel were impressed by the ability of the solution to deliver tangible benefits to the retail business, its workforce and its customers. 

RTS Innovation Award Judge and Chairman of Retail Connections, Chris Field, commented: “Given the scale of wage inflation in recent years that has ramped up retailers’ operational costs, much higher recognition of the key role of staff in delivering the experience that customers crave, as well as the need for staff to collaborate more effectively, Orquest clearly recognised the urgent need for a solution that could meet all of these objectives.” 

Pilar di Prisco, Key Account Manager UK at Orquest, said: “Being recognised and selected as the 2024 RTS Innovation Award winner means a lot – especially since this is our first year as an exhibitor.”

“Having visited the show for years, we understand its significance as the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology like ours.”

“It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and trust of our valued clients.  We’ve long believed in the power of empowering retail workforces though our AI solution, and this award reaffirms the impact of our efforts.”

“Retailers recognise that an empowered workforce not only enhances employee wellbeing and productivity but also drives operational effectiveness, delivering the exceptional retail experiences customers crave.”