Lack of access to mobile phones and payment cards doesn't hinder children from paying in the self-service buffet.
In an effort to modernize school meals and enhance digitalization, a new cashless payment system called "Smart Buffet" has been introduced in Belarus. Developed by the Belarusian company "AI P", an aggregator of the Republic's Internet Payment System (ERIP) and a major provider of payment solutions, this system aims to improve the quality and safety of school meals.
The "Smart Buffet" system allows children to make purchases in school cafeterias without the need for a mobile phone, bank card, or cash. This ensures that they are always well-fed and their pocket money remains under reliable control. To make a purchase, a student presents their unique physical QR code to the scanner at the school cafeteria. The system instantly identifies the student, compares their photo with the one on the cashier's tablet, and checks the account balance.
Parents can access real-time information about their child's cafeteria purchases on the SMC.by website in the "Reports" tab of their Parent Account (PA). Every week, they receive a detailed email report on their child's cafeteria purchases and current balance. This transparency allows parents to know what food their child chooses and buys, set purchase limits, and monitor their spending.
The system also collects statistics on the popularity of dishes and leftovers, enabling the School Meal Combine to plan menus more effectively, reduce food waste, and improve service quality. Additionally, automation through "Smart Buffet" reduces queues in school canteens and optimizes their operation.
Cashless payments in "Smart Buffet" also enhance children's digital hygiene and financial safety. The QR code for payment is not stored on the student's mobile phone. It can be printed, made into a sticker, badge, or keychain, and attached to a personal item allowed in school.
"Smart Buffet" is an official and legal solution, developed in accordance with Belarusian laws and approved by the education system. It is a part of the country's strategic goals in digitalization, aiming to streamline school meals and provide a more efficient, secure, and transparent system for both parents and students.
To set up a QR code for a student's card, parents need to provide their email address to the teacher and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the School Meal Complex (SMC). After registration, parents can select the "Settings" tab in the Parent Account (PA) to enable QR payment, set a daily spending limit, and upload their child's photo.
A video demonstrating how "Smart Buffet" works has been recorded by the developing company. The system is a modernization program for school meals and digitalization in Belarus, providing a convenient, safe, and efficient solution for school cafeteria payments.
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