The idea of stepping up to the register, placing an order and tapping your smartphone to an NFC receiver to make a payment is gaining steam in the minds of many merchants. While they may not have plans to roll out a particular system right now, many are watching their industries to see what companies are, and the results of their efforts. For the fast casual eatery industry, all eyes are on McDonald's.

According to a recent report from Nation's Restaurant News, McDonald's is in the process of testing mobile payment devices. In a written statement to the news source, the company did acknowledge that these trials are taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas. However, the statement also said it is far too early to speculate as to any future decisions on using the technology in a wider number of stores and did not identify which service it was actually using.

The piece goes on to talk about the reasons why mobile devices are becoming such a popular option for merchants.

"It is obvious that mobile payments technology interests McDonald's and other restaurant companies looking to accelerate transaction times and that understand consumers and their love of their smartphones and desire for convenient ways to settle tabs, receive special offers and track and redeem loyalty program points," the article reads.

Merchants need to keep an eye on the payment industry to see how it is evolving because of mobile devices and NFC technology. A payment solution provider can help any organization with this and testing.