New cup digitises draught pouring and payment to speed up service
A combined quick serve and payment system for beverage service has been developed to speed service in busy bars and facilitate immediate digital payment.
The Intellicup system features a chip in the handle of a reusable bottom-filling plastic cup that is linked to a phone app which automatically charges a customer for each pint.
The digital payment solution has been designed primarily for high volume catering operations, such as stadia and events spaces, where large queues can form.
Currently in use at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium, the system is also being trialed by Compass at the O2.
It is capable of pouring a pint in 10 to 15 seconds, which includes the financial transaction. Customers receive a notification with each transaction so that they can keep on top of spend, while the operator is able to collect more data on the individual spending habits of guests.
Intellicup founder Guy Harrod said: "We're digitising the draught beverage industry by offering a technical platform that connects the customer with a merchant.
"Essentially there's a bit of tech in a cup with means you can have an integrated pour within ten seconds.
"There's benefit on all sides. The customer obviously gets fresher beer and less queuing and the merchant themselves get a host of benefits including reduced wastage, reduced bar staff and changing the role of bar staff to be more customer facing and engaging."