Overview
The Kitchen Display System (KDS) offers different ways to visualize tickets through its display modes. These modes determine how orders appear on screen and how staff can interact with them. This article explains the available display modes and how to configure them.
Available Display Modes
The KDS supports three primary display modes:
1. Ticket Mode
Ticket Mode is the traditional display format where entire orders are shown as complete units. In this mode:
- All items from an order appear together on a single ticket.
- Bumping actions affect the entire ticket at once.
- Best suited for stations that handle complete orders rather than individual items.
2. Item Mode
Item Mode displays each menu item as its own separate ticket. This allows for:
- Greater visibility for individual items.
- The ability to bump items individually rather than entire tickets.
- Better organization for stations focused on specific items rather than complete orders.
- A clearer view of modifiers for each specific item.
3. Compressed Item Mode
Compressed Item Mode functions similarly to Item Mode but with a more condensed display:
- Each menu item appears as its own ticket in a compact format.
- Items can still be bumped individually.
- Maximizes screen space to display more items simultaneously.
- Ideal for high-volume stations with limited screen space.
Key Benefits of Item and Compressed Item Modes
Both Item and Compressed Item modes provide the advantage of item-level bumping, which means:
- Staff can mark individual items as complete instead of entire tickets.
- Different items from the same order can be prepared at different paces.
- Improved workflow management for stations handling specific order components.
- More accurate tracking of preparation times for individual items.
How to Configure Display Modes
To change the display mode for a ticket view:
- Access the Configuration menu.
- Select Advanced.
- Choose Ticket View.
- Select the specific Ticket View you want to modify.
- Locate the Display Mode setting.
- Choose between Ticket, Item, or Compressed Item.
- Save your changes.
Choosing the Right Display Mode
Consider the following factors when selecting a display mode:
- Station Workflow – Does the station prepare entire orders or specific items?
- Screen Space – How much information needs to be visible at once?
- Preparation Tracking – Do you need to track completion of individual items?
- Order Complexity – Are there many modifiers that need clear organization?
For stations preparing specific components (e.g., grill or fry stations), Item Mode or Compressed Item Mode is typically the best choice. For stations handling complete orders (e.g., expediting stations), Ticket Mode may be more suitable.
Related Settings
When configuring display modes, consider adjusting these related settings:
- Item Add Mode – Determines how new items are added to tickets.
- Color Palettes – Visual indicators for different ticket states.
- Font Sizes – Adjust text size for better readability in different modes.
- Ticket Width – May need adjustment based on the display mode.
By selecting the appropriate display mode for each station, you can optimize kitchen workflow, improve order accuracy, and enhance efficiency.