POS System Overview
The point-of-sale system is your primary tool for entering orders and processing payments.
Hardware Setup
Supported Devices
| Device | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Tablet (iPad / Android) | Primary POS terminal, table-side ordering |
| Touchscreen terminal | Fixed counter station |
| Handheld device | Server pads for table-side use |
| BYOD phone | Personal device with staff app installed |
Peripherals
| Peripheral | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Receipt printer | Thermal printer for customer receipts |
| Card reader | Tap, chip, and swipe terminal |
| Cash drawer | Connected to POS for cash handling |
| Kitchen printer | Sends tickets to kitchen stations |
| Barcode scanner | Scan items or gift cards |
Your manager handles hardware pairing during initial setup. If a peripheral disconnects, go to Settings > Hardware to reconnect.
Touchscreen Layout
The POS screen is divided into three areas:
+-------------------+---------------------+
| | |
| Menu | Current Order |
| Categories | (item list) |
| & Items | |
| | |
+-------------------+---------------------+
| Action Bar (Send, Pay, Hold) |
+-----------------------------------------+
Menu Panel (Left)
- Category tabs across the top (Appetizers, Entrees, Drinks, etc.)
- Tap a category to see its items
- Items show name, price, and optional image
- Search bar at the top to find any item by name
Order Panel (Right)
- Lists all items added to the current order
- Shows item name, quantity, modifiers, and line price
- Running subtotal at the bottom
- Tap an item to edit or remove it
Action Bar (Bottom)
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Send | Send order to kitchen |
| Hold | Save order without sending |
| Pay | Open payment screen |
| Discount | Apply a discount |
| More | Void, transfer, reprint, notes |
Entering an Order
Basic Flow
- Select or create a check (table number, guest name, or quick order)
- Tap a menu category
- Tap the item to add it
- Select modifiers if prompted (size, temperature, sides)
- Repeat for additional items
- Tap Send to fire the order to the kitchen
Quick Add
For common items, use the Favorites bar pinned at the top of the menu panel. Your manager configures these per role.
Modifier Selection
When you tap an item that has modifiers, a modifier screen appears:
Modifier Types
| Type | Example | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, Medium, Large | Yes |
| Temperature | Rare, Medium, Well Done | Yes (steaks) |
| Sides | Fries, Salad, Soup | Usually yes |
| Add-ons | Extra cheese, bacon | No |
| Allergies | No nuts, gluten-free | No |
Modifier Rules
- Required modifiers must be selected before the item is added
- Optional modifiers can be skipped
- Quantity limits may apply (e.g., "choose up to 2 sides")
- Price adjustments display next to modifier names
Special Requests
Tap "Special Instructions" to type a free-text note (e.g., "extra crispy", "no onions"). This prints on the kitchen ticket.
Sending to Kitchen
When you tap Send:
- Items are transmitted to the kitchen display system (KDS)
- Tickets print at the appropriate kitchen station (grill, fryer, bar, etc.)
- The order panel updates items from "Pending" to "Sent"
- You can continue adding items to the same check and send again
Course Firing
If the restaurant uses courses:
- Items are grouped by course (App, Entree, Dessert)
- The kitchen prepares one course at a time
- Tap "Fire Next Course" when guests are ready
Holding Orders
Tap Hold to save the order without sending to kitchen:
- Useful when guests are still deciding
- Held orders appear in the Held Orders queue
- Resume by tapping the held order from the queue
Voice Commands
| Say | Action |
|---|---|
| "Add a burger to this order" | Adds item |
| "Add medium rare" | Sets modifier |
| "Send the order" | Fires to kitchen |
| "Hold this order" | Saves without sending |
| "What's on table 5?" | Shows order for table |