Introduction

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The goal of this website is to share knowledge relating to modern kitchen information technology in an easy to understand format.

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If you are unfamiliar with the subject, getting the big picture will take some study. This is because the technology has much configuration and functional variability and involves operations that are generated by both users and software.

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We have attempted to separate the subjects into various logical categories. Readers may notice that some of the information is overlapping, repeated, or referenced between one or more categories.

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You may also note that we have tried to inject a bit of light hearted humor into the content in an attempt to lighten an otherwise rather dry subject matter.

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Be advised that some statements are solely the opinions of the writers.

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Our hope is that you will find this information useful. We welcome your comments and suggestions so that we may we continue our own education and continue the growth and evolution of this website.

 

D.D. Dinaso

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Kitchen Display System basics

 

Basic

By the simplest definition a Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a productivity

tool. A tool that provides faster and more complete order communication to                                                                                  the kitchen. This leads to faster order preparation, reduced inaccuracies,                                                                                          reduced labor cost and faster table turning. All of which leads to greater                                                                                            revenues and the growth of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

These systems are known by many names such as Kitchen Display Systems,                                                                          Kitchen Production Systems, Kitchen Screens, Kitchen Video Systems,                                                                                    Kitchen Monitors, etc.

 

More info

For many years printers were the best technology to transmit the food order

information to the kitchen.

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KDS systems were originally developed for what used to be called "fast food" restaurant models. It was found that displaying the order information on screens rather than printing out the order info on small pieces of paper greatly reduced order preparation time and increased user productivity.

 

KDS delivers a "Paper-less Kitchen" and is now increasingly being used by other types of restaurant models such as fast casual and full service.

 

Kitchen Display Systems AKA Kitchen Screens, AKA Kitchen Video Systems or Kitchen Production Systems, etc. consist of software, equipment and wiring components that work together to route food ordering information to screens located at the various kitchen preparation/work stations and at the expeditors area.

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"The total effect is to reduce order preparation time, reduce inaccuracies, reduce labor cost, increase overall kitchen efficiency, improve food quality, order consistency and gather valuable data"

 

In addition to saving time KDS systems also generate "Speed of service" data which records the durations of the prep time associated with complete orders or individual food items. This data can be analyzed to identify items such as individual user problems, operational problems and for direct comparison to control data sets for tracking time loses or savings across multiple locations that are using the system.

 

These systems are divided into two basic screen types:

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   1. Production screens which are located on the cooks side of the "Pass Through" area or window at each of the various                   work/prep stations to display the individual food items.

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    2. Expeditor or Expo screens which are located at expeditor's side of the "Pass Through" area or window to display the                    individual food items and all of the other information relating to the entire order.

 

The basic KDS system components are as follows:

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• System design

• KDS software and configuration

• Screens with either internal or external computers and pointing devices

• Mounting systems + installation

• Power and data outlets and associated wiring + installation

• User training

• Data analysis

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