QSRs adopt automation to cut energy, ensure compliance

Data-led monitoring helps brands boost efficiency, ensure compliance, and strengthen security.

Rising energy costs and tighter compliance demands are driving quick service restaurants (QSRs) to adopt digital solutions that improve operational efficiency while managing costs. Technologies like remote monitoring, automated compliance, and secure data systems are becoming essential as brands expand and operations grow more complex.

“Reducing energy consumption is not only vital for cost control, it's increasingly important for meeting sustainability goals and enhancing overall operational efficiency and supporting growth,” said Tim Thain, Account Manager at Resource Data Management (RDM).

According to Thain, QSRs can achieve both cost savings and stronger day-to-day performance by adopting a smarter, data-led approach. “Rather than looking solely at site energy use, QSRs need to drill down into the energy consumption of individual assets, whether it be refrigeration, fryers, lighting systems, HVAC,” he said.

This granular level of data allows operators to pinpoint inefficiencies quickly. “Is the equipment being left on overnight? Is the refrigeration unit drawing more power than expected due to maintenance issues? Once these patterns are identified, control strategies can be adjusted, schedules can be refined and servicing prioritised, leading to tangible energy savings and improved equipment performance,” Thain explained.

Beyond energy management, QSRs are also turning to automation to streamline food safety compliance. “Automated temperature compliance is a massive opportunity for QSRs to reduce manual workloads, improve accuracy and ensure consistent food safety standards across all of their locations,” Thain said.

RDM’s technology continuously tracks refrigeration, freezer, and display cabinet conditions, automatically logging data, generating reports, and issuing alerts when temperatures fall outside of defined limits. “The result of that is no paperwork, no missed checks and full compliance. 24/7,” Thain added.

As QSRs adopt more connected technologies, data security remains a top concern. “Data security must be front and center,” Thain emphasised. “At RDM, we build cybersecurity into every layer of our foundation solution… We ensure that data is protected at every stage.”