Common Operational Issues & Diagnostic Solutions
Step-by-step diagnostic fixes for ordering paused, silent kitchen bells, expired codes, and locked bills.
How It Works
Issue 1: Ordering Paused / View-Only Banner. Root Cause: The master Table Ordering switch is toggled OFF. Fix: Open Table Manager and switch Table Ordering to ON.
Issue 2: Kitchen Tablet Makes No Sound. Root Cause: Modern web browsers strictly block auto-playing sounds until user interaction. Fix: Kitchen staff must tap anywhere on the KDS screen once after page reload to allow audio.
Issue 3: Staff Join Code Says "Invalid or Expired". Root Cause: Join codes expire after 60 minutes and are strictly single-use. Fix: Generate a fresh 6-character code under Staff & Roles in the manager console.
Issue 4: Bill Amount Cannot Be Edited / Fields Greyed Out. Root Cause: The order is marked Paid or was prepaid online. Paid bills lock permanently for tax compliance. Fix: A manager must issue a formal void in OMS if corrections are needed.
Issue 5: Table Creation Rejects Name with Format Error. Root Cause: Labels are strictly limited to 1–2 alphanumeric characters. Fix: Shorten long names (e.g. use T4 instead of Table 4).
Issue 6: Thermal Printer Silent or Blank Slips. Root Cause: Thermal paper inserted backwards or Bluetooth disconnected. Fix: Invert paper roll so the heat-sensitive side faces the print head, and test print in Printer Lab.
What You Need to Do (Step-by-Step)
- 1. Diagnose Menu in View-Only Mode
If guests cannot see checkout buttons, navigate to Dashboard -> Tables / QR Code and ensure the "Table Ordering" master switch is active.
- 2. Unlock Kitchen Audio Bells
If kitchen staff report missing audio chimes, have them tap the KDS screen once to allow browser audio permissions.
- 3. Re-issue Expired Staff Join Codes
If staff cannot link their phone, open Staff & Roles and generate a new 6-character code (valid for 60 minutes).
- 4. Handle Mistakenly Paid Orders
If an order was settled with the wrong payment method, open OMS, review the Timeline, and perform a manager void.
- 5. Verify Thermal Printer Feed
If receipts print blank white paper, open the printer lid, invert the paper roll so the smooth side faces the print head, and reprint.
Key Screen Controls & Options
Action: Instantly resumes or pauses guest QR order intake.
Action: Grants browser permission to play audio bell chimes for incoming tickets.
Action: Issues a fresh 6-character code valid for 60 minutes.
- Customer mobile checkouts reactivate instantly.
- KDS begins ringing audibly for all new incoming orders.
- Staff devices link securely without IT assistance.
- Operational locks exist to protect financial integrity and prevent employee theft. Do not attempt to bypass database state rules.
- Never write passwords on sticky notes; always generate single-use 6-character Join Codes for shift workers.
- Ensure the manager dashboard is accessible on at least one supervisor phone during peak hours.
⚡ Common Floor Scenarios & Edge Cases
What to do: Line cooks must tap the screen once after the page reloads to re-enable sound alerts.
What to do: MintLight’s atomic state machine processes the first settlement and informs the second device: "Order is already paid".
📋 Real-World Shift Walkthrough
During dinner, the chef shouts that no bell sounded for Table 5’s order. Manager Marco walks into the kitchen, taps the KDS screen once with his finger, and taps the sound test icon. The bell rings loudly. Marco reminds the kitchen team to tap the screen once every morning after powering on the tablet.