Purpose

This article outlines the hardware required to support Order Ahead in 365Dining environments. This article also contains optional pieces of hardware that can be used to increase functionality for 365Dining. 

The Order Ahead solution will require your kitchen staff to work from the KDS (Kitchen Display System) and/or printers to prepare menu items for pickup without prior consumer interaction. 

For information on other 365Dining Hardware, please see the ReadyTouch Hardware Guide

Please see the 365Lockers – Hardware and Maintenance Guide for information on locker hardware.

Required Hardware

ReadyTouch (Elo X3)

The ReadyTouch is most commonly used in either cashier service or self-service mode with the Order Ahead setup. The ReadyTouch is used as a communication point to process orders placed via cashier service, self-service, the 365Pay app, or the website and send them to the KDS for preparation.

• Can be used as a register or a self-checkout kiosk
  
  
• Used to process the remote orders that will be sent to the KDS and posted to ADM
  
  

KDS 15" Touchscreen

At least one KDS is required. Optionally, the operator can have multiple.

The KDS acts as the central repository for incoming orders. The KDS also provides a digital ticketing system to assist with managing orders and a consumer-facing display to indicate where each consumer’s order is in the queue.

The KDS is a touchscreen device that provides staff with the tool to efficiently manage incoming orders. If you have multiple KDS', you may assign each one a station, such as deli, grill, etc. Orders for that particular station will then appear on that station's KDS. 

• Touchscreen panel device
  
  
• Used to manage ticket orders for kitchen
  
  
• Separate KDS screens may be used for different sections of the kitchen (grill, deli, etc.)
  
  
• Helps manage incoming orders efficiently
  
  

Router Options

If using a local network, the local network administrator will need to verify the network is configured properly. See the Network Requirements - 365Dining / ReadyTouch article for more information.

Router options are the Meraki Z3 Teleworker router, Meraki Z1 Router, and the new Meraki MX68 router.

The MX68 can process transactions on more devices faster and is a good upgrade for dining locations with many devices, up to 10 ReadyTouches and Kitchen Displays.

Optional Hardware

Bematech KB9000 Bump Bar 

This connects to the KDS and allows kitchen staff to bump tickets, call tickets, etc. instead of touching the KDS screen directly.

• Touchscreen
  
  
• Connects directly to the KDS
  
  
• Allows Expo person to bump tickets to different stations or off the screen completely
  
  
• Users can use this instead of the actual KDS touchscreen so they do not get the touchscreen dirty
  
  

Chit Printer Options

These printers create chits for takeout or delivery orders.

Epson Impact IP Kitchen Printer – TM-U220B (Preferred)

OR

Bixolon SRP-275IIIC Serial/IP/USP

Now Serving System

The Now Serving system requires two parts: a display screen and a PC to manage data.

32" Display Monitor 

When the CALL button is used on the KDS, the consumer’s order will flash green, slide out of the Preparing section, and slide onto the Now Serving section of the screen.

• Can display in landscape or portrait mode
  
  

When the Screen has Too Many Orders to Display

When the screen has too many orders to display on the screen, the screen should scroll down to display the orders that are not visible:

• The scroll should move 1 row at a time, pausing 10 seconds between movements until it gets to the bottom of the page.
   
• When it gets to the bottom of the page, it should wait 20 seconds instead of 10s before displaying the first orders again.
   
• When it restarts from the top, the page should wait 20 seconds instead of 10s before scrolling through the orders once more.

Preparing Screen

When an order is on the Meals tab on the KDS, the order number is also listed on the preparing screen. This allows the customer to know that their meal is being prepared. 

Learn how to customize order numbers by visiting the Customized Order Number Display Settings section of the article: 365Dining - OrderAhead Operator Guide.

AOpen DE3450 

The AOpen PC can connect to any HDMI-enabled screen to display the consumer’s orders as they are being prepared or ready for pickup. It is intended to provide consumers with a view of the current status of their order.

• Needed for the Now Serving Screen
  
  
• Allows the order information to flow through and the monitor displays orders that are currently ready for pickup and orders that are being prepared
  
  

8-Port Switch

• Only needed if an operator has more than four IP devices in their kitchen environment
  
  
• All the devices must be on the same LAN (managed by the router) in order to work
  
  
  

Setup Diagrams

Order Ahead Setup with One Expo

Order Ahead with Multiple Expos

Order Ahead with One Expo and Now Serving Screen

Order Ahead with Multiple Expos Now Serving Screen

Cable Connections

Below is a diagram of how the hardware components connect.