Counter Mode

Counter mode is the cashier-facing workspace for taking orders at the counter, handling pickup/takeout orders, and managing the service queue.

Route: /pos/[branchId]/counter

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Overview

Counter mode is designed for quick-service restaurants, cafes, and any operation where customers order at a counter. It provides:

• A dense item catalog grid for fast order entry
• Cart management with quantity adjustments
• Order queue for tracking pickup status
• QR code display for customer self-ordering
• Payment processing and settlement

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Screen Layout

Left Panel , Item Catalog

• Search bar: Search items by name
• Category tabs: Filter items by category
• Item grid: Dense grid of menu items with name, price, and add button
• Each item card shows:
• Item name
• Price
• Available/unavailable status

Center Panel , Current Order

• Customer info: Name, entry code (if applicable)
• Cart: List of added items with:
• Quantity controls (+/-)
• Item name and selected options
• Individual item price
• Delete button
• Order notes: Special instructions text area
• Total: Running subtotal and grand total
• Action buttons: Place order, hold, or cancel

Right Panel , Order Queue

• List of active orders in the queue
• Each order shows:
• Queue number / claim code
• Customer name
• Item count
• Order status
• Time since order placed
• Status filters: All, Pending, Preparing, Ready, Completed

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Order Flow

Creating an Order

1. Select items from the catalog grid.
2. Configure options (size, modifiers) if applicable.
3. Enter customer name.
4. Enter entry code (if required by settings).
5. Add any special instructions.
6. Click Place Order.

Order Queue

Orders in the queue flow through statuses:

Status	Description	Action
Pending	Order received, awaiting preparation	Kitchen notified
Preparing	Kitchen is working on the order	,
Ready	Order ready for pickup	Notify customer
Completed	Order collected	Close order

| Cancelled | Order cancelled | ,

Each order shows:

• Queue position and claim code
• Elapsed time since ordering
• Item breakdown
• Action buttons for status transitions

Pickup Flow

1. Customer approaches the counter.
2. Staff finds the order by queue number or name.
3. Staff marks the order as Ready or Completed.
4. QR codes can be used for quick order lookup.

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Keeping the Board Responsive

The order queue is a live view of all active orders. To stay responsive during busy service, the board shows only the most recent active orders:

• When older active orders are hidden, an amber banner appears at the top of the board: "X older active orders are hidden to keep this board responsive."
• Hidden orders are not lost — they remain active and can be retrieved.
• The banner appears automatically whenever the board genuinely can't show everything; it disappears as soon as the full set fits again.

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QR Display

The counter mode includes a QR display option (/pos/[branchId]/counter/qr) that shows a QR code on screen for customers to scan and order from their own devices.

• Useful for crowded counters
• Customers scan, browse, and order from their phone
• Orders appear in the counter queue

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Counter Settings

Configure counter behavior at POS > Settings > Counter (/pos/[branchId]/settings/counter):

Setting	Description
Counter takeout ordering	Enable/disable counter ordering
Require entry code	Customers must enter a code to place pickup orders
Entry code	The required entry code text/number
Require guest name	Customers must provide their name

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Payment Processing

Counter mode supports the full range of payment methods:

• Cash
• Mobile Money
• Card (via terminal or Paystack)
• Bank Transfer
• Split payments

Use the Settle Order dialog to process payment and close an order.

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Related Documentation

• POS Overview
• Floor Mode
• Kitchen Display System (KDS)
• Payments
• Printing
• Kiosk Mode (Customer-facing)