Modern restaurants face mounting pressure to deliver faster service while maintaining quality and accuracy. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) have emerged as a game-changing solution within restaurant technology, transforming how restaurants manage orders and coordinate kitchen operations.
This comprehensive guide explores everything restaurant owners need to know about KDS technology, including:
- How Kitchen Display System (KDS) technology works
- Key benefits for restaurants
- Different types of KDS available
- How to choose the right system for your establishment
What is a KDS (Kitchen Display System)?
A Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a digital system that receives and displays orders from a restaurant’s point of sale (POS) and online ordering platform. It serves as a central hub for incoming orders, displaying them in real time to kitchen staff, effectively replacing traditional paper tickets and kitchen printers with modern digital screens.
In its basic form, a KDS is a system that connects the ordering point (POS, Ordering app, Self-ordering KIOSK), and the kitchen, where the orders are displayed and the information is exchanged. The primary function of a KDS is to streamline kitchen operations by providing clear, organized, and real-time order information to kitchen staff.
Key Features of a KDS
Real-Time Order Display: Orders appear instantly on kitchen screens as soon as they’re placed, eliminating delays common with paper ticket systems.
Color-Coded Organization: Prioritize color coded orders and updates from your restaurant POS system, website, and mobile apps in real time.
Timer Integration: Use predefined cook timings to break down each order, prioritize preparation tasks, and automatically alert kitchen staff about ticket timing.
Multi-Station Support: Orders can be displayed across different kitchen stations (grill, fryer, salad prep) for efficient workflow management.
Order Status Tracking: Kitchen staff can mark orders as started, in progress, or completed, providing visibility across the entire operation.
How Does a KDS Work?
Understanding the order flow within a KDS helps restaurant owners appreciate how this technology transforms kitchen operations. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a Kitchen Display System functions:
Step 1: Order Placement Customers place orders through various channels – in-person via POS terminals, online ordering platforms, mobile apps, or third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Step 2: Order Integration When a server inputs an order at the POS, the details are instantly transmitted to the KDS, where they are displayed on strategically placed screens within the kitchen.
Step 3: Kitchen Display Orders appear on digital screens with complete details including menu items, modifications, customer preferences, order timing, and priority levels.
Step 4: Station Assignment Orders are organized by station, such as grill, fry, or salad prep, allowing cooks to focus on their specific tasks.
Step 5: Order Tracking Kitchen staff can update order status in real-time, marking items as started, in preparation, or ready for service.
Step 6: Completion and Communication Once orders are complete, the system can notify front-of-house staff for pickup or delivery, ensuring smooth coordination between kitchen and service teams.
Step 7: Data Collection A KDS creates a digital record of your kitchen operations, including average speed of service and cook times, so that you can access and analyze the data at any time.
Benefits of Using a KDS in Your Restaurant
Implementing a Kitchen Display System offers numerous advantages that can significantly impact your restaurant’s efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. Here are the key benefits:
Improved Efficiency
Kitchen staff can quickly see orders, prioritize tasks, and coordinate preparation across multiple stations seamlessly.
Reduced Errors
Clear digital displays minimize miscommunication, showing modifications and special requests prominently to reduce incorrect orders.
Better Communication
Real-time order status updates improve coordination between kitchen and service staff, reducing customer wait times.
Streamlined Omnichannel Ordering
KDS consolidates orders across all channels – dine-in, takeout, delivery apps, and online platforms into a single display system.
Reduced Paper Usage and Waste
Digital systems eliminate paper tickets, reducing operational costs and environmental impact while removing printer maintenance needs.
Enhanced Order Prioritization
Color-coding and timer features help prioritize urgent orders and maintain optimal food quality across all orders.
Valuable Analytics and Reporting
Digital systems provide insights into kitchen performance, preparation times, and peak periods for data-driven improvements.
Cost Savings
Long-term savings include reduced paper costs, lower maintenance expenses, and improved labor efficiency.
What Are the Different Kinds of KDS?
Understanding the different types of Kitchen Display Systems helps restaurant owners choose the solution that best fits their operational needs and budget. There are three primary categories:
Software KDS
Software-based KDS solutions run on existing hardware like tablets, computers, or smart displays. These systems typically require less upfront investment in hardware and offer easier scalability.
Advantages:
- Lower initial investment since you can use existing devices
- Easy to update and customize
- Cloud-based options offer remote access and management
- Seamless integration with other cloud-based restaurant management tools
Disadvantages:
- May have limited customization options
- Dependent on internet connectivity for cloud-based solutions
- Consumer-grade hardware may not withstand kitchen environments
Hardware KDS
Hardware-based KDS consists of dedicated commercial-grade displays and terminals specifically designed for kitchen environments.
Advantages:
- Purpose-built with long-life embedded components to withstand heat, humidity, grease, and heavy use
- More robust and reliable in demanding kitchen conditions
- Often includes specialized features like waterproofing and heat resistance
- Dedicated hardware ensures consistent performance
Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront investment
- Less flexibility for customization
- May require professional installation and maintenance
Onboard KDS
Onboard KDS refers to kitchen display solutions that come integrated within POS systems, combining hardware and software in a bundled package. Many POS providers now include basic KDS functionality as part of their complete restaurant management systems.
While convenient for setup and integration, bundled KDS solutions often have restricted customization capabilities and limited advanced features. Restaurant operators may find it challenging to modify display layouts or access detailed reporting needed for operational optimization. eTakeawayMax offers a more comprehensive onboard solution that combines full EPOS functionality with advanced KDS features, providing the convenience of integrated systems without sacrificing customization options.
