QSR - POS Mode Functionality Notes (2017)

QSR POS Mode Functionality

Activity Level Setup

This is for those QSR KDS maintainers.

If there is a scenario where the staff levels increase or decrease at a location, what you're looking for is LEVELS (as in, activity levels).

This is what we should have used and probably still should use at PTI as this is what it is meant for.  The use case I was trying to solve for AFV was that one of their locations has a 2 monitor setup.  One is a prep station, the other is expo (in a simplified explanation).  In the morning, they'd like the prep station to close, and only handle everything from a single expo screen. 

In order to make this happen, you create a new level, and define the screens, routing and bump bars as they would like during those lower activity times.  Then you switch it with the KDS Console.

There are other ways defined below.  Please remember this feature in the future if a use case like this shows up.

Per our conversation, I have copied a KnowledgeBase article below on methods for changing Activity Levels in ePic KDS and ConnectSmart Kitchen (CSK).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yzlrwszzmk285gu/ChangeActivityLevel.zip?dl=0

Also, as I mentioned, our documentation shows the existing Volante interface supports the ChangeActivityLevel function, so you may be able to apply that to the POS. (But be advised you will want to make that an Admin or Manager-level permission.)

Activity Level switching methods

The following article describes various ways to switch activity levels in CSK and KDS.

Activity levels provide a way to configure a site’s kitchen to operate differently as store conditions change throughout the day or week, without switching datasets. As sales volume and staffing levels change, it may be beneficial to change the configuration of kitchen.

For example, the dinner rush period has different demands than a mid-afternoon slow period. Activity levels provide a way to switch among configurations that are suited to these different periods.

Console Method

Both KDS and CSK have consoles that allow you to change levels.

For KDS:

1. Open KDS Console (Start->Programs->QSR Automations->KDS Console).
2. Click the Change Activity Level button and select the desired level from the list.        

For CSK

1. Open the Kitchen Console (Start->Programs->QSR Automations->Kitchen Console). It will list the available levels.
2. Select the desired level and click the Change Activity Level button.

Advantages

• Allows site to switch on the fly in accordance to volume or staff needs.

Disadvantages

• Must be done from the BackOffice computer or file server where KDS application is installed.

Command Line Method

The change activity level operation is done through the use of the ChangeAcitivityLevel.exe. This executable is included with both the KDS software and ConnectSmart Kitchen (