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Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Admin

The Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a real-time order display designed for preparation areas. When an order is placed at the POS register, it appears on the KDS screen so your preparation team can see what needs to be fulfilled. The KDS is useful for dispensaries with a separate fulfillment area, food service operations, or any workflow where the person at the register is different from the person preparing the order.

How the KDS Works​

  1. A budtender or cashier completes a sale on the POS register.
  2. The order appears on the KDS screen in real time.
  3. The preparation team reviews the order and begins fulfilling it.
  4. As items are prepared, the preparer marks them as complete on the KDS.
  5. When all items are ready, the order is marked as fulfilled.
  6. The budtender or cashier is notified that the order is ready for the customer.

Accessing the KDS​

The KDS is accessible from your store URL. Kitchen order management is available in the admin panel.

Opening the KDS Display​

  1. The KDS is available at: https://yourstoreurl.brotherpos.ca/kds
  2. Open this URL on the display device in the preparation area.
  3. The KDS loads and begins displaying incoming orders.
Dedicated device

Use a dedicated tablet or monitor for the KDS. A wall-mounted tablet in the prep area is the most common setup. Ensure it stays powered on and connected to WiFi.

The KDS Interface​

Order Cards​

Each order appears as a card on the screen. A card contains:

ElementDescription
Order NumberUnique order identifier.
TimeHow long ago the order was placed (live timer).
Customer NameIf a customer profile was selected.
Order TypeWalk-in, Delivery, or Pickup.
ItemsList of products with quantities.
NotesAny special instructions from the cashier.

Color Coding​

  • White/Default -- New order, not yet started.
  • Yellow -- Order in progress (some items marked as done).
  • Green -- All items complete, ready for handoff.
  • Red -- Order has been waiting beyond the configured alert threshold.

Time Alerts​

You can set a time threshold for overdue orders:

  1. In KDS Settings, set the Alert Threshold (e.g., 5 minutes).
  2. Orders exceeding this time turn red on the KDS.
  3. If alert sounds are enabled, an audible alert plays.

Using the KDS​

Updating Order Status​

From the kitchen order management page in the admin panel, you can update the status of an entire order. The admin update action updates the order status as a whole, not individual items within the order.

Completing an Order​

  1. Tap the Done button on the order card on the KDS.
  2. All items are marked as complete.
  3. The order card turns green and is removed after the auto-clear delay.

KDS and the POS Register​

The KDS and POS register communicate in real time:

  • New orders appear on the KDS as soon as the sale is completed at the register.
  • Order completion on the KDS sends a notification to the POS register, which can display a "Ready" indicator for the cashier.
  • Order modifications (voids, additions) update the KDS immediately.
Real-time connection

The POS and KDS communicate in real time over a persistent connection. Both devices must be connected to the internet for real-time updates. If the connection drops, the KDS will reconnect automatically and catch up on missed orders.

Troubleshooting​

IssueSolution
Orders not appearingCheck that the KDS device has internet. Verify order types are configured.
Orders delayedCheck network latency. Use a wired ethernet connection if WiFi is unreliable.
No sound alertsCheck the device's volume. Ensure the browser has audio permission.
Screen goes darkDisable the device's sleep and screen timeout settings.
Duplicate ordersThis can happen if the KDS page is opened in multiple tabs. Use one tab per station.

Best Practices​

  • Mount at eye level -- Position the KDS screen where your prep team can see it without bending or straining.
  • Keep the area well-lit -- Ensure the screen is readable in your preparation area's lighting.
  • Use time alerts -- Set a reasonable alert threshold and respond to red orders promptly.
  • Clear completed orders -- Use auto-clear to keep the screen focused on pending work.
  • Train your team -- Walk the prep team through the KDS interface. It is simple, but a 5-minute walkthrough prevents confusion.
  • Test the full flow -- Place a test order from the POS and verify it appears on the KDS. Do this after any configuration changes.

What's Next?​