Why is the ASI Handheld s handwriting recognition user interface better
than other handheld systems using the button approach?
Simply put,
because it lets servers
do what they are used to doing! Servers write
orders on a pad. All the ASI Handheld does is
mimic the pencil and pad paradigm,
thus allowing servers to feel comfortable using the handheld at
tableside, in
front of customers. In addition to this, it is currently the ONLY way to
effectively manage large menus (more than 60 items, including, drinks, full bar,
wines
etc.). The button approach quickly becomes unwieldy as more items
are added.
My
handwriting is very bad. Will this prevent me from
using the ASI Handheld?
No!
Handwriting recognition is very
forgiving. Field tests show that most people, even if they have
bad
handwriting, can correctly enter the full alphabet and numbers after practicing
for only 15
minutes! The ASI Handheld relies on entering abbreviations
using lowercase print characters,
one letter at a time... and typically all it
takes is 2 to 3 characters to isolate a given menu
item. This is fewer
letters than if you were writing on a pad. And servers always have
the
option of using a touch keyboard instead (see below.)
Is handwriting
the only input
method?
No! If a server prefers, she can use a
touchscreen keyboard to enter
abbreviations. The ASI Handheld provides
different keyboards optimized for right and left
handed
users.
How do orders get sent to the preparation areas (kitchen,
bar,
etc.)?
The ASI Handheld uses wireless technology to
communicate with the central
server. Orders are sent to the preparation
areas as soon as the server touches the send
button.
Yea, this all
sounds great, but how much does it cost?
Typically
a ASI
Handheld System will cost between 10% and 30% more than a conventional, fixed
POS system,
depending on the handheld hardware you select. This increase
in cost is more than compensated
by the revenue increase and cost savings that
provided by the ASI Handheld System.
Can
handhelds be used behind the
bar?
ASI does not believe that handheld technology is
suitable behind the bar. In this environment we recommend sticking to a
standard
touchscreen terminal. The ASI Handheld is fully integrated to the
ASI POS system, so you can
combine handhelds and fixed touchscreen stations as
required by your operation.