Advantages:
- Seamless integration with existing POS infrastructure
- Single vendor support for all restaurant technology
- Often more cost-effective than separate systems
Disadvantages:
- Limited customization and reporting capabilities
- May lack advanced features available in specialized KDS solutions
- Dependent on POS provider for updates and enhancements
Main Components of a KDS
Display Screens: High-resolution monitors or tablets that show order information clearly in kitchen lighting conditions.
Processing Unit: Computer or tablet that runs the KDS software and manages order data.
Network Infrastructure: Reliable internet or local network connection to ensure real-time order transmission.
Integration Interfaces: Software that integrates with other restaurant systems like POS and online ordering platforms.
Mounting Systems: Secure brackets and stands designed to position displays at optimal viewing angles while protecting equipment in busy kitchen environments.
How to Choose the Perfect KDS
Selecting the right Kitchen Display System requires careful consideration of your restaurant’s specific needs and operational requirements. Here are the core factors to evaluate:
Integration Capabilities
Ensure the KDS seamlessly connects with your existing POS system, online ordering platforms, and third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Poor integration creates operational headaches and reduces efficiency gains.
Ease of Use
Kitchen staff need to quickly understand and navigate the system during busy periods. Look for intuitive interfaces with clear displays, easy-to-understand icons, and minimal training requirements.
Hardware Durability
Kitchen environments are demanding, with heat, humidity, grease, and constant use. Select hardware specifically designed for commercial kitchen use or ensure your chosen devices can withstand these conditions.
Scalability and Flexibility
Choose a system that can grow with your business and adapt to your specific workflow. Consider future expansion plans, additional locations, customization options for display layouts, color coding, and order prioritization that match your operational needs.
Reliability and Cost Considerations
Restaurant operations depend on consistent technology performance. Evaluate vendor reliability, technical support quality, system uptime guarantees, and total cost including initial purchase, ongoing subscriptions, maintenance, and potential upgrade expenses. Consider how easily your staff can adapt to the new system and factor in training time and adoption challenges.
Some KDS Options
The market offers numerous Kitchen Display System solutions, each with distinct features and pricing models. Here are five popular KDS vendors that restaurants commonly consider:
| KDS Provider | Description | Key Features | Best For |
| Square KDS | Kitchen display application that runs on Android and iOS tablets, replacing paper tickets with digital order management for small to medium restaurants. | Square POS integration, mobile-friendly interface, real-time order tracking, affordable pricing | Small to medium restaurants using Square ecosystem |
| Toast KDS | All-in-one restaurant platform with integrated kitchen display functionality and robust analytics with customizable workflows. Most advanced integrations require external add-ons. | Complete restaurant platform, robust analytics, multi-location support, customizable workflows | Full-service restaurants needing comprehensive management |
| Oracle KDS | Enterprise-grade hardware solution with purpose-built components suitable for heat, humidity, and heavy kitchen use. Features advanced cook-time management and reporting. | Industrial-grade hardware, enterprise scalability, advanced cook-time management, detailed reporting | Large restaurant operations and enterprise chains |
| Lightspeed KDS | Digital order management tool with strong order visualization capabilities. Offers color-coded displays and workflow compatibility, though analytics are less robust than some competitors. | Color-coded displays, real-time prioritization, POS integration, strong order visualization | Mid-size restaurants prioritizing visual order management |
| ETM KDS | Integrated KDS solution within a comprehensive EPOS system, offering multi-channel order integration, reporting tools, and full system compatibility at competitive pricing. | Multi-channel integration, customizable displays, reporting tools, complete EPOS compatibility | Restaurants seeking integrated, cost-effective solutions |
Integrate A KDS with Your System
Ready to eliminate paper tickets and streamline your kitchen operations? eTakeawayMax’s integrated EPOS system includes advanced KDS functionality that seamlessly connects with your existing software setup, creating a unified restaurant management solution.
Why Choose ETM’s Integrated Solution?
- All-in-one simplicity: Complete EPOS system with built-in KDS functionality
- Exceptional value: Full system including KDS for just £20 per week in our Platinum plan
- Seamless compatibility: Integrates with your existing technology investments
- Scalable growth: Supports single locations to multi-site operations
Stop juggling multiple systems and eliminate the confusion of managing separate tablets for each delivery platform. Discover ETM’s Integrated EPOS and KDS Solution and take the first step toward unified, efficient restaurant operations that grow with your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KDS for restaurants?
A KDS is a digital screen system that replaces paper tickets in restaurants. It connects your POS, delivery apps, and online orders, showing complete order details and allowing staff to track progress in real-time across different cooking stations.
How does KDS work?
Orders from POS terminals, mobile apps, or delivery platforms instantly appear on kitchen screens. Kitchen staff view order details, mark items as started or finished, and update status in real-time. The system organizes orders by priority and cooking time for efficient coordination.
How much does a KDS typically cost?
Most KDS software costs £15–£30 per month per device, with premium hardware systems costing £2,000–£5,000 upfront plus monthly fees. eTakeawayMax simplifies this by including KDS in its Platinum plan at just £20 per week with complete EPOS functionality.
What is the difference between KDS and kitchen printers?
KDS advantages:
Digital displays with real-time updates
Color-coded prioritization and timers
No paper costs or printer maintenance
Better organization across cooking stations
Kitchen printers:
Lower upfront costs
Require paper supplies and maintenance
Tickets can become illegible or lost
How does KDS handle multiple kitchens?
KDS routes orders to the right stations (grill, fryer, salad, etc.) so each team sees only what they need. Multi-location restaurants can use dashboards to monitor all kitchens centrally and maintain consistent workflows across locations.
