Operation Modes

The Operation Mode defines the behavior and workflow that NSOE exhibits, both client and server side. For any given Operation Mode, the behaviors and workflow experienced by the user (food purchaser or restaurant staff) should be consistent and predictable. The following Operation Modes are defined in the system:

Guest Facing

Guest facing mode indicates that an NSOE device is placed at the guest table and that the food purchasers directly interacts with the POS system. In this mode, the guest has direct access to food menus, items, and descriptions, when items are sent to the kitchen (unless cash preauthorization workflow is in use), and when payment is completed. NSOE is always attached to a specific location. After restaurant staff interactions with NSOE, NSOE remains attached to the location and returns to Guest facing mode.

Table Service

Table service mode indicates that an NSOE device is functioning in the same manner as a traditional table service restaurant (i.e., restaurant server personnel recording orders from customers, then translating those orders to the POS system (potentially) away from the food purchasers). In this mode, the restaurant staff attaches NSOE to a table location, performs ordering functions, then logs off, detaching from the table location, and returns to the login screen.

Counter Service

Counter service mode indicates that an NSOE device is functioning as a stationary POS system that interacts with food purchasers queued before the restaurant staff. Restaurant staff enter food orders from the food purchasers into NSOE, take payment, then give food purchasers their receipt. Food delivery happens sometime afterward. After completing a transaction, the current logged-in user remains logged in, the device remains attached and a new session is created.

Drive Thru

Drive thru mode operates in much the same manner as Counter service. In Drive thru mode, time at which the food request is sent to the kitchen for preparation can be set to “Send Previous Item On Next Selection” Additionally, orders will be taken then the sessions will most likely be parked. Parked session are retrieved and completed with payment at a later time.

Kiosk

Kiosk mode indicates that the NSOE device is physically placed such that the food purchaser directly interacts with the POS system. In this mode, NSOE can create a Take Out order type using Standard session handling or Pre Order session handling (Pre Order is assigned Dine In order type for convenience; order type on a User Session with Pre Order session handling has usage in current business logic).