Franke reveals how expanding menus, an appetite for customisation, and a need for connectivity have directed the improvements seen in the release of the New A Line.
Coffee is no longer a quick, standardised hot drink. It has become a customised, experience-led purchase. As menus expand, premium expectations rise, and operations grow more complex, operators increasingly rely on systems that deliver consistency without adding friction.
Consumer research confirms how fundamental this shift has become. Nearly six in ten consumers see beverage customisation as central to their ideal coffee experience, and more than half associate personalisation directly with high quality. At the same time, speed remains critical: long waiting times can quickly undermine even the best coffee experience.¹
For operators, this creates a clear tension. Customisation and premiumisation drive value – but only if they can be delivered quickly, consistently, and at scale. In this environment, standalone machines are no longer sufficient.
From machines to connected platforms
This challenge is reshaping how professional coffee technology is designed. Coffee machines are becoming connected platforms that combine hardware, software, and cloud connectivity. Software increasingly determines how efficiently teams work, how consistently beverages are prepared, and how easily systems adapt to changing needs.
For Franke Coffee Systems, this shift is reflected in FrankeOS – a unified digital operating system built into every New A Line machine. Rather than treating software as an add-on, FrankeOS forms the foundation of the entire system, connecting user experience, machine logic, and cloud intelligence.
Connectivity that reduces complexity
Through FrankeConnect, machines are linked to the FrankeCloud, enabling remote updates, diagnostics, configuration, and performance monitoring. Menu changes and software improvements can be deployed digitally, reducing downtime and limiting the need for on-site service interventions.
This connectivity supports more proactive maintenance, greater uptime, and consistent performance across locations – particularly valuable for operators managing multiple sites or high-throughput environments.
The GUI as the key to usability
While connectivity enables efficiency behind the scenes, it is the graphical user interface (GUI) that determines how complexity is experienced on the front line. FrankeOS is designed around a clear, intuitive GUI that translates sophisticated technology into simple, guided interactions.
In ProServe Mode, staff are supported by on-screen workflows that prompt key actions – from refilling ingredients to running cleaning cycles – exactly when needed. This reduces cognitive load, shortens training time, and helps teams maintain speed and hygiene during peak periods.
In SelfServe Mode, the same system adapts into a customer-facing interface. Beverage selection becomes intuitive and touch-optimised, allowing guests to personalise drinks independently while the system manages complexity in the background. The result is a premium self-service experience without operational compromise.
Crucially, this interaction logic is consistent across the New A Line ecosystem. Whether operating one machine or an entire fleet, users encounter the same visual language and navigation principles – reinforcing reliability and ease of use.
Built to evolve
Because every New A Line machine ships with the latest FrankeOS and built-in connectivity, the system is designed to stay current over time. Over-the-air updates ensure continuous improvement, making FrankeOS the long-term software foundation for Franke Coffee Systems.
“Our focus is on building coffee solutions that support people and businesses,” says Marco Zancolo, CEO of Franke Coffee Systems. “When technology works in the background, operators can focus on delivering great coffee moments, every day.”
For more information, visit aline.franke.coffee
