JAPANESE restaurant Genki Sushi has implemented its koshyoku system or 'express lane', making its conveyor belts redundant. The company is integrating its service systems onto online platforms such as the iPad and the iTouch.

The process begins with customers picking their orders on the iMenu interface on the iPad instead of having to wait for a waiter. Orders are then transmitted to a screen in the kitchen where chefs can begin preparation. Manpower is only required for waiters to deliver the food. This has reduced the waiting time for food from 15 minutes to an average of two to three minutes.

The final tabulation of the number of plates ordered is done through the iTouch, and will be transmitted directly to the cashier, avoiding duplication of labour, where cashiers traditionally had to re-calculate the orders. In total, this has helped the company reduce staff strength from 16 to 11. The technology has also helped the company reduce food wastage.

Ng Kim Buat, Genki Sushi's chief technology officer, will be sharing in greater detail his company's process of automation tomorrow at a talk organised by the Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE). Participants can also expect to hear from Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, and Infocomm Development Authority director of SME infocomm enabler Edwin Low. Titled 'How IT can improve your bottom line', the talk is at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel from 7pm. Those interested may walk in and register at $25 a person.