Yum! Brands unveils ‘Byte by Yum!’ SaaS Suite, integrating AI-driven technologies

GLOBAL – Yum! Brands has introduced Byte by Yum!, a proprietary suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools designed to enhance its operations, developed through strategic acquisitions and new technology advancements, the suite incorporates artificial intelligence.

Yum! has introduced a streamlined digital platform designed to unify various technologies, aiming to enhance both employee efficiency and customer experience.

During the company’s Q4 earnings call, CEO David Gibbs emphasized that a single, integrated system simplifies operations for franchisees, reducing the complexity of managing multiple technology vendors.

By investing in its own tech infrastructure, Yum! provides a more seamless and effective solution for its operators. 

As part of the transition to Byte, Yum! standardized processes and consolidated teams to eliminate redundancies, establish specialized centers of excellence, and boost overall efficiency, CFO Chris Turner stated in an earnings release.

Currently, around 25,000 Yum! restaurants worldwide utilize at least one component of Byte.

The system is already deployed across all four of Yum!’s brands in the U.S., incorporating previous digital initiatives such as the Dragontail order management system. 

Different brands within Yum!’s portfolio leverage Byte in unique ways.

Taco Bell U.S. integrates its online ordering, point-of-sale, and back-of-house systems through the platform, while Pizza Hut U.S. utilizes Byte’s kitchen management technology to streamline delivery operations, reduce wait times, and provide real-time order tracking for customers. 

Joe Park, Yum!’s chief digital and technology officer, will oversee Byte while continuing in his current role. He highlighted that Yum!’s scale enables significant advancements in proprietary digital and AI-driven systems, developed in collaboration with franchisees.

The company’s investment in technology has also contributed to an increase in digital sales, which have grown by approximately 15%. According to Turner, the share of digital transactions now exceeds 50%, with Yum! aiming for full digital adoption in the future. 

While Yum! describes Byte as an “AI-driven” platform, the company has not clarified the specific artificial intelligence technologies involved.

AI can encompass various applications, from advanced machine learning algorithms to chatbot systems that may generate inconsistent or inaccurate responses.

However, players in the market are sure the new suite will make operations faster and more efficient using the AI functionalities.  

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