Ethical Dimension

Covid-19

The use of a contactless payment solution reduces the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus. While the traditional method of cash payment is quick, the cash also carries a increased chance of containing the virus which can then put the delivery driver at risk. The contactless solution reduces the risk of the contracting the virus by allowing the driver to send the payment request to the customers device or by accepting contactless card transactions. In a worst-case scenario, the customer can still use the ‘chip & pin’ facility on the terminal however the driver can easily disinfect this with a wipe. By using this contactless payment solution the chances of spreading the virus is reduced.

Robbery

The safety of the delivery driver is a concern for fast-food businesses. A delivery driver can be carrying up to €900 on a weekend night and as much as €500 on weeknight. This puts them at serious risk of attack and robbery by gangs who ambush them as they make more deliveries. These thieves know that the driver will have a large some of cash by the end of the night, which is when they will attack. In some parts of Dublin, drivers have reported being attacked multiple times in a single night. If the company implemented a contactless payment option for its customers, then this will greatly reduce the cash that the driver will be in possession of. This will reduce the likelihood of attack on the driver as there will be much less of a reward for the gangs. It will also ensure that the payment for orders will go straight into the bank account of the business. There will be no chance of cash going missing, either by malicious actions or genuine mistakes by the driver. This ensures the profits of the company are safe.

Figure 2.1 - Reduction in Time Taken

C02 Emissions

The use of more optimised routes ensure that the time spent on the road is reduced, this results in a reduced carbon footprint. Less time spent on the road also reduces the risk of potential accidents. Figure 2.1 depicts the reduction in time taken per trip.

Stress

Staff in the fast-food takeaway industry are under enormous stress for multiple reasons. Delivery drivers may suffer from stress associated with being attacked and robbed due to carrying large amounts of cash. Another concern for drivers which causes stress is the potential risk of contracting the Covid-19 Virus from customers when out on delivery.

The use of contactless payment reduces the drivers stress by allowing the driver to do their job in a safer manner. Using contactless payments allows the driver to carry less cash which reduces the risk of being a target of malicious gangs. Contactless payments also reduce the risk of Covid-19 by reducing the handling of physical cash which may have the virus on it.

The kitchen staff are also under huge stress. The prototype allows the chefs to know exactly when the delivery drivers will be back therefore they can prioritise their orders more efficiently, they can determine which orders need to be ready for the return of the driver and can also provide a better service to 'collection' customers. This information helps to reduce their stress levels.