How to Save order to Send to KDS Later

[Liam]

I'm new with using the KDS and need some help with using it.  Basically, I want to know if there is an easy way to take a phone order and then save it so I can send it to the KDS at a time that I decide.

We have our own delivery drivers and what I'm looking to do is be able to make orders together that are on the same route.  With my previous computer system, we used to send all orders to the kitchen immediately after taking it, but when it was very busy, it was very difficult to rush certain orders because there was already a lot of items in line and it messed up their flow.  What I resorted to was printing the receipts to the FOH and then sending them to the kitchen when I wanted them made.  Is there something similar I can do in Toast?

I know there's a hold function, but the orders hub doesn't really distinguish the orders that has been sent to the kitchen or not.

I was thinking of saving the order to a table and then being able to send it in afterwards, but every time I save an order, it also sends it to the KDS?  Am I doing it wrong?

[Rob]

Thanks for reaching out to the community! 

To manage phone orders and control when they are sent to the kitchen, you can use the following:
 

1. Use the Hold Function: While the Orders Hub may not clearly distinguish between orders sent to the kitchen and those sent to the KDS, you can use the hold function to manage the timing of when orders are sent.
2. Save Orders to a Table: You can save an order to a table without sending it to the KDS immediately. I see that you've tried this, so try using the hold function as well.
3. Batch Orders for Delivery Routes: To manage delivery routes, you can batch orders together and send them to the kitchen when you are ready. This can help you control the flow and ensure that orders are prepared in a timely manner for delivery.
   If you continue to experience issues with orders being sent to the KDS immediately upon saving, you might want to reach out to support if you haven't already. 
   
   Links for more info:
   https://doc.toasttab.com/doc/platformguide/adminRoutingOrdersKitchen.html
   Order Ready Board Overview & Configuration

[Liam]

I think I'm doing something wrong.  How do you save a order to a table without sending it to the KDS?  Right now, I am using quick order, selecting take out, and then transferring it to a table, but when I do that, it send the order to the KDS.  What do you mean by save order to a table?

How do you batch orders for delivery routes?  Is there a specific Toast function that does that?

[Sdaniel]

Hi there,

We typically use the Schedule Future Orders feature phone catering orders placed in advance, but occasionally guests will call in to place a takeout order a day in advance. Personally, I haven’t used it for same-day orders, but I noticed in the Toast article that it’s possible to schedule an order for a later time on the same day.

 Schedule Future Orders

Scheduled Future Orders Reporting

View Future Orders on the POS

Get Started With Future Order Setup: Pickup Mode and Auto Send

When entering a future order, we use a custom dining option called "Take Out Future," where the "future" box is checked. that allows us to schedule future orders. 

Set Up Custom Dining Options

The behavior we use is "takeout" since we don't use our own delivery drivers, but you might be able to set the behavior as delivery. 

Hopefully this is helpful in what you are trying to accomplish! 🙂