Square KDS is an application designed to help restaurants run their kitchens more efficiently in busy, loud, and greasy environments. It allows for easy display of order tickets on a single screen, making it easier for prep and expo lines to prepare items quickly and accurately. The layout of the tickets can be customized based on the kitchen's operations and staff preferences, making it a flexible tool for any restaurant. One of the key features of Square KDS is its ability to streamline communication from the kitchen to customers and partners, ensuring that everyone is aware when an order is ready.
The application also offers a variety of features to make the kitchen workflow smoother. These include an easy-to-read and fast-to-scan order ticket format, the ability to organize dine-in and takeout orders in one place, and the automatic pulling in of orders from third-party marketplaces. Users can also mark items and orders as "Complete" with a simple tap, and even automatically send text notifications to diners when their pickup orders are ready. Additionally, Square KDS allows for the prioritization of tickets based on timers set by the user, making it easier to manage orders and ensure timely preparation.
Managers can also benefit from Square KDS, as it offers real-time reporting on kitchen speed and the number of tickets completed by device. The application also allows for quick filtering of orders by open versus completed tickets, and the ability to edit ticket size and the number of tickets displayed per page. Other useful features include the ability to recall tickets by order or individual item, 86 items directly from the KDS, and prioritize tickets to the front of the queue. Users can also see how many of their popular items need to be prepped at any given time and print orders on-demand with just one tap.
Restaurants choose Square KDS for its durability, simple user interface, different screen size options, affordability, and reliable connection. The application is compatible with a variety of devices, including Microtouch 22", Microtouch 15", Elo 22", Elo 15", Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Lenovo M10. However, it is important to note that Square cannot guarantee the quality of the app on devices not listed above.
Square KDS is best suited for quick-service and full-service restaurants with high-volume ordering that require order details to be sent to a kitchen or prep area. The application also offers control over how orders are displayed on the screen, allowing for customization to fit the specific needs of each business. Users can also have multiple KDS systems in their kitchen, routing orders and items to specific prep stations. Reporting functionality is also included, providing valuable insights into order prep speed by station and location for the business.