Order Status & Colour Indicators 

Orders on the KDS are categorised into either the 'Till' section or 'Non-Till' sections. The 'Till' acts as a master control mode, allowing users to view and manage all orders comprehensively across all areas.

Depending on the operational stage, the colour-coding logic applies differently between the Till and the kitchen, even for the same order items.

By comparing the Till and kitchen screens, this page demonstrates how the changing colours on the KDS streamline communication and improve overall service efficiency.

1.Kitchen Order Ticket 

Kitchen Order Ticket Colour Guide

The KDS order ticket is broadly divided into two main areas: the Table Information Section (Box 1) at the top, and the Order Item Details (Box 2) at the bottom.

Box 2: Order Item Details

The actual items ordered are listed below the main table information. The current status of each item is clearly indicated by four distinct background styles:

• White Background: The order has been received, but no action has been taken yet.

• Yellow Background: The food is currently being prepared. (Tapping the item once on the KDS screen advances its status and changes the colour to this stage).

• Grey Background with Strikethrough: Preparation is complete, and the item has been sent to the serving/front-of-house team.

• Red Background: Triggered when the front-of-house serving staff request the kitchen to fire or serve a specific course for that table (e.g., "Please prepare the mains now").

Please note: The status indicator and colour of each menu item will advance to the next stage every time the operator clicks (or taps) on that specific item. 

2.Main Till Order Ticket 

Main Till Order Ticket Colour Guide

The Main Till screen provides a comprehensive, unified view of all orders across the entire venue, without separating them by individual sections. While the basic logic behind most ticket colour changes remains essentially the same as in other sections, the Green background and Dark Grey background with a strikethrough carry distinct meanings that set the Main Till apart.

1. Green Background

• This indicates that the item preparation has been completed by another section (e.g., Kitchen or Bar).

• Example: When an item is ready, it appears as a grey background with a strikethrough on the kitchen screen. However, on the Till and front-of-house screens—where staff need to identify which ready dishes must be delivered to the customers—it is highlighted in Green for clear distinction.

2. Dark Grey Background with Strikethrough

• On the Main Till screen, this status signifies that the food/drink has been successfully served to the customer's table.

• Contrast with other sections: While a grey strikethrough in the kitchen means the food is cooked and ready to be collected, the same marker on the Till screen confirms that the final delivery is complete and the service for that specific item is finished.