Digital Transformation at Scale: How Elo Touchscreens Redefined Efficiency for Subway Nordics

In the competitive landscape of quick-service restaurants (QSR), the difference between a constraint and a breakthrough often comes down to the technology behind the counter. At the City2 Shopping Centre in Copenhagen, a Subway franchise is setting a new standard for service through a strategic digital transformation powered by Elo.

By integrating high-performance touchscreen solutions across both front-of-house and kitchen environments, the location has modernized operations while elevating the customer experience. The combination of Elo hardware and Yonoton software has transformed complex ordering workflows into a streamlined, high-performance engine for growth.

Here's how Elo is helping Subway master the "Art of the Sandwich" while maximizing operational efficiency, increasing revenue potential, and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Setting a New Standard with Self-Service Kiosks

While many traditional QSR are challenged with tech adoption, Subway's deployment of Elo hardware has proven that customers are ready for a digital-first experience. A remarkable 90% of all orders are driven by digital systems, with 70% occurring directly at Elo touchscreens. Subway features three self-order kiosks built on the Elo Wallaby Pro stand with a 22-inch Android touchscreen, delivering a space-efficient and engaging experience that keeps ordering fast and intuitive.

• Streamlined menu navigation: Subway's menu is famously vast, especially for those building a sandwich from scratch. Elo's self-service kiosks make it easy for customers to visualize every option and build their perfect meal without feeling rushed.
• Reduced pressure at checkout: self-service removes the social pressure often associated with ordering at the counter, giving customers the freedom to explore the menu at their own pace. This more relaxed experience frequently leads to higher spend through add-ons like cookies, chips, and extra protein.
• Seamless payment: the Elo Pay 22-inch 'Tap to Pay' streamlines the checkout process by integrating near field communication (NFC) directly into the display, enabling effortless contactless payments via card or mobile phone. This modern tap-to-pay functionality ensures that transactions are both quick and user-friendly.

Kitchen Display Systems Designed for the Realities of the Sandwich Line

QSR kitchens are fast-moving, high-contact environments where speed and precision matter at every step. From the Subway sandwich line to the prep station, team members are constantly moving, wearing gloves, handling fresh ingredients, and managing a steady flow of orders. In this setting, technology must respond instantly, withstand continuous use, and perform reliably without interruption.

• Engineered for high-intensity food prep: Subway staff rely on kitchen display systems (KDS) throughout the kitchen to keep orders moving. The compact Elo 15-inch I-Series Android touchscreens maintain perfect touch accuracy and responsiveness, even when wearing gloves. This resilience ensures that the flow of the kitchen is never interrupted by technical lag, allowing the team to focus on quality and speed.
• Constant operational readiness: a major advantage of Elo hardware is its ability to run 24/7 without the need for down-time or reboots. The system remains active and always-on the moment the first customer walks in, ensuring there is no technical lag or startup delay during opening hours.
• Maintenance made simple: Elo touchscreens don't require a specialized cleaning process; a quick wipe-down keeps them in top condition. To maintain Subway's high standards, the sleek glass surfaces are designed for easy, frequent sanitization with a simple wipe-down.

A Flexible POS for Every Ordering Preference

While self-service kiosks handle the majority of transactions, Subway also maintains a fixed point-of-sale (POS) to support guests who prefer cash payments or a more traditional, face-to-face ordering experience. This ensures the restaurant remains accessible to every customer, regardless of their comfort level with digital interfaces.

Rather than treating the POS as a legacy system, Subway has enhanced this touchpoint with modern capabilities that improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency:

• Compact design: the sleek EloPOS Z20 Android system does not take up a lot of space on the counter, maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.
• Enhanced customer visibility: the 1004L 10-inch customer-facing display shows the customer their order details and the cost in real-time.
• Error reduction: providing this visual confirmation allows customers to make changes before paying, minimizing the risk of inaccurate orders and mistakes.
• Modern payment integration: the customer-facing screen allows the store to display QR codes for mobile app payments, enabling customers to pay with their phones even if they don't have their cards with them.

The Foundation for Speed, Accuracy, and Growth

The integration of Elo self-order kiosks, POS terminals, and kitchen display systems creates a fully connected digital architecture across the entire restaurant. Operating on a unified Android platform, each system communicates in real time, ensuring that orders placed at the kiosk or POS are instantly transmitted to the kitchen without delay. From order entry to fulfillment, every touchpoint works together to create a seamless, efficient workflow.

This connected ecosystem not only improves operational speed but also enhances accuracy and consistency. Interactive kiosk displays and customer-facing POS screens allow guests to review and confirm their custom sandwich builds before completing their purchase, reducing order errors and minimizing food waste. At the same time, automated prompts throughout the ordering experience encourage add-ons/upsells, helping drive higher average order values without relying on staff intervention.

By streamlining order flow and reducing manual input, Elo technology enables faster service during peak hours while allowing staff to stay focused on food quality and preparation. With the system managing order intake and pacing, team members can operate more efficiently and deliver a better overall customer experience.

Elo is proving that the future of QSR is built on a foundation of reliability and innovation, where reliable technology is as essential as the ingredients themselves.