Kitchen Display System (KDS)

The Kitchen Display System provides a real-time kanban-style view of incoming orders for your kitchen staff. It’s designed to help you manage order preparation efficiently, with live updates as orders come in.

Accessing the Kitchen Display

From the Dashboard

1. Click “Kitchen” in the main navigation
2. The kitchen display opens showing all active orders organised by status

Recommended Setup

• Use a dedicated tablet or screen in your kitchen
• Keep the kitchen display open during service
• Position screen where kitchen staff can easily see it
• Use Fullscreen mode for a cleaner, distraction-free view

Understanding the Display

Kanban Board Layout

Orders are organised into columns by status. The default columns are:

Column	Purpose
New	Orders just received, awaiting confirmation
Confirmed	Orders accepted, ready to start preparing
Preparing	Orders currently being made
Ready	Orders complete, awaiting pickup/dispatch
Out for Delivery	Delivery orders on the way to customers
Collected	Collection orders picked up by customers
Delivered	Delivery orders successfully delivered

You can customise which columns appear using the Columns button.

Today’s Metrics

The header displays real-time metrics for today:

• Revenue: Total sales today
• Orders: Number of orders placed
• New Customers: First-time customers
• Avg Order Value: Average order value

These update automatically as new orders come in.

Order Cards

Each order appears as a card showing:

• Order Number: Large, prominent number for easy reference
• Order Type: Delivery (car icon) or Collection (store icon) badge
• Time: When the order was placed and expected fulfilment time
• Customer: Name and whether they’re a guest or registered customer
• Item Count: Total number of items
• Item Preview: First 6 items with quantities and modifier counts
• Notes Indicator: Yellow icon if items have special notes

Urgent Orders

Orders that are running late are highlighted with a red border and urgent styling so they stand out for immediate attention.

Real-Time Updates

The kitchen display updates automatically:

• New orders appear instantly via real-time connection
• Status changes reflect immediately
• Page polls for updates every 30 seconds as backup
• No need to manually refresh

Managing Orders from KDS

Confirming New Orders

When a new order arrives:

1. Review the order - Check items and special requests
2. Click “Confirm” - This opens the time adjustment modal
3. Adjust time if needed - Modify the expected fulfilment time
4. Confirm - The order moves to Confirmed status

The time adjustment step lets you set realistic expectations based on current kitchen load.

Progressing Orders

Each column has a quick action button to move orders to the next status:

Current Status	Action Button	Next Status
New	Confirm	Confirmed
Confirmed	Start	Preparing
Preparing	Ready	Ready
Ready (Collection)	Collected	Collected
Ready (Delivery)	Out for Delivery	Out for Delivery
Out for Delivery	Delivered	Delivered

Order Detail Modal

Click any order card to open the full detail view with two tabs:

Items Tab:

• Complete list of all items with quantities
• Variant details highlighted in amber
• Modifiers grouped by modifier group
• Special notes highlighted in amber boxes

Details Tab:

• Customer name
• Order total
• Time ordered
• Item count
• Location (if multi-location)
• Expected fulfilment time

Delivery Directions

For delivery orders, a Directions button appears in the order detail modal (when your location has coordinates configured). This opens an interactive map showing:

• Route from your business to the delivery address
• Estimated distance and duration
• Customer address and contact details

This helps drivers plan their route without leaving the KDS.

Customising the Display

Column Selection

Click the Columns button to choose which status columns to display:

1. Click Columns in the header
2. Toggle columns on/off by clicking them
3. Click Save to apply changes

Your column preferences are saved and persist across sessions.

Fullscreen Mode

Click the Fullscreen button to enter distraction-free mode:

• Hides browser chrome for maximum screen space
• Perfect for dedicated kitchen displays
• Press Escape or click Exit to return to normal view

Working with Modifiers and Notes

Item Modifiers

Modifiers appear below each item in the detail view:

• Grouped by modifier group (e.g., “Toppings:”, “Size:”)
• Displayed as amber badges for visibility
• Include quantity if more than one selected

Customer Notes

Special instructions are highlighted with:

• Yellow message icon on the order card preview
• Amber highlighted box in the detail view
• Clear visibility to ensure requirements are met

Important: Always read notes carefully for allergies, dietary requirements, and special requests.

Handling Payment Indicators

Card Payments

• No special indicator (payment already processed)
• Proceed with preparation normally

Cash Payments

• Shows “Cash - Pending” badge
• Payment will be collected on delivery/collection
• Staff should be prepared to handle cash

Multi-Location Support

If you have multiple locations:

• Kitchen display shows orders for the current location
• Location name appears in order details
• Each location has its own order queue and preferences

Best Practices

For Efficient Kitchen Operations

1. Process by expected time: Prioritise orders due soonest
2. Update statuses promptly: Keep the display accurate
3. Read notes carefully: Don’t miss special requests
4. Coordinate with delivery: Mark orders ready when complete
5. Use fullscreen: Maximise visibility in the kitchen

For Service Quality

1. Check modifiers: Ensure all customisations are applied
2. Verify completeness: All items present before marking ready
3. Mind the timing: Adjust times when confirming if kitchen is busy
4. Communicate delays: Update fulfilment times proactively

For Display Setup

1. Position for visibility: All kitchen staff should see it
2. Use fullscreen mode: Remove browser distractions
3. Keep screen clean: Easy to read at a glance
4. Consider backup: Have a contingency if display fails

Show More / Pagination

When a column has many orders:

• The first 5 orders are shown by default
• Click “+X more” to load additional orders
• Click “View all (X total)” to go to the full Orders page with that status filtered

This keeps the display manageable while still showing all active work.

Permissions

Using the kitchen display requires:

Permission	What It Allows
View Kitchen Display	Access the KDS and see orders
Update Kitchen Order Status	Confirm and progress orders

Kitchen staff typically need both permissions to effectively use the KDS.

Troubleshooting

Orders Not Appearing

• Check internet connection
• Verify location selection
• Refresh the page
• Ensure the browser tab is active

Display Not Updating

• Real-time connection may have dropped
• Page auto-refreshes every 30 seconds
• Manually refresh if needed

Missing Order Details

• Click the order card to open full details
• Card preview shows limited information
• Detail modal shows complete order

Directions Button Not Showing

• Only appears for delivery orders
• Requires business location to have coordinates
• Order must have a delivery address with valid coordinates

Column Preferences Not Saving

• Ensure you click Save after making changes
• Check you have appropriate permissions
• Try refreshing the page

Related Guides

• Dispatch - Map-based delivery management
• Orders - Detailed order management
• Ordering Settings - Configure ordering options
• Notifications - Order alert settings
• Locations - Multi-location setup

Note: Preparation times are configured in Settings → Ordering (Timing & Scheduling section).

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The Kitchen Display System is designed to streamline your kitchen operations. Keep it visible during service, update statuses as you work, and use it to ensure every order is prepared correctly and on time.