Planning visitor numbers in the canteen: How to reduce food waste and optimize resources
It is 11:30 a.m. at a large Norwegian hospital. The cafeteria has prepared lunch for 700 guests, but only about 560 show up. The next day, the patient occupancy increases sharply, now the cafeteria risks running out of food in the middle of the lunch rush, and the cafeteria is also short of people.
At the same time, nursing staff on the wards spend valuable time recording what and how much patients eat, information that must later be manually entered into the medical record system. These parallel challenges are the daily routine for hospitals, precisely calculated canteen operations and efficient meal registration for patients.
For canteens operating 24/7, whether in hospitals, large workplaces or other businesses with shift-based activity, unpredictable visitor numbers are one of the biggest challenges to efficient operations. But what if you could plan visitor numbers in the canteen with greater accuracy and at the same time improve meal registration?
Why is it so hard to hit correctly?
According to Matvett, around 451,600 tons of edible food is thrown away in Norway every year , equivalent to 82 kg per capita . Traditional methods such as manual calculations and "a little extra just to be safe" do not work well when:
Patient occupancy changes hour by hour
Shift plans are adjusted at short notice
Seasonal and holiday patterns are taking hold
The result is overproduction, unnecessary costs and dissatisfied guests when popular dishes sell out.
Getting the right number of hands in the kitchen, at the checkout, and washing dishes is at least as demanding – and often more expensive – than the ingredients. Incorrect staffing one week can eat up all the gains from reduced food waste.
More precise planning with Izy
Our machine learning engine, Izy Prediction , combines these data sources:
- Historical sales figures from the cash register system
- Shift and duty schedules from HR solutions
- Seasonal and calendar data for holidays and celebrations
- External factors such as weather and local events
With Izy Prediction, you get access to tools that not only simplify this process, but also help reduce food waste, optimize staffing, and increase efficiency.
What is Izy Prediction?
Izy Prediction is an AI-based solution that analyzes historical data, weather data, and transactions to provide accurate forecasts of visitor numbers and sales. Using machine learning, the system provides precise forecasts for the coming weeks. This allows cafeteria operations to plan everything from purchasing to staffing in a smarter and more sustainable way.
See Izy Prediction's main features
- Sales Forecasts : Predict guest numbers and sales volume based on factors such as transaction data, weather, and holiday developments.
- Resource planning : Plan staffing to meet expected demand and optimize workflow ahead of time.
- Food waste and sustainability : Reduce food waste and carbon footprint by adapting purchasing and menus to anticipated demand, while meeting your ESG requirements.
Combine with intelligent POS for holistic operations
Although Izy Prediction works great on its own, you can combine it with Izy mAIfood POS – an intelligent cash register system with image recognition that streamlines the checkout process.
Together, Izy Prediction and mAIfood POS provide a comprehensive solution that helps you to:
- Automate registration of sold portions via camera
- Align predictions with actual sales in real time
- Reduce queues and waiting times for guests
- Ensure that forecasts are adjusted according to actual registrations
What is Izy mAIfood?
Izy mAIfood is an advanced digital POS system that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and smart payment solutions. The system is specifically designed for canteens and kiosks in commercial buildings, delivering precision, efficiency and a seamless user experience.
Izy mAIfood core features
- Automatic product recognition
Integrated scales and high-speed camera ensure fast identification of goods and accurate price calculation. - Fast and secure payment
QR scanner and NFC terminal make it easy to pay by card or mobile. - Self-service checkout
Streamlines check-out and reduces the need for staff, with an average of 14 seconds per transaction. - Receipt printout
For those who wish, the system can also print receipts.
Concrete value for your canteen operation
When you use both Izy Prediction and the mAIfood portal, you achieve:
- Precise purchasing and inventory management – based on real-time data and forecasts
- Optimal staffing – adapted to 24/7 operations and varying traffic
- Automated menu and portion suggestions – for minimal waste
- Clear savings – through lower raw material costs and better resource utilization
A concrete scenario: How much do you save with a 10% cut in food waste?
With an annual raw material cost of NOK 4,000,000 , a 10% reduction in waste will result in savings of a whopping NOK 400,000. Even a modest reduction yields significant financial gains – while strengthening your sustainability profile.
In addition, optimizing staffing to when the need is actually there, for example starting a part-time shift two hours later on quiet days, or dropping an overtime shift when the forecast shows low traffic, will yield even greater gains. The result is the same level of service, less stress and a salary expense that follows the number of guests, not a static rotation.
How to get started with mAIfood
Setup
We help you set up the system, you only need internet access to use the machine.
Image recognition
Use image recognition to teach the system to recognize your products
Own portal
Easily manage everything from products to sales via the mAIfood portal
Want to see how the mAIfood dashboard can help you plan visitor numbers and improve your canteen operations? Book a demonstration today, where we will show you how the system can be adapted to your challenges – whether you run canteens in hospitals, airports or other businesses with varying visitor patterns.
Are you ready for smarter cafeteria operations with Izy Prediction and mAIfood?
Book a no-obligation demo of Izy here →
Or book a free meeting with Izy right on your calendar.
FAQs about AI-based cafeteria planning
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our solution for canteen operations.
How does AI planning work in practice?
The AI engine analyzes your historical data, combined with current factors like shift schedules and calendar events, to calculate expected traffic inflows – and adjusts forecasts as new information comes in.
When can I expect to see results?
Most users notice improvements in waste reduction and resource utilization within the first few weeks of implementation, but the experience may vary depending on data volume and setup.
How does the solution integrate with our existing systems?
The Izy solution offers open interfaces (APIs) that adapt to most ERP, POS and workforce planning solutions, so you get a seamless transition without major changes in operations.
How can we start with Izy Prediction?
Contact us for a free demo and we will guide you through the process to get started.
Can the solution be scaled to different canteen sizes and needs?
Absolutely. The tool is modular and can be configured for canteens of all sizes, from small company canteens to large, continuous-operational catering kitchens.
Book a demo of Izy today!
Send us an inquiry through the form and one of our customer advisors will contact you as soon as possible!
Or click on the link below and book a meeting directly into the calendar.
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