Overview
The Berry AI Drive-Thru Timer is a camera-based speed-of-service timing system designed for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants. Unlike traditional in-ground loop timers, the AI Drive-Thru Timer uses AI-powered cameras installed above ground to track vehicles throughout the entire drive-thru journey — from arrival in the queue through departure at the window.
The system provides richer, more accurate data than legacy loop-based timers, helping operators make smarter decisions and improve drive-thru performance.
Key Benefits
Richer Data Than Loop Timers
The AI Drive-Thru Timer captures data points that traditional loops cannot, including:
- Pre-menu queue time — how long a customer waits before reaching the menu board.
- Drive-offs — vehicles that leave the line before completing an order.
- Number of cars in queue — real-time visibility into how many vehicles are waiting at any point.
Easier Installation & Maintenance
Because the cameras are mounted above ground, installation and repairs do not require shutting down the drive-thru lane. This makes setup faster and less disruptive compared to in-ground loop systems.
Greater Accuracy
AI-powered cameras are significantly harder to manipulate or "cheat" than traditional loop-based timers, resulting in more reliable speed-of-service data.
Line Busting Measurement
The system can measure line-busting effectiveness — a capability that loop-based timers are unable to provide. This helps operators evaluate whether line-busting tactics are actually reducing wait times.
How It Helps Operators
The data captured by the AI Drive-Thru Timer supports several operational improvements:
- Prepare food in advance — Use queue data to anticipate orders and begin prep earlier.
- Adjust staff positioning — Identify bottlenecks and reposition crew to where they are needed most.
- Identify underperforming stores — Management teams can compare drive-thru performance across locations to target stores that need improvement.
Ready to upgrade your drive-thru timing? Contact our sales team to find the right configuration for your stores.