Getting Started with Collection Display

Collection Display is a real-time order status screen for customers waiting to collect their takeaway orders. This guide covers setup and operation.

What Is Collection Display?

Collection Display is a Dart-based application that shows:

• Current orders ready for collection
• Orders being prepared with wait time
• Customer names and order numbers (for privacy and identification)
• Estimated pickup times
• Real-time status updates as orders move through your kitchen

The display is mounted in your customer-facing area, allowing customers to see when their order is ready without asking staff.

Benefits

• Reduces wait time perception: Customers see their order is being prepared
• Cuts staff interruptions: Customers don't need to ask "Is my order ready?"
• Improves efficiency: Staff can focus on food preparation instead of fielding status questions
• Professional appearance: Shows your restaurant is organized and modern
• Works for all order types: Displays takeaway, delivery, and dine-in orders

Hardware Requirements

Supported Devices

Collection Display runs on:

• iPad or Android tablet (recommended: 10-inch or larger for visibility)
• Desktop or laptop monitor (with compatible device running the app)
• Dedicated in-store display screen (via Raspberry Pi or similar)

Recommended setup:

• Large wall-mounted tablet or screen (at least 10 inches)
• Positioned at eye level in customer waiting area
• Stable internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet)

Initial Setup

Step 1: Install the App

1. On your tablet or device, download the MyOrderBox Collection Display app:
   • iOS: App Store (search "MyOrderBox Collection Display")
   • Android: Google Play Store (search "MyOrderBox Collection Display")
2. Install and open the app

Step 2: Sign In

1. Enter your MyOrderBox account credentials
2. Select your restaurant from the store list
3. The app will verify your account and load your store information

Step 3: Verify Connection

1. The app will test connection to your MyOrderBox back office
2. Check for any error messages
3. Confirm the app shows "Connected" or "Online" status
4. The display should now be ready to receive orders

Step 4: Mount and Position

1. Place the device in your customer waiting area
2. Position it at eye level for easy viewing
3. Ensure the screen is clearly visible from at least 10 feet away
4. Test visibility from different angles in your location
5. Secure the device to prevent accidental movement

Step 5: Test with a Sample Order

1. Place a test order through your POS or online ordering system
2. Watch the Collection Display update in real time
3. Verify the order appears with:
   • Correct order number
   • Customer name (if captured)
   • Estimated ready time
   • Current status (Preparing, Ready, etc.)
4. Mark the order as complete and verify it updates on the display

How Orders Appear on Collection Display

Order States

Orders progress through states as they move through your kitchen:

Preparing:

• Order has been received but not yet complete
• Displays order number, customer name, and estimated time
• Shows a "Preparing" label or progress indicator

Ready for Collection:

• Order is complete and waiting for customer pickup
• Highlighted prominently (often with color change or movement to top)
• Shows the message "Ready for Collection" or similar
• May include a sound alert (if configured)

Collected:

• Order has been picked up by customer
• Removed from the active display within seconds
• Archived in your order history

Information Displayed

For each order, the Collection Display shows:

• Order Number — unique identifier (e.g., #47, #48, #49)
• Customer Name — first name or nickname for privacy
• Status — Preparing, Ready, Delayed, etc.
• Estimated Time — "Ready in 8 minutes" or "Ready at 14:35"
• Special Notes (if configured) — dietary requirements, allergies, or staff notes

Customization Options

Display Layout

Depending on your volume:

• Simple layout: Shows orders in order of readiness (ready first, then preparing)
• Organized layout: Groups orders by status (All Ready, Preparing, Running Late)
• High-volume layout: Shows only orders ready or nearly ready, hides preparing orders

Color Schemes

You can typically choose:

• Light or dark theme based on your location's lighting
• Color-coded order cards (blue for preparing, green for ready, etc.)
• Custom brand colors to match your restaurant

To customize, look for Settings in the Collection Display app and check for display preferences.

Text Size

Text size is usually automatic, but you can adjust in Settings if the display is too far away or text is hard to read from your location.

Connectivity and Internet

Collection Display requires:

• Continuous internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
• At least 2 Mbps download speed (typical for order data)
• Stable connection — if WiFi drops, orders will queue and sync when connection returns

For reliable operation:

• Position the device close to your WiFi router
• Use 5GHz WiFi band if available (faster than 2.4GHz)
• Consider a wired Ethernet connection if WiFi is unreliable
• Reboot the device weekly to clear cache

Managing Orders on Collection Display

Mark Order as Collected

When a customer picks up their order:

1. Staff member taps the order on the Collection Display
2. Order is immediately marked as Collected
3. Order disappears from the active display
4. Order is archived in your order history

Alternatively, if you're using a Kitchen Display System (KDS), you can mark orders as collected there and Collection Display will update automatically.

Order Not Showing

If an order doesn't appear on the display:

1. Verify the order was created in your system (check your POS or KDS)
2. Verify Collection Display is Connected (check app status)
3. Close and reopen the Collection Display app
4. Check your internet connection is stable

Troubleshooting

App Won't Connect

Symptom: App shows "Offline" or "Connection Error"

1. Check your restaurant's internet connection
2. Verify the device has WiFi or Ethernet
3. Restart the device
4. Sign out and sign back in to the app
5. If still not working, contact support

Orders Not Updating

Symptom: Orders appear but don't update to "Ready"

1. Check that your Kitchen Display System (KDS) is correctly marking orders as complete
2. Verify Collection Display app is still running and "Connected"
3. Restart the app if it's been running for many hours
4. Check your KDS integration is active

Sound Alert Not Working

Collection Display can alert customers with a sound when their order is ready.

1. Check device volume is not muted or very low
2. Go to Settings > Sound and enable "Ready Alert"
3. Verify the device's speaker is not blocked or obstructed
4. Test with a new order

Screen Locking or Turning Off

1. Go to Settings > Device
2. Ensure "Screen Always On" is enabled
3. Disable any power-saving settings on your device
4. Set device screen brightness to high enough for visibility

Best Practices

• Restart daily: Restart the device once per day (early morning before opening) to clear cache
• Monitor visibility: Ensure text is legible from your customer waiting area
• Test regularly: Check that new orders appear correctly at least once per shift
• Position carefully: Place the display where all waiting customers can see it easily
• Keep device powered: Ensure the device is always plugged in or charged

For Kitchen Staff

Your Kitchen Display System (KDS) stays separate from Collection Display. When you mark an order as complete in your KDS, it automatically updates on the customer-facing Collection Display within seconds.

You don't need to do anything special — just keep completing orders in your normal workflow.

Support

Contact MyOrderBox support if:

• Collection Display won't connect to your account
• Orders aren't appearing on the display
• The display isn't updating in real time
• You need help customizing the layout or colors
• You're having internet connectivity issues