The mounting systems shown on this page have been assembled as pre-configured packages to simplify the selection of all of the necessary components needed to support your KDS equipment. All of the individual components are also available separately.
These pre-configured mounting system packages are only a small sample of the many options we have available. Contact the PQS sales team if you need a custom mounting system designed specifically for your application.
Currently we do not offer pre-configured packages for Counter Top, Under Counter, Ceiling or Pole mounting as more than 90% of all KDS screens are are supported by shelf edge mounts.
However, we do have an excellent selection of individual components for Counter Top, Under Counter, Ceiling or Pole mounting. These individual components are available on our website.
Please visit our website www.practicalqualitysystems.com and/or contact the PQS sales team if you need a custom mounting system designed specifically for your application
Kitchen Display Systems
An easy to understand tutorial
Introduction
The goal of this website is to share knowledge relating to modern kitchen information technology in an easy to understand format.
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.
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.
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.
Be advised that some statements are solely the opinions of the writers.
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
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.
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.
"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:
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.
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
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KDS software and configuration
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Screens with either internal or external computers and pointing devices
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Mounting systems + installation
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Power and data outlets and associated wiring + installation
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User training
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Data analysis
KDS Pre, Past, Present and Future
KDS Prehistory
Early Kitchen Display Systems often used clever, effective solutions such as the "Kitchen Clothesline Order Ticket System".
The Recent Past
The introduction of modern Kitchen Display Systems was first used only in what was called "Fast Food" AKA "Quick Service" concepts in the mid-1990's. These early systems were implemented to reduce prep times and improve food quality and consistency. They relied primarily on bulky CRT screens which displayed tickets in simple green or amber text and were connected to large controller units or dedicated PCs running very basic software. User inputs were done with over-sized bump bar keyboards which had only rudimentary functions.
The Present
Modern KDS systems are still used in "Quick Service" concepts. However, the current trend is that KDS use by casual dining and fine dining restaurants is steadily increasing. The current software includes many functions and features that can provide very valuable data for operators.
The Future
The trend of more and more restaurant concepts adopting KDS as a valuable store system will continue to grow. The equipment will continue to evolve to be lower cost, more rugged and more dependable. The user interface will become much more intuitive; perhaps even using hand gestures and voice recognition.
Like all future software its functionality will be totally transformed in dramatic ways as artificial intelligence is embedded into the platform.
"It is likely that one day KDS systems will be the most commonly used method that restaurants employ to communicate order information to their kitchens"
