BLACKBURN-based Uniwell has launched a new high tech product that is set to revolutionise the catering and hospitality industry.

WaiterPad is a hand-held electronic device used by waiters to take food and drink orders. Instead of using pen and paper, they simply touch the relevant options on the screen with a stylus. The order is instantly sent to the chef and the cashiers.

Staff and students at the Courtyard Restaurant at Nelson and Colne College were the first in the UK to try the system and helped put WaiterPad through its paces.

They found the device eliminated mistakes such as diners being served the wrong meals or side dishes and they appreciated being able to spend more time with diners.

Geoff Horn, a lecturer in food service at Nelson and Colne College, said the WaiterPad had been a big hit with the students. "It saves in labour, food and stationery costs, " he said. "It improves customer relations, there are fewer mistakes and therefore less wastage of food and drink through staff error. "These students have grown up with computers, games consoles and mobile phones and can take to the new technology instantly. They are the restaurant and bar managers of the future and this is definitely the way the industry is heading."

Uniwell, based at the Greenbank Technology Park, Blackburn, are specialists in electronic point of sale and back office systems for the catering and hospitality industries.

Marketing director Jonathon Hutchins said the trials at the Courtyard Restaurant had gone well. "Testing the system at Nelson and Colne College was a great success because now we know how easy it is for staff to adapt to new technology and how efficient the system is in practice," he said.