PickMe tweaks algorithms to boost Colombo’s restaurant economy

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

PickMe has taken its technology interface a couple of notches higher, with the platform modifying its algorithms to introduce a new product that will provide more benefits for the company’s customer base, increase growth of its merchants and enhance rider income.

PickMe CEO Zulfer Jiffry says the company’s new product, ‘PickMe Pass’ is a natural progression for any technological platform that deals with algorithms. “We live in an era where the digital economy impacts our lives on a daily basis. Our customers increasingly seek more convenience and better value for their money. This means finding ways to mix and match situations and issues we face, by finding solutions that will improve our lives. Customers who wish to be a part of this new technology input, will have the option of paying a nominal fee, which will give them priority access to a range of benefits across the various product categories on the PickMe platform including benefits such as taxi matching, driver selection and customer service as well as getting full waivers on delivery fees. While this will provide a higher level of service to our customers, it will also directly benefit our driver network, partner outlets and restaurants.”

‘PickMe Pass’ kicked off on 25 October. “The launch of this new service on our platform is significant at this particular time because the country is on a drive to revitalise tourism in the coming winter season. With over 300,000 tourist arrivals expected we need to bring the city’s restaurants and food outlets back to pre-pandemic levels to support city tourism. Whilst these establishments are slowly coming back to life, they need a boost so that the local economy can have the big break it needs. It is important for tourists to see and experience a vibrant Colombo, so that they can take good news back with them,” the CEO says.

“35% of the restaurant business in Colombo and suburbs depend on deliveries for their sustenance and we are hopeful of increasing current levels by another 50% with the new product introduced on the platform. This will give restaurants additional impetus to keep their doors open during the season and help bring in the holiday cheer back to the city,” he adds.

Agility and the ability to pivot to current trends is a trademark of PickMe, something the company takes pride in. PickMe can tweak their systems to change course and speedily adapt to the ambient social and economic environment which was proven during the lockdown, when the company pivoted to adapt to the most challenging of times. With their new technological advance, the company will again boost the city economy by helping restaurants to keep their doors open during the season because shop fronts are vital to move the economy.

The new product is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, developed entirely by the innovative software engineers on the PickMe team. The company’s software platform facilitates a real-time connection between the ride hailer, driver and the team, enabling a secure, seamless, and speedy engagement of the app-based service.