Enabling KDS

Enabling the Kitchen Display System

The Kitchen Display System (KDS) is not enabled by default. You need to activate it in your branch settings before the kitchen display becomes available.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to Branch Settings

1. Go to Branches in the left sidebar
2. Select the branch where you want to enable KDS
3. Click the Settings tab in the branch navigation

Step 2: Find the KDS Toggle

1. In the branch settings page, look for the Feature Toggles section
2. Find the Kitchen Display System (KDS) toggle

Step 3: Enable KDS

1. Click the toggle to enable the Kitchen Display System
2. The toggle will switch to the active/on position
3. The change is saved automatically

Step 4: Verify the Feature Is Active

After enabling KDS:

1. Go back to the branch navigation tabs
2. You should now see a Kitchen Display tab that was not visible before
3. Click on it to access the KDS interface

When you enable KDS, the Kitchen Display tab appears in the branch navigation. When you disable it, the tab disappears.

What Happens When KDS Is Enabled

Navigation Changes

• A new Kitchen Display tab becomes visible in the branch's tab navigation
• This tab is accessible to authorized users in your organization

Order Flow

• When customers place orders through the digital menu, those orders will now appear on the KDS
• Orders display in real time as they are submitted
• Kitchen staff can interact with orders to update their status

No Impact on Existing Data

• Enabling KDS does not affect your menu, QR codes, or any other existing branch data
• It simply activates the kitchen display feature for that branch
• You can disable it at any time without losing any data

Setting Up the Kitchen Display

After enabling KDS, set up a dedicated device in your kitchen:

Option 1: Tablet Setup

1. Choose an iPad or Android tablet with at least a 10-inch screen
2. Open the web browser on the tablet
3. Log in to your Qrder account
4. Navigate to the branch and open the Kitchen Display tab
5. Keep the browser open and the screen on

Tips for tablet setup:

• Enable "Stay Awake" or "Keep Screen On" in tablet settings to prevent the screen from turning off
• Mount the tablet on a wall or stand at eye level
• Keep it connected to a power source at all times
• Use a waterproof or splash-proof case if available

Option 2: Monitor/TV Setup

1. Connect a computer (even a Raspberry Pi works) to a monitor or TV
2. Open a web browser
3. Log in to your Qrder account
4. Navigate to the Kitchen Display tab
5. Set the browser to full-screen mode (usually F11)

Tips for monitor setup:

• Use a TV with good brightness for kitchen environments
• Position it where all kitchen staff can see it clearly
• Consider using a wireless keyboard for occasional interaction
• Mount the TV securely away from cooking areas

Option 3: Any Device with a Browser

The KDS works on any device with a modern web browser. Choose whatever works best for your kitchen layout and budget.

Configuring KDS Access

Who Can Access KDS?

The KDS is accessible to anyone with access to your branch in Qrder. Consider:

• Kitchen staff - They need to see and interact with orders
• Managers - They may want to monitor kitchen performance
• Front-of-house staff - They may check order status for customer inquiries

Make sure your kitchen staff have appropriate login credentials to access the KDS. You may want to create a shared kitchen account or individual accounts depending on your preference.

Disabling KDS

If you no longer need the Kitchen Display System:

1. Navigate to the branch Settings
2. Find the KDS toggle in the Feature Toggles section
3. Click the toggle to disable it
4. The Kitchen Display tab will disappear from the branch navigation

When You Might Disable KDS

• During renovation or temporary closure
• If switching to a different order management workflow
• If the feature does not suit your operations
• During slow periods when digital order tracking is not needed

Disabling KDS does not delete any existing order data. You can re-enable it at any time and pick up where you left off.

Troubleshooting

KDS Tab Not Appearing

If you enabled KDS but do not see the Kitchen Display tab:

• Refresh the page in your browser
• Make sure you saved the settings change
• Check that you are looking at the correct branch
• Try logging out and logging back in

Orders Not Appearing on KDS

If the KDS is enabled but orders are not showing up:

• Verify that customers are placing orders (not just viewing the menu)
• Check the internet connection on the KDS device
• Refresh the KDS page
• Ensure the order management feature is also enabled if required

Next Steps

Now that KDS is enabled, learn how to use it to track orders in real time.

See also: Tracking Orders for a guide on managing orders through the kitchen display.