The way people order food from restaurants is changing. Restaurants can now get orders from multiple sources, such as online orders, third-party apps, and traditional in-house orders. However, orders from all of these channels still funnel through the same kitchen. As a result, many restaurateurs have invested in a Kitchen Video Display System (KVDS), also known as a kitchen video system(KVS), or kitchen display system (KDS). KDS printing technology allows for better management of all of these orders in one cohesive system. These high-tech but easy-to-use systems are rapidly replacing legacy print-ticket systems for order tracking.
KDSs can be vital tools for streamlining a busy kitchen’s orders. The systems consist of screens placed up high in locations that feature high visibility but are out of the way of busy workstations. KDSs come in many sizes. They can be used on traditional touchscreen monitors, tablets, or TVs paired with a bump bar.
Kitchen Display Systems Are Vital
KDSs are a powerful tool for streamlining how a restaurant manages orders. Typically the process flows like this:
- An order is placed electronically by a customer on an interactive kiosk or by a server on a stationary or mobile POS system.
- When the order is submitted, it is routed to a digital display in the kitchen.
- The KDS system automatically routes the order to the appropriate station (if there is more than one display) and keeps a timer. As a result, the kitchen knows how long it has been since the order was received.
Kitchens without a KVS and Reflection POS system often have to rely on small receipt-like tickets in the kitchen. Implementing this solution means that restaurants can automate their order fulfillment. Additionally, restaurants won’t have to rely on an experienced expeditor to manage and keep track of the paper tickets.
With a Reflection POS and KDS solution, screens display the order details and modifications for kitchen staff. This reduces human error, which may have previously been communicated verbally or printed on a physical receipt ticket. With KVS, if the customer chooses to make any updates after placing the order, the server can enter that into the POS system. The changes are added to the original ticket on the KDS in a highlighted, attention-grabbing style.
Benefits of Utilizing a KDS System
A KDS system eliminates many of the hassles of traditional ticket systems. Paper tickets can be lost, burned, or smudged and rendered unreadable. Printers can jam or run out of paper during the dinner rush halting all operations. But with a KDS, the order flows smoothly and is easily visible for all cooks.
The KDS becomes the central hub of information that everyone can access. The improvements this system brings to communication between the front and back of the house can be a game changer.
Coordinating the timing of executing dozens of orders at once is an incredibly difficult and complex task. KDS automates all of it. Dish sequencing and ticket timing are all done automatically, instantly, and accurately.
Why You Should be Able to Choose Your KDS Printing Options
Not all KDS systems are created equal. When running a kitchen that handles takeout and delivery orders, restaurants often need to print tickets on sticky labels to track and manage orders.
Instead of having separate systems to manage in-house vs. online or delivery orders, restaurants can invest in a KDS that offers printing. With options to print labels right away or when orders are completed and bumped from the KDS, you can create an optimized workflow that makes order fulfillment easier for staff.
For example, a coffee shop that operates at a fast pace may choose to have labels printed right away to be placed on cups as workers go through orders at the prep area. A sit-down restaurant or pizza shop would prefer to print the labels when the food preparation is completed. So in that instance, once the order is completed and bumped, a label can be printed and added to the to-go box.
With the flexibility to choose when a label or receipt prints, your kitchen managers can experiment with these settings to find which works best for your operations.
Different departments may need to print separate tickets and labels at different times. Our solution provides you with the flexibility for multiple departments. In addition, the KDS screen can be easily managed and manipulated through the POS system settings if and when changes need to be made. Printing settings can be controlled through the KDS settings.
How To Get Your Kitchen Video Display System
A KDS is a powerful tool for a busy restaurant. Clear communication is essential in the food service industry. Having one point of reference that everyone can rely on can make services run smoothly.
Automating order routing and ticket timing will keep your kitchen running smoothly even when the front of the house is full. Keep your customers and staff happy with one visual tracking system that ensures everything is noticed. If you want to optimize your kitchen operations with a KDS printing solution, find an expert reseller in your area here.
