What is Window Time?
Window time measures the duration customers spend at the drive-thru payment and/or pickup window—from arrival until departure with their order. This encompasses payment processing, order assembly, quality checking, and handoff. Voice AI indirectly affects window time through order accuracy and staff availability.
Why Window Time Matters
throughput Bottleneck
Window is often the constraint:
- Order-taking can be fast
- Kitchen can be ready
- But window limits departure rate
- Bottleneck determines capacity
Voice AI’s Indirect Impact on Window Time
Order Accuracy
Accuracy reduces window problems:
- Correct order = quick handoff
- Wrong order = time to fix
- Fewer issues = faster windows
Staff Availability
Labor reallocation:
- Order-taking burden removed
- More hands for assembly
- Better window staffing