Food & beverage
What is a kitchen display system?
A kitchen display system (KDS) is a screen in the kitchen that shows orders as soon as they are entered at the point of sale. It replaces or supplements the printed kitchen order ticket (KOT): cooks see each order, its items and notes, mark dishes as ready, and the order clears from the screen.
How it works
When a server enters an order, each item is routed to the right station, such as the grill, the tandoor or the bar. The screen shows how long each order has been waiting, so late ones stand out. When the kitchen marks an order ready, the server knows to collect it.
KDS or printed KOT?
Printed tickets are cheap, familiar and work in a hot, greasy kitchen, but they get lost and can't show a change to an order. A KDS handles changes and timing better and uses no paper, at the cost of a screen that has to survive the kitchen. Many restaurants use both.
In StaySynq
StaySynq's restaurant POS sends orders to KOT printers and a kitchen display, and posts room charges straight to the guest folio.
Common questions
Does a KDS replace the KOT printer?
It can, but many kitchens keep a printer as a backup or for stations where a screen isn't practical.
Related terms
- KOT (kitchen order ticket)A KOT, or kitchen order ticket, is the slip or screen entry that tells the kitchen what to prepare. It lists the table or room, the items and quantities, any special instructions and the time of the order. The bill is produced later from the same order.
- Meal plans (EP, CP, MAP, AP)Hotel meal plans describe which meals are included in the room rate. EP (European Plan) is room only. CP (Continental Plan) includes breakfast. MAP (Modified American Plan) includes breakfast and one main meal. AP (American Plan) includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- FolioA folio is the running account of everything a guest is charged and everything they pay during a stay: room nights, restaurant bills, minibar, laundry, taxes, deposits and payments. At check-out the folio is settled and becomes the basis for the invoice.
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