Who is this for?
StoreHub merchants using the POS system in F&B or retail environments who want to set up and use a Number Calling System (NCS) to manage customer queues and order pickups.
Overview
This guide will show you how to set up and use your Number Calling System (NCS). You'll learn how to connect the Mi TV Stick to your TV, install the NCS app, pair it with your StoreHub POS, and understand its features to improve customer communication and order flow.
Before You Begin
You must have an active NCS license for your store. (Refer to 'How to Activate and Manage Your KDS and NCS Licenses').
You need a TV with an 'HDMI port' and a 'Mi TV Stick'.
Your Mi TV Stick and StoreHub POS register must be connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi).
The Number Calling System only supports 'Pay Now' orders.
The NCS app must be launched on the Mi TV Stick device for the POS register to detect it.
What is a Number Calling System (NCS)?
The Number Calling System (NCS) helps you communicate order statuses to your customers. It displays order numbers or table numbers on a TV screen, letting customers know when their order is 'Pending' or 'Ready' for pickup.
What You'll Need:
A TV with an 'HDMI Port'
A 'Mi TV Stick'
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Up Your Mi TV Stick
The Mi TV Stick converts your regular TV into an Android TV, allowing it to run the NCS app.
1. Plug the 'Mi TV Stick' into your TV's 'HDMI port'.
2. On your TV, switch the input source to the 'HDMI' port where the Mi TV Stick is connected.
Note:
You could refer to this YouTube video for a simple guide.
3. Follow the on-screen steps on your TV to set up the Mi TV Stick:
Select your preferred 'Language'.
Select your 'Region'.
Skip setting up TV with Android (if prompted).
Select and connect to your 'WiFi Network'.
Note:
Please select the same network as your POS Register.
Sign in to your 'Google Account'.
Accept 'Terms of Service'.
Choose 'Yes' or 'No' for 'Location' services.
Choose 'Yes' or 'No' to 'Help improve Android'.
Select 'Continue' on 'Google Assistant'.
Select 'Continue' on 'Services and your privacy'.
Select 'No thanks' to get personal results.
Unselect any additional apps you don't want to install, then select 'Continue'.
Continue with any remaining setup steps until you reach the Mi TV Stick homepage.
Install the Number Calling System App on Mi TV Stick
1. On the Mi TV Stick homepage, select the 'Google Play Store' app.
2. In the 'Google Play Store', search for 'StoreHub Number Calling System'.
3. Select 'Download' to install the app.
4. Once the app is downloaded, launch the 'StoreHub Number Calling System' app on the Mi TV Stick.
Connect NCS to Your POS Register
1. On your main StoreHub POS register, go to 'Settings'. Then tap 'Number Calling System'.
2. Tap 'Search Number Calling System'.
3. Your NCS device (Mi TV Stick) will appear in the list. Tap 'Pair' next to its name.
Note:
The Number Calling System app must be launched on the Number Calling System device for the POS register to detect the device.
4. Upon successful connection, a message will confirm that the 'Number Calling System is successfully connected'.
5. Ensure you also connect to the Kitchen Display System (KDS) if you are using one, for all devices to function together seamlessly.
Notes:
Ensure that all devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
If your POS register is an iPad, make sure to allow Local Network Settings.
The number calling system can be renamed as per your preference. Simply tap on the Number Calling System 1, edit the name and tap on Save.
If you’d like to change the device of the Number Calling System, simply tap on Remove and tap on Search Number Calling System again.
Number Calling System Functionality
The NCS displays order numbers or table numbers to your customers. The type of number displayed depends on your 'Additional Checkout Settings' in your BackOffice:
Assign table number at checkout
You will have a free text option on the POS to type in a table number or customer's name.
Auto-generate queue number
The order number will start from 1 and reset once it reaches 99.
When an order is placed on the POS register, its status will update on both the Kitchen Display System (if used) and the Number Calling System.
Order Statuses
There are two main statuses displayed on the NCS:
1. Pending
When an order is newly created, its order ID will appear under the 'Pending' column.
2. Ready
Once items within an order are marked as prepared on the Kitchen Display System (KDS), the order ID will move to the 'Ready' column on the NCS.
Note:
Order IDs will vary depending on which platform the order was made from:
Beep Order: 0001
Beep Takeaway Order: TA-001
Pre Order:
Food Panda: FP01
Shopee Food: SP01
Order Ready Notification System
When an order is ready:
1. The order ID will move from the 'Preparing' column to the 'Ready' column.
2. The order ID will have a blinking animation to highlight the most recent order that is ready for pickup. This makes it easy for customers to quickly identify their order.
Note:
The blinking animation will last for 3 seconds
Setup Recommendations
Here are some recommendations for setting up your NCS 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.
NCS Recommendation: We highly recommend setting up an Number Calling System in your QSR. This works perfectly with an Expo Display KDS (see KDS setup guide) to call customers when their food is fully prepared. This setup ensures faster service and clear communication, reducing customer wait times and confusion.
Full-Service Dining Restaurants
Description: These restaurants offer a complete dining experience with seated guests and attentive waitstaff.
NCS Recommendation:
For full-service dining, an NCS is generally less critical than for QSRs, as waitstaff typically deliver orders directly to tables.
However, if you offer a pickup option (e.g., for takeaway orders placed online), an NCS can still be useful to notify customers when their takeaway orders are ready.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution |
"Cannot Find Number Calling System Device" Error | 1. Ensure your Mi TV Stick and POS register are connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi).
2. Verify that the 'StoreHub Number Calling System' app is launched and running on your Mi TV Stick.
3. Restart both the Mi TV Stick and the POS register.
4. Verify that your NCS license is active in the BackOffice and your POS has synced. (Refer to 'How to Activate and Manage Your KDS and NCS Licenses'). |
NCS is connected but not updating order statuses. | 1. Ensure your POS device has successfully synced with the BackOffice after activating the NCS license.
2. Confirm that the Number Calling System only supports 'Pay Now' orders. 'Pay Later' or other order types will not appear.
3. If using KDS, ensure orders are being marked as 'Bumped' or 'Bump All' on the KDS, as this triggers the status change on NCS.
4. Restart both the Mi TV Stick and the POS register. |
FAQs
1. Will there be a notification sound when an order is ready?
Yes, a "ding" sound will play when an order is ready for pickup. The volume is controlled by the TV settings.
2. Does NCS support open orders & open prices?
No, NCS does not support open orders or open prices, but KDS does.
3. How often does NCS auto-refresh its order history (Ready orders)?
NCS auto-refreshes its order history every 2 hours.
4. What devices are compatible with NCS?
NCS is compatible with Android TVs (Android 6 and above, recommended size 42 inches or larger). If an Android TV is unavailable, a Xiaomi TV stick can be used to convert the TV into an Android TV.
5. What are the different NCS order statuses?
Preparing Order: When an order is placed on POS and pushed to KDS.
Ready Order: When the KDS kitchen bumps ALL orders.
Need Help?
Contact StoreHub Support via live chat in your StoreHub app or email [email protected].
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