Q-Smart AI Assistant Empowers Restaurant Managers With Hands-Free Efficiency at Yum China

Q-Smart: AI-Enabled Assistant Streamlines Restaurant Management

Yum China Holdings, Inc. has introduced Q-Smart, an AI-powered assistant aimed at helping restaurant managers handle daily operations more efficiently. This hands-free system supports tasks such as labor scheduling, inventory control, and food safety inspections, providing actionable insights and decision-making support across diverse restaurant functions.

Unlike traditional systems that require manual input via screens or PCs, Q-Smart operates through voice commands via wearable devices like wireless earphones and smartwatches. This hands-free interaction enables managers to stay mobile and multitask effectively during busy hours.

How Q-Smart Enhances Operational Efficiency

• Monitors inventory continuously and compares stock levels with sales forecasts to prompt timely reordering.
• Allows voice-activated equipment inspections and inventory counts, reducing manual errors and saving time.
• Leverages Yum China's extensive knowledge base to provide real-time solutions for urgent operational challenges.

The system is currently in pilot testing at select KFC locations, with plans to incorporate user feedback before a broader rollout.

Context Within Yum China's Digital Strategy

Q-Smart is part of Yum China's decade-long digital transformation. The company pioneered digital payments at KFC China in 2015 and launched KFC's Super App shortly after. As of early 2025, Yum China boasts over 540 million digital loyalty members across KFC and Pizza Hut brands.

Other milestones include:

• Early adoption of an enterprise cloud platform, Yum China Cloud, ensuring system stability and rapid product iterations.
• Introduction of AI-assisted management tools since 2019, including the AI-powered "Super Brain" and handheld Pocket Managers.
• Integration of Generative AI technologies in logistics, customer service, and back-office functions starting in 2023.

Support for Frontline Innovation

At Yum China's inaugural AI Day event in Shanghai, where Q-Smart was officially launched, CEO Joey Wat announced a 100 million yuan (approximately US$13.9 million) Frontline Innovation Fund. This fund aims to back technology initiatives driven by frontline employees and make the All-Staff Hackathon an annual event.

Wat emphasized that AI should serve as a practical tool to enhance efficiency and foster employee creativity in real work environments.

Why Executives Should Pay Attention

For executives focusing on strategy and operational excellence, Q-Smart exemplifies how AI can be integrated into frontline management to reduce friction, speed decision-making, and improve resource utilization. The approach of combining AI with wearable technology offers a blueprint for other sectors looking to boost productivity without increasing headcount.

Investing in similar AI-driven tools can help organizations maintain agility, reduce operational risks, and empower employees with real-time data and insights.

To explore more about AI applications in business operations and leadership, visit Complete AI Training.