Role: manager

Tables, Room Codes & Table-Key Security

Create 1–2 character table/room labels and understand the cryptographic table_key security token.

📍 Where to find it on screen:
Dashboard -> Tables / QR Code (or Manager -> QR & Tables) → Click "+ Add Table / Download All QRs"
Visual floor overview showing active table cards with status dots, open order counts, and QR preview modals.

How It Works

Strict 1–2 Character Format: MintLight intentionally restricts table and room codes to 1–2 alphanumeric characters (e.g. 1 to 99, T1, B2, R1, V4). This keeps table badges compact and easy to read across mobile waiter screens and KDS tickets.

Creation Modes: Operators can create tables individually in Single Mode, or paste a comma-separated list of codes (e.g. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8") in Bulk Mode.

Cryptographic table_key Protection: When a table is generated, MintLight assigns a secure random hash token. The physical QR code links to https://mintlight.com/[slug]/menu?table=T1&key=[TABLE_KEY]. If anyone tries to guess table URLs without the secret key, backend security denies order creation.

Live Table Statuses: Floor maps update dynamically: Active (🟢 Green - empty and ready), Occupied (🔴 Red - active open order), Reserved (🟡 Amber), and Inactive (⚪ Grey).

What You Need to Do (Step-by-Step)

  1. 1. Open Tables / QR Code Manager

    Navigate to Dashboard -> Tables / QR Code from the main dashboard sidebar.

  2. 2. Click "+ Add Table"

    Open the table creation dialog. Select "Single Mode" for one table or "Bulk Mode" for multiple tables.

  3. 3. Enter 1–2 Character Table Labels

    Type codes adhering strictly to 1–2 alphanumeric characters: e.g. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5" or "T1, T2, B1, R1".

    💡 Note: Do NOT type "Table 1" or "Room 101". The system will reject labels longer than 2 characters.
  4. 4. Confirm Table Creation

    Click "Create Tables". MintLight verifies your subscription quota, generates table keys, and creates the records.

  5. 5. Download Printable QR Codes

    Click "Download All QRs" to export high-resolution SVG or PNG files ready for printing standees or table stickers.

Key Screen Controls & Options

+ Add Table ButtonInitial setup or when adding new dining tables, patio seating, or hotel rooms.

Action: Allows switching between Single Mode and Bulk Mode to generate new table records.

→ Result: Inserts table records and generates their secret cryptographic table keys.
Single vs Bulk Mode TabsBulk Mode is ideal for onboarding large venues in seconds.

Action: Bulk Mode automatically parses commas and newlines, uppercases characters, and skips duplicates.

→ Result: Validates against your plan table quota before final insertion.
Live Status Dot (TableCard)Monitoring floor capacity and seating new walk-in dining parties.

Action: Indicates whether the table is currently vacant, occupied with live tickets, or reserved.

→ Result: Clicking an occupied table card allows inspecting or settling active orders.
What Happens Next
The newly created tables appear as Active (Green) on floor maps. Placing printed standees at physical tables allows guests to scan and start dining immediately.
  • Each QR code securely routes scans to that specific table number.
  • The Waiter Portal grid displays the new table cards for floor service.
  • POS terminal includes the table in destination dropdowns.
⚠️ Operational Rules & Restrictions
  • Table labels must be 1 to 2 characters (A-Z, 0-9) and strictly unique within the restaurant.
  • Deleting an active table deactivates its physical QR code; any guest scanning it will be forced into View-Only mode.
  • Deleting a table does NOT delete past order records; historical accounting reports preserve the table label permanently.

⚡ Common Floor Scenarios & Edge Cases

Situation: A customer takes a photo of the QR code and tries to order from home hours later.

What to do: MintLight checks table keys and active venue operational hours. Off-premises orders can be identified and voided.

Situation: A physical acrylic standee is damaged or stolen.

What to do: Delete the table in Table Manager and recreate it with the same label. This generates a new secret table_key, invalidating the stolen standee.

📋 Real-World Shift Walkthrough

Setting up a 15-Table Restaurant Seating Plan

Manager David opens Table Manager, clicks "+ Add Table", chooses Bulk Mode, and pastes: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15". He clicks Create Tables. MintLight instantly generates 15 table records with unique security keys. David clicks Download All QRs, prints the bundle on cardstock, and places standees on tables 1 through 15.

🔧 Troubleshooting & Rapid Fixes

Problem: Error: "Table label must be 1-2 characters (e.g. 1-99, T1, R1)".
Why this happens: You entered a label longer than 2 characters (e.g. "Table 4" or "Room 105").
How to fix: Shorten the label to 1 or 2 characters. Use "T4" for Table 4 or "R5" for Room 105.
Problem: Table shows Red (Occupied) even though guests have left.
Why this happens: An unsettled order or unpaid check is still open on that table.
How to fix: Open the Waiter Portal or OMS, select the table, and click "Settle Bill" to mark it Paid or issue a manager void.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does MintLight limit table labels to 1–2 characters?
Compact 2-character codes ensure clean, un-truncated display across handheld waiter phones, KDS thermal chits, and table map badges.
Q: Can I reuse table labels if I delete an old table?
Yes. Once a table label is deleted, that exact label can be recreated with a new cryptographic key.
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