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.
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 and rename the Kitchen Display based on your preference.
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 device, tap the 'Settings' icon in the top right corner of the app.
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 'OK'.
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 Kitchen Display System'.
3. Your KDS device's name will appear in the list. Tap 'Pair' next to its name.
4. Once paired, the KDS app on your KDS device will show 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. |
Prep 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 Display
Only shows the Pizza and Salad.
Drink Prep Display
Only shows 2 Milkshakes.
When the milkshakes are prepared and marked complete at the Drink Prep 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'. You can change this to a 'Prep Display' if needed.
1. On your KDS device, tap the 'Settings' icon in the top right corner.
2. Tap 'Display Settings'.
3. Tap 'Prep Station Display (Specific Kitchen Station(s) only)'.
4. Select the specific 'Kitchen Stations' that this KDS device should display orders for (e.g., 'Main Kitchen', '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 printers in BackOffice.
If you have added Kitchen Stations in BackOffice, tap Sync on your POS Register.
5. Tap the 'back' button to save your settings and return to the KDS app homepage.
6. Now, this Prep 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 in the top right corner.
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'.
4. Tap the 'back' button to save your settings and return to the KDS app homepage.
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', 'Ready').
Item Status: This refers to the status of each individual item within an order (e.g., 'Preparing', 'Done').
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.
Bump All
This action marks all items in an order as completed and ready to be served.
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.
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' display will make a sound. The 'Food Prep' display will remain silent.
Notification Scenarios
Scenario | Expo Display | Food Prep Display | Drink Prep 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→12'). 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 'Pending Orders' page.
This new card will be titled with the table number and '(Addition)' (e.g., 'Table 5 (Addition)'). It will only show the newly added items, and its timer will start from '0 mins'.
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. 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 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
Issue | Solution |
"Cannot Find Kitchen Display System Device" Error | 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' to confirm it's set as an 'Expo Display' or correctly assigned to the relevant 'Kitchen Stations' if it's a 'Prep Display'.
3. Restart both the KDS device and the POS register. |
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 automatically refreshes the history of bumped orders every 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?
No, the KDS does not have a notification sound.
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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