Building Technologies’ Role in Improving QSR Operations

New Building Management Technology Helps Quick Service Restaurants Trim Waste and Boost Operational Health

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are embracing new technologies from mobile apps to self-service kiosks to improve their operations. Yet, many QSR chains still overlook a critical aspect of operations that can influence their bottom lines: their buildings.

Up to 40 percent of the energy [i] used by restaurant HVAC systems may be wasted due to “leakage” such as inefficiencies from cooling or heating spaces where there are no customers, causing the HVAC to work harder than it should.

Another reason building efficiency is important is the growing concern over energy use and carbon emissions. This is an agenda item not only for large QSR chains but also for small- and mid-size players eager to operate more efficiently and minimize their impact on the environment.

Implementing a building management system (BMS) can be an effective strategy for QSRs to enhance efficiency. A BMS can gather and analyze vast amounts of data on various elements of a building’s operations, including energy usage and equipment performance. This data can be used to make informed decisions around optimizing business performance, managing costs and supporting sustainability objectives.

Better efficiency begins with data

QSRs can consume up to 10 times more energy[ii] per square foot than other commercial buildings with HVAC systems, restaurant appliances and lighting contributing to energy use. 

Many QSRs are looking for new ways to operate their restaurant portfolios more efficiently and better manage their energy performance across multiple sites. This starts with gathering data and gaining a better understanding of the systems they have on site—such as the age and condition of an HVAC system, lighting and kitchen equipment. A BMS – along with advance software controls like Honeywell Forge for Buildings – can help restaurant operators monitor and track energy usage across all their sites from a single dashboard, giving them the ability to potentially identify and eliminate energy leakage.

Honeywell Forge for Buildings empowers QSRs to tackle their operational challenges and gain greater control over their facilities. The system alerts managers to temperature, leaks or issues with their systems. It maintains proper lighting schedules and facilitates efficient control of the facility's climate throughout the year. This helps provide a comfortable experience for customers and helps support operational goals.

Streamlining operations in QSRs

A top priority for QSRs is the ability to efficiently deliver a great experience to their customers. Data can play a critical role by alerting managers to issues such as malfunctioning lighting, equipment failures or faulty refrigeration, avoiding the risk of wasted stock. High temperatures, neglected equipment and unreliable air conditioning can also lead to spoilage and customer dissatisfaction.

Honeywell Forge for Buildings can provide QSRs with real-time insight into the performance of their assets, enabling them to identify and resolve issues before they escalate. By helping to predict asset failures ahead of time, the platform helps minimize downtime, can prevent expensive repairs and optimize the overall operational efficiency of buildings. When QSR restaurants are connected, they can also benefit from remote maintenance to monitor critical assets 24/7 and proactively identify – and even resolve – potential issues without rolling a truck. They also can identify sites with the highest and lowest energy consumption and view utility costs and carbon emissions across locations.  

Maximizing uptime

A critical aspect of any quick-service restaurant is uptime. By implementing a modern building management system along with advance software controls and remote monitoring, QSRs can focus on serving their customers with fewer operational concerns. Using systems that closely monitor equipment health, can mean potentially avoiding unnecessary closures due to maintenance issues or catastrophic appliance failures. Honeywell technology empowers restaurants to keep their doors open and customers happy – all while providing better operational efficiency and energy management.

To learn more about how Honeywell can help your QSR, please contact us.

^[i] QSR Magazine, Saving Money and Time with Automated HVAC Control Systems. September 3, 2019 [Accessed April 12, 2024]

^[ii] Energy Stay, ENERGY STAR for Small Business: Restaurants [Accessed April 12, 2024]