Operations

What to Ask During a Kitchen Display System Demo

May 25, 2023

Investing in a more streamlined order management system? Ask these questions before you make a decision.

A kitchen display system (KDS) is a tool for your back-of-house staff that centralizes on-premises orders and off-premises online orders into a singular view. Instead of printed paper tickets or orders taken with pen & paper, a KDS digitizes the entire experience.

It’s a single source of truth for all order channels, and it can be a game changer for your kitchen staff. Overall, there’s a reduced risk for operational mistakes and that’s a win-win for both your diners and employees.

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What to Ask About Kitchen Display Systems

Be prepared going into a technology demo to get the most bang for your buck. Before you invest in a KDS solution, here are seven questions to keep in mind.

How will this kitchen display system help me manage my operations more effectively?

Kitchen display systems create better communication between back-of-house and front-of-house staff. They also can help remove the need for redundant work like entering lost orders, adjusting orders, and issuing refunds. Listen for an answer that tells you how this particular system will streamline your operations and support better diner experiences.

How is this an upgrade over a printer?

Printed tickets are easy to lose, easily destroyed by messy hands or steam, and sometimes difficult to read. They also can get mixed up and out of order, which can lead to serving a later diner first before an earlier diner.

A potential KDS solution should boast a seamless line of communication between servers and the line. Ask if the software gives more robust information — like ticket time, order status, and FIFO or complex firing guidelines — than what’s included on your paper tickets.

Is the system easy for my staff to learn and use?

Not only should the diner experience be prioritized when implementing any new restaurant technology, but user experience for staff is also critical to consider. The right technology will help you become more efficient only if it’s actually used by a team that’s able to leverage it. It’s important to seek out solutions that are intuitive and well-designed.

Can I set up a KDS with my own monitor or iPad?

Some KDS software is available on iOS or Android devices. Many other options require hardware from the restaurant technology company you pick.It’s key to remember that KDS hardware is built with a certain threshold for handling high temperatures, steam, and water.

For whatever solution you select, you’ll need to fully understand how the hardware and software will work together and this question helps paint a clearer picture.

Up to what temperature can the system withstand?

What if the spot you have picked out for your KDS monitor happens to be one of the hottest corners of your kitchen? Will the system hold up?

Apple recommends using iPads in an environment where the temperature is no hotter than 95 degrees. Many KDS screens can tolerate up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit more than that recommendation.

Is the KDS water and steam resistant?

Just like the ability to withstand a high temperature, it’s also important that your KDS is water and steam resistant. Investing in robust hardware that can hold up against all of the moving parts on the line is imperative.

What is the screen size of the KDS?

A bigger display will make it easier for your kitchen staff to read orders, but it’s good to examine your physical space and what’s appropriate. Screens range from 10 to 22 inches, and you might want more than one.

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