How AI Predicts Accurate ETA in Food Delivery

When a brand consistently fulfils its promised food delivery times, it builds trust and credibility with customers, directly driving satisfaction and shaping positive perceptions of the brand (Halm, 2025). Meeting these expectations shows reliability and respect for the customer’s time, while failing to deliver on time can lead to frustration and disappointment. Together, transparency and consistent delivery performance create a positive, trustworthy customer experience that encourages repeat business.

 

Customers Want to Know When — Here’s How to Tell Them Accurately

Today’s consumers don’t just expect fast delivery – they expect to know when their food will arrive. According to a 2024 study. 67% of food delivery users say real-time tracking is key to satisfaction (Journal of Computational Analysis and Applications, 2024).

And they’re not just looking for static updates. Our partners, including Pizza Hut and New York Pizza, go beyond the basics. They use animated GIFs, progress bars, and dynamic order trackers to give customers a clear sense of progress and timing.

 

Pizza Hut’s dynamic ETA keeps users visually engaged while setting accurate expectations.

 

Keeping Your Word with Every Order

At the core of our AI-powered ETA system is a fundamental technology designed to collect and analyze data from every step of the order journey. From a bustling Friday night to a quiet Tuesday afternoon, our AI ensures that the estimated delivery time shown to customers aligns closely with actual delivery outcomes.

 

This consistency delivers tangible benefits, including:

• Reduced customer complaints
• Increased long-term brand loyalty
• Higher conversion of first-time users into repeat customers

As Marc Surer, Data Analyst at S4D, puts it: “Adding AI to the mix wasn’t just about numbers. It’s a win-win for everyone—headquarters gain valuable insights, employees feel motivated by transparency, and customers benefit from more accurate ETAs.”

 

The Results Speak for Themselves

Since implementing AI in food delivery, our restaurant partners have seen impressive gains:

• 32% increase in overall ETA accuracy
• Up to 57% improvement in ETA accuracy during peak hours
• Fewer missed deliveries
• Reduced need for compensation coupons
• More efficient delivery routes

And the data backs it up. In 2022, our internal research showed:

• Stores without AI-powered ETAs saw their 5-star rating drop from 59% to 53%
• Stores with AI-driven ETA predictions improved from 62% to 66%

 

How AI and Omnichannel Strategy Deliver Accurate ETAs

Great ETA predictions start with great data and that’s where our omnichannel strategy shines. Our Artificial Intelligence models analyze:

• Historical order patterns
• Order type and preparation time
• Store workload and live kitchen input
• Real-time traffic and delivery conditions

We collect insights from tools like the Kitchen Display System, Dispatching Display, and Pack Screen, which feed into our prediction engine. On the road, our Driver App connects with GPS systems to offer real-time, location-based delivery tracking, right to the customer’s lock screen.

By integrating operational systems with the customer interface, we ensure the entire experience feels seamless.

Push Notifications: What Customers Expect

According to our latest findings:

• 90% of users prefer push notifications for updates
• Customers enjoy watching their order “move forward” in real time
• Delays don’t cause frustration; lack of communication does

So what do customers expect to see?

• “We received your order”
• “Your order is on its way”
• “Your delivery has been delayed” (this one matters most!)

 

Delivering these timely updates ensures your brand remains transparent and customer-focused.

 

 

Example of S4D’s ETA push notification.

From Checkout to Doorstep: Delivering More Than Just Food

With S4D, the experience doesn’t end at the checkout button. Our AI-powered tools and integrated food delivery tracking systems ensure the journey is smooth from the kitchen to the doorstep.

Whether you’re a global brand or a growing franchise, leveraging Artificial Intelligence in food delivery means better insights, more accurate delivery time predictions, and most importantly, happier, more loyal customers.