Who is this for?
StoreHub merchants using the POS system in F&B or retail environments who want to set up, configure, and use a Kitchen Display System (KDS) to manage orders.
Overview
This guide will show you how to download, set up, and use your Kitchen Display System (KDS) app. You'll learn how to pair it with your StoreHub POS, customize its display settings, and understand its features to streamline your kitchen operations.
Before You Begin
You must have an active KDS license for your store.
You need an iMin Swan 1K, iMin Swan 1, or iMin Falcon 2 device for your KDS.
Your KDS device and StoreHub POS register must be connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or LAN).
The KDS app is only available for Android POS devices.
KDS works for offline, online, and 'Pay Later' orders.
To bump part of an item or call order numbers from the Expo Display, you need KDS 1.13.0 or later and StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later on every device.
Step-by-Step Guide
Download and Rename Your KDS App
1. On your KDS device (e.g., iMin Swan 1K), open the 'iMin App Store'.
2. Search for and download the 'Kitchen Display System' app.
3. Open the KDS app. Type a name for this display under 'Kitchen Display System Name' (for example, 'Bar KDS'), then tap 'Continue'.
4. It will initially show a 'Disconnected' status.
Note: Ensure the Kitchen Display System is on the same network as the StoreHub POS Register.
5. To rename your KDS, tap the 'Settings' icon (the gear) at the top right.
6. On the 'General' tab, tap 'Rename'.
7. Type in a new name for your KDS (e.g., 'Main Kitchen KDS', 'Bar KDS') and tap 'Save'.
Pair Your KDS with the StoreHub POS Register
After downloading and naming your KDS app, you need to connect it to your main POS register.
1. On your StoreHub POS register, go to 'Settings', then tap 'Kitchen Display System'.
2. Tap 'Search for Kitchen Display Systems'.
3. Your KDS device's name will appear under 'Not IN-USE'. Tap 'Pair' next to its name.
4. Once paired, your KDS moves under 'IN-USE' on the POS, and the KDS app on your KDS device shows a 'Connected' status.
Understand KDS Display Types
The KDS offers two main display types to suit different kitchen workflows:
Display Type | Description |
Expo Display | This display is usually placed at the pass or service counter. It shows the entire order summary, allowing a waiter to monitor all items and ensure the order is complete before serving. With KDS 1.13.0 or later and StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later, staff can also call order numbers to the Number Calling System from here. |
Prep Station Display | These displays are installed at specific kitchen or bar stations (e.g., 'Pizza Station', 'Drink Station'). They only show the items relevant to that station, helping staff focus on their specific tasks. |
Example Scenario:
Imagine a customer orders 1 Pizza, 1 Salad, and 2 Milkshakes.
Expo Display
Shows the entire order (Pizza, Salad, 2 Milkshakes). The waiter tracks all items.
Kitchen Prep Station Display
Only shows the Pizza and Salad.
Drink Prep Station Display
Only shows 2 Milkshakes.
When the milkshakes are prepared and marked complete at the Drink Prep Station Display, they will appear greyed out on the Expo Display, signaling progress to the waiters.
Set Up Your KDS Display Type
By default, all new KDS installations are set as 'Expo Display (Full Order Summary)'. You can change this to 'Prep Station Display (Specific Kitchen Station(s) only)' if needed.
1. On your KDS device, tap the 'Settings' icon (the gear) at the top right.
2. Tap 'Display Settings'.
3. Tap 'Prep Station Display (Specific Kitchen Station(s) only)'.
4. Under 'Assign Kitchen Stations', turn on each station this display should show (for example, 'Kitchen' or 'Drinks').
Notes:
If you don't see a list of Kitchen Stations, it means no stations have been added to your BackOffice. Refer to this article to learn how to add kitchen stations in BackOffice.
If you have added Kitchen Stations in BackOffice, tap the menu icon (☰) on your POS register, then tap 'Sync'.
If a Prep Station Display shows 2 or more stations, each item shows its station name in a small tag (KDS 1.13.0 or later).
5. Tap the back arrow at the top left to save your settings and return to the KDS app homepage.
6. Now, this Prep Station Display will only show items assigned to the selected Kitchen Stations.
Example:
If drinks are assigned to the Drinks Station, the Prep Station Display will list all the ordered drinks.
Adjust Order Ticket Layout
You can change how many orders are displayed on each page of your KDS.
