Ecolab Puts AI on the Menu with KitchenIQ

ST. PAUL, MN -- Ecolab Inc., a provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions, has launched a new AI-powered program within its KitchenIQ platform.

Designed to help restaurant leaders improve shift performance and profitability, RushReady combines real-time data, intelligent recommendations, and human coaching to tackle the complexities of daily operations and elevate the overall experience for guests.

The engagement begins with a connection to each restaurant’s unique data sources, enabling the platform to work on transforming back-of-house operations through:

• AI-driven recommendations that help general managers (GMs) meet their goals against the two critical metrics of speed of service and sales per labor hour by optimizing prep inventory, adjusting staffing levels, and prioritizing tasks.

• Streamlined processes made possible by the AI-insights derived from analyzing disparate data sources, including point of sale, labor management, and kitchen display systems.

• Operational performance grounded in enhanced analytics and proactive alerts, helping managers anticipate issues and maintain smooth operations.

• RushReady reports that summarize performance and insights against speed of service and sales per labor hour, which enable optimization across dayparts and dine-in, drive-thru, and takeout channels.

To drive adoption and execution, the program also includes a dedicated Ecolab Performance Coach to provide in-person expertise on interpreting the data and insights to motivate staff and enhance productivity.

“Ecolab has been an integral part of the foodservice industry for more than a century, so we know what it takes for every restaurant to perform at its very best, especially during a rush,” said Maarten Potjer, executive vice president, innovation growth strategy, Ecolab. “With RushReady, we are combining the insights from AI together with our industry expertise to make the jobs of restaurant operators easier.

“RushReady equips GMs and their teams with the tools and insights needed to excel in today’s competitive landscape. By transforming data into actionable strategies, we help them run more efficient, profitable operations. Our performance coaches and digital technology work alongside the GM to elevate results and ensure restaurant teams are ready for the morning, lunch, and dinner rush.”
This innovation combines Ecolab's industry expertise and Microsoft's advanced AI capabilities, enabling restaurant leaders to seamlessly integrate disparate systems and easily uncover insights that were previously out of reach.

“RushReady, built on Microsoft Azure, uses advanced AI, including generative analytics, to deliver actionable insights that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and boost profitability,” said Aaron Schnieder, vice president, emerging technologies at Microsoft. “This innovation showcases how cutting-edge technology empowers frontline teams, enabling general managers to elevate performance and transform customer and employee experiences.”0

RushReady is the newest module in the KitchenIQ portfolio. KitchenIQ is Ecolab’s powerful digital operations platform that combines back-of-house technologies into one cohesive solution for restaurant operators—designed to help every restaurant leader achieve exceptional outcomes. Now, with the launch of RushReady, KitchenIQ expands its capabilities to deliver even greater value through AI-driven insights and human coaching.

Monthly subscriptions for RushReady are now available to restaurant operators across the United States. For more information about RushReady and how it can transform restaurant operations, visit ecolab.com/rushready.

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world.

For more, go to www.ecolab.com.