Role: customerRole: waiterRole: manager

Customer Mobile QR Ordering & Add-On Tabs

How guests scan, customize dishes, add cooking instructions, and place subsequent add-on rounds.

📍 Where to find it on screen:
Point smartphone camera at physical table QR standee
Mobile-optimized web application displaying categories, dietary filter toggles, search bar, and cart drawer.

How It Works

Zero App Installation: The digital menu runs in the smartphone browser. Guests do not need to download an app or register passwords.

Cryptographic Validation: The system validates the table_key embedded in the QR link, confirming the guest is physically seated at that table.

Custom Cooking Notes: Before checkout, diners can type custom preparation instructions (e.g. "Extra spicy", "Dressing on the side", "Nut allergy") into the cart notes field. These notes print directly on the kitchen ticket.

Live Real-Time Order Tracking: Upon tapping "Place Order", the phone transitions to a live tracking screen that updates dynamically as the kitchen moves the ticket: "Order Confirmed" -> "Cooking in Kitchen" -> "Served at Table".

Add-On Orders (Round 2 Drinks & Desserts): Diners can place additional orders at any time. Add-on items automatically attach to the existing running bill, and the kitchen KDS receives a supplemental ticket labeled "+ Add-On".

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

  1. 1. Scan Table QR Standee

    Guest opens phone camera, points at the table QR code, and taps the notification banner to open the digital menu.

  2. 2. Browse Menu & Filter Items

    Guest browses categories, views dish photos, filters by Veg/Non-Veg, and inspects preparation time estimates.

  3. 3. Customize Variants & Extras

    Tapping a dish opens size variants (e.g. Regular/Large) and extra toppings (e.g. Extra Cheese). Guest adds selections to cart.

  4. 4. Review Cart & Enter Cooking Notes

    Guest opens cart drawer, reviews item quantities, and types special instructions (e.g. "No onions, please").

  5. 5. Submit Order & Track Status

    Guest taps "Place Order". The screen switches to the live tracker showing preparation status as line cooks advance the ticket.

Key Screen Controls & Options

Dietary Filter TogglesWhen a diner has strict vegetarian or dietary requirements.

Action: Instantly filters the menu to match the guest’s dietary preferences.

→ Result: Hides non-qualifying dishes from the list in real time.
Special Cooking Notes FieldWhen guests have allergies or customization requests.

Action: Captures allergy warnings or culinary preferences directly from the diner.

→ Result: Highlights the note in yellow on the kitchen KDS display ticket.
Place Order ButtonWhen the diner is ready to submit their food selection.

Action: Locks in selected dishes and transmits the ticket to the restaurant.

→ Result: Switches the mobile view to the live order progress tracker.
+ Add More Items ButtonWhen guests want to order more food during their meal.

Action: Returns the customer to the menu catalog to select round 2 drinks or desserts.

→ Result: Appends new items to the table running bill as an Add-On.
What Happens Next
The order ticket arrives immediately at the waiter portal for floor acceptance or directly to the kitchen KDS for cooking. The physical table turns Red (Occupied) on the manager floor map.
  • Kitchen display plays an audio bell alert with table number and cooking notes.
  • Waiters can monitor the ticket in their handheld floor portal.
  • UniBill starts a running bill ledger for that table.
⚠️ Operational Rules & Restrictions
  • Submitted items CANNOT be removed or edited by the guest. Diners must call a waiter to void or change submitted items.
  • Removing or altering the table key in the URL prevents order submission.
  • Diners cannot place orders if the manager has switched Table Ordering to OFF.

⚡ Common Floor Scenarios & Edge Cases

Situation: Guest accidentally closes their mobile browser while waiting for food.

What to do: Scanning the table QR code again immediately restores their active order tracking screen without creating duplicate orders.

Situation: Two guests at the same table scan the QR code simultaneously.

What to do: Both guests can place orders. MintLight combines tickets under the same table running bill as add-on tabs.

📋 Real-World Shift Walkthrough

Dinner Date Ordering Appetizers and Add-On Cocktails

Guests at Table 6 scan the standee and order 2 Pasta dishes with the note "Gluten-Free Penne please". The kitchen prepares the meal. 20 minutes later, the guests tap "+ Add More Items", order 2 Cocktails and Tiramisu, and tap Place Order. The bar receives the drink ticket labeled "Table 6 [+ Add-On]", and all items combine on one bill.

🔧 Troubleshooting & Rapid Fixes

Problem: Guest submits an order by mistake and wants to cancel immediately.
Why this happens: Guests cannot self-cancel submitted items to prevent food waste after cooking begins.
How to fix: Notify the waiter or manager immediately. They can open the order in the OMS modal and issue a void.
Problem: The customer phone shows a blank screen after scanning.
Why this happens: Poor cellular signal or captive Wi-Fi portal blocking internet traffic.
How to fix: Connect the customer smartphone to the venue guest Wi-Fi and rescan the standee.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can customers view their bill and download a receipt from their phone?
Yes! On the order tracking screen, guests can view their itemized bill and download a digital PDF tax receipt.
Q: Do customers pay on their phone or to the waiter?
Depending on restaurant settings, guests can settle via integrated online payment or pay the waiter directly at the table.
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