1. On your KDS device, tap the 'Settings' icon (the gear) at the top right.
2. Tap 'Order Ticket Layout'.
3. Select your preferred layout (e.g., '2 Rows - 8 orders per page'). By default, it's '1 Row - 4 orders per page'.
Note:
On a Prep Station Display, 'Order Ticket Layout' also shows 'Show other kitchen stations'. It is only for products sent to more than 1 kitchen station, which is available for selected merchants. If you're interested in this feature, contact StoreHub Support via live chat. See 'Items Sent to Multiple Kitchen Stations' below.
4. Tap the back arrow at the top left to save your settings and return to the KDS app homepage.
Call Order Numbers from the Expo Display
If you use a Number Calling System (NCS), counter staff can call each order number from the Expo Display when the order is ready to hand over. The number moves to 'Ready' on the NCS only when staff tap 'Call'. This needs KDS 1.13.0 or later and StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later.
Turn On Calling from the Expo Display
1. Make sure 1 KDS is set to 'Expo Display (Full Order Summary)'. If you just switched it, close and reopen the KDS app.
2. On your StoreHub POS register, go to 'Settings', then tap 'Number Calling System'.
3. Under 'Call Number', select 'Manually from the Expo Display'.
Notes:
If 'Manually from the Expo Display' is greyed out, read the line under it. It tells you what to do: pair a KDS, set 1 KDS to 'Expo Display (Full Order Summary)' and reopen the KDS app, or update the KDS to 1.13.0 or later.
The other option, 'Automatically when all items are bumped', works as before: the number moves to 'Ready' on the NCS as soon as the last item is bumped.
Call a Number
1. When every item in an order is bumped, the order moves to 'Ready to call' and its ticket shows 'Call'.
2. When the order is ready to hand over, tap 'Call'. The number moves to 'Ready' on the NCS and shows large at the top.
3. If 'Confirm pickup' is off, the ticket moves to 'History'.
To call the number again, tap the History icon (left of the gear), open the ticket's menu and tap 'Call again'.
Keep Orders on Screen Until They Are Collected (Optional)
Turn on 'Confirm pickup' if you want staff to confirm each handover on the Expo Display.
1. On your Expo Display, tap the 'Settings' icon (the gear), then tap 'Display Settings'.
2. Under 'Order Pickup', turn on 'Confirm pickup'.
3. (Optional) Tap 'Highlight uncollected orders after' and choose 2, 3, 5 or 10 minutes. The default is 3 minutes.
With 'Confirm pickup' on, a called order stays on screen with 'Call again' and 'Collected'.
Tap 'Call again' to call the number again.
Tap 'Collected' when the customer picks up the order. The number leaves the NCS straight away and the ticket moves to 'History'.
A ticket that is not collected in time turns red. Tapping 'Call again' clears the red and restarts the count.
Notes:
'Confirm pickup' is saved on the Expo Display itself, not on the POS.
If you change the display to 'Prep Station Display', 'Confirm pickup' turns off. Turn it on again if you switch back.
No NCS? The ticket shows only 'Collected'.
'Pay Later' and open orders go straight to 'History'.
Show Only 1 Group of Orders
When 'Confirm pickup' is on and more than 1 counter shows at the top of the Expo Display (for example, 'Pending' and 'Ready to call'), tap a counter to show only those orders. Tap it again to see all orders. The filter clears when you leave the page. In 'History', tap 'Collected' or 'Served' the same way. With 'Confirm pickup' off, 'History' shows 1 'Served' count that you can't tap.
Items Sent to Multiple Kitchen Stations
Note:
This feature is available for selected merchants only. To turn it on for your account, contact StoreHub Support via live chat.
Every KDS needs KDS 1.13.0 or later, and every POS register needs StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later.
A product can be sent to more than 1 kitchen station (see 'Send 1 Product to Multiple Kitchen Stations' in How to Set Up and Manage Kitchen Stations and Dockets). Each Prep Station Display for those stations then shows the full item, with its modifiers and notes.
Choose How These Items Are Completed
Choose whether each station completes its own part, or 1 bump completes the item at every station. This is 1 setting for your whole account.
1. In your BackOffice, go to 'Settings', then click the 'F & B' tab.
2. Scroll down to the 'Kitchen Stations' section.
3. Under 'Items Sent to Multiple Kitchen Stations', choose an option.
4. Click 'Save', then sync every POS register.
The table below explains the 2 options for products sent to more than 1 kitchen station on the KDS.
