McDonald's beginning to replace cashiers with touch screens

[ch33zw1z]

We have them at every walmart I've even been to in Minnesota.

Walmart has lots of SCO's, but they are very active and in-tune with how each store performs. Theft is a large problem at some stores, others not so much.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Considering a machine makes $0 and is cheap to buy and maintain, why would minimum wage have anything to do with this?

SCO's cost approximately as much as a member of the middle class makes in a year($40k and up). Maintenance is not cheap either. In the long run, it will save money over having an actual employee. Companies who use them make they're money back in the first 1-2 years.

 

[wuliheron]

Now if we could just automate the job of a few CEOs that would be some serious cash saved!

 

[ch33zw1z]

Now if we could just automate the job of a few CEOs that would be some serious cash saved!

I guess since they look at the bottom line for their decisions, and that bottom line is output created by a machine, couldn't the machine just make the best logical decision?

 

[WhipperSnapper]

McDonalds cutting out the uneducated low wage worker will surely lead to more kids then choosing to enter medical school and law school. Ya think?

A lack of solid lower-middle class jobs is definitely one of the driving forces behind people wanting to go to college. Ironically, after graduation many will end up working in the same crappy jobs they had before (because our nation has a huge oversupply of college graduates). What the general public doesn't realize is that these people would be much better off where they are now rather than going to law school (which is an exceptionally glutted field).

 

[wuliheron]

I guess since they look at the bottom line for their decisions, and that bottom line is output created by a machine, couldn't the machine just make the best logical decision?

The machine will be competing against people. Can you say "Skynet"?

 

[ch33zw1z]

The machine will be competing against people. Can you say "Skynet"?

 

[coloumb]

There is another fast food place that uses automated ordering setup - works pretty well too.

Devices like this will cater to those who don't understand [and refuse to learn] the "local official" language or people who simply can't read.

 

[Chaotic42]

I worked at McDonald's for years. I hated working the register, but I'm not convinced that this is such a good idea. There are some really stupid and really disgusting people out there. Those terminals will have to be soaked in bleach overnight...

 

[Ape]

Considering a machine makes $0 and is cheap to buy and maintain, why would minimum wage have anything to do with this?

Also machines don't call in sick, don't steal, can count and can work 24/7 I see no problem with this. Looks like they'll have to move to fries.

 

[Eos]

Lets see bananas $.49 a pound... apples $1.50... yep these red round things are my 5 pounds of "bananas". :sneaky:

hahahaha

totally made me lol...