Option | What happens on the KDS |
'Complete at each station independently' (default) | Each station bumps its own part. The item is complete once every station has bumped it. Use this when each station makes a different part. |
'Complete at all stations at the same time' | Bumping the item at any station completes it at every station. Use this when 1 station makes the item and the others only need to see it. |
Notes:
You only see this setting if your account has a KDS.
Kitchen dockets print the same with both options.
Bumping the item on the Expo Display completes it at every station, whichever option you choose.
Show the Other Stations on a Prep Station Display (Optional)
1. On your Prep Station Display, tap the 'Settings' icon (the gear), then tap 'Order Ticket Layout'.
2. Turn on 'Show other kitchen stations'.
A grey "Also at:" line then shows under the item, with the other stations making it. Each KDS keeps its own setting.
What the Kitchen Sees
A Prep Station Display that shows 2 or more of the item's stations lists the item once for each station, with the station name on each line. With 'Complete at each station independently', bumping 1 line completes only that station's part. With 'Complete at all stations at the same time', bumping either line completes both.
With 'Complete at each station independently', the Expo Display shows a tag for each station under an unfinished item: a tick means done, an hourglass means still preparing. The order is ready only when every station has finished.
Understanding KDS Components and Functions
The KDS interface helps your kitchen staff manage orders efficiently.
Statuses
Order Status: This is the overall status of the entire customer order (e.g., 'Pending'). If your POS calls numbers from the Expo Display, orders can also show as 'Ready to call'. When 'Confirm pickup' is on, called orders show as 'Called' (or 'Ready' if you have no NCS).
Item Status: This refers to the status of each individual item within an order. An item stays pending until it is bumped. A bumped item turns grey with a tick.
Icon | Types of status | Explanation |
 | Pending |
|
 | Served |
|
Functions
Bump
This action marks a single item in an order as completed and ready to be served or moved to the next step.
Tap an item to bump it. If the item has a quantity of more than 1, choose how many are ready: tap '-' or '+', then tap 'Bump' (for example, 'Bump 3').
The bumped portions turn grey with a tick, and the rest stay on the ticket until you bump them.
An item with a quantity of 1 bumps with a single tap. Bumping part of an item needs KDS 1.13.0 or later and StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later.
Bump all
This action marks all items in an order as completed and ready to be served. If your POS calls numbers from the Expo Display, the button then changes to 'Call'.
Example:
Once the kitchen staff finishes preparing a dish, they will 'Bump' or 'Bump all' it on the Kitchen Display System to mark it as Served. This helps communicate to servers or other kitchen staff that the item is ready.
Unbump
This action changes an item or an entire order from Served back to Pending. This is useful if something was marked as ready by mistake.
To undo a bump, tap the grey item with the tick. If it has a quantity of more than 1, choose how many to undo, then tap 'Unbump' (for example, 'Unbump 2'). You can also unbump items from 'History'.
Audio Notifications
The KDS uses a 'Ding' sound to alert kitchen staff about order updates, so nothing is missed. The sound will only play on the relevant kitchen station to avoid confusion.
Example:
When a new drink order is placed, only the main 'Expo' display and the 'Drink Prep Station' display will make a sound. The 'Food Prep Station' display will remain silent.
Notification Scenarios
Scenario | Expo Display | Food Prep Station Display | Drink Prep Station Display |
A new drink order | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
A new food order | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
A mixed order | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
An edit to a drink | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
A food order cancellation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
A drink order cancellation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
This ensures that notifications are targeted and do not create unnecessary distractions at other stations.
How Order Updates Appear on Your Kitchen Display
When an order is changed on POS, the KDS will update to show you exactly what happened.
Scenario 1: When you add more of an item that has not been served yet
If you increase the quantity of an item that has not been marked as served, the KDS will show the change (e.g., '1→2'). This updated item will move to the bottom of the order list.
Scenario 2: When you add more of an item that was already served
If you add more of an item that was already served for the same table, the KDS will show it as a new, separate item at the bottom of the list. It will not be grouped with the previously served item.
Scenario 3: When you add new items to a completed order
If a table's order is already completed and you add new items at the POS, a new order card will appear on the KDS home screen.
This new card will be titled with the table or order number and '(Addition)' (e.g., 'T7 (Addition)'). It will only show the newly added items, and its timer will start from '0 min'.
Scenario 4: When you reduce the quantity of an item
If you decrease the quantity of an item, the KDS will show the change (e.g., '2→1'). This updated item will move to the bottom of the order list.
Setup Recommendations
Here are some recommendations for setting up your KDS based on your business type:
Quick Serve Restaurants (QSR)
Description: QSRs focus on speed, convenience, and affordability, serving customers quickly through dine-in, takeaway, or delivery.
KDS Recommendation: We recommend setting up an Expo Display for your KDS. This allows your expeditor to easily monitor the full list of orders and coordinate with the Number Calling System (NCS) to call customers when their food is fully prepared. With KDS 1.13.0 or later and StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later, your expeditor can call each number from the Expo Display once the order is ready to hand over (see 'Call Order Numbers from the Expo Display'). This setup ensures faster service and clear communication.
Full-Service Dining Restaurants
Description: These restaurants offer a complete dining experience with seated guests and attentive waitstaff. They often have multiple specialized preparation stations (e.g., Kitchen, Drink, Bar).
KDS Recommendation:
Set up Prep Station Displays in each kitchen station (e.g., 'Kitchen Station', 'Drink Station', 'Bar Station'). This helps staff focus on items specific to their area, improving workflow efficiency.
Additionally, set up an Expo Display at the service counter. This allows the expeditor or service staff to review the entire order summary and coordinate serving dishes to customers effectively, ensuring all dishes are complete and served promptly.
Troubleshooting
The table below covers common problems when setting up and using your Kitchen Display System (KDS).
Issue | Solution |
Can't Find Your Kitchen Display System Device | 1. Ensure your KDS device and POS register are connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or LAN).
2. Restart both the KDS device and the POS register.
3. Verify that your KDS license is active in the BackOffice and your POS has synced.
Refer to 'How to Activate and Manage Your KDS and NCS Licenses'. |
KDS is connected but not receiving orders. | 1. Ensure your POS device has successfully synced with the BackOffice after activating the KDS license.
2. Check your KDS 'Display Settings'. An Expo Display should be set as 'Expo Display (Full Order Summary)'.
On a 'Prep Station Display', check that the right stations are turned on under 'Assign Kitchen Stations'.
3. Restart both the KDS device and the POS register. |
Order numbers stay under 'Preparing' on the NCS after the kitchen bumps every item. | 1. If your POS calls numbers from the Expo Display, staff must tap 'Call' on the Expo Display.
2. If the Expo Display is turned off or not connected, orders wait until it reconnects. Turn it back on, then tap 'Call'.
3. To call numbers without the Expo Display, set 'Call Number' to 'Automatically when all items are bumped'.
On your POS, it is under 'Settings', then 'Number Calling System'. |
Kiosk orders show on the POS but never reach the KDS. | In BackOffice, go to 'Online Orders', then 'QR Order and Pay', and open your store. Under 'Assign Main Register', choose a register, then click 'Save'. |
A product sent to 2 or more kitchen stations is missing from a KDS, or looks pending again after a bump | Update every KDS to KDS 1.13.0 or later, and every POS register to StoreHub POS 1.121.0 or later, then sync. On the POS, 'Settings', 'Kitchen Display System' shows 'Update Required' next to an older KDS. |
FAQs
1. Can I use multiple displays for different stations (e.g., kitchen/drinks)?
Yes, you can name and use multiple displays for different stations.
2. Does the KDS automatically refresh order history (bumped orders)?
Yes. The KDS clears an order, including bumped orders in 'History', 3 hours after it was last sent or changed. If the KDS reconnects to the POS, it reloads the orders from the last 2 hours.
3. Can the ticket layout display long orders?
Yes, the ticket layout supports scrolling to display long orders.
4. Does the KDS have a notification sound?
Yes, the KDS plays a 'Ding' sound for new, edited, and cancelled orders. The sound plays on the Expo Display and only on each Prep Station Display that shows the affected items (see Audio Notifications). If you do not hear the sound, check that your KDS device volume is turned up and not muted, then update the StoreHub POS app and the KDS app.
5. Why do I see two separate rows for the same item on my KDS?
This feature makes sure that when an item has been served and then added again to the same order, the new item appears separately. This helps your kitchen staff easily see what still needs to be prepared.
6. What does '(Addition)' mean on an order card?
This means new items have been added to an order that was already completed. This new card shows only the latest items for that table, so your kitchen team can focus on preparing what's new.
Need Help?
Contact StoreHub Support via live chat in your StoreHub app or email [email protected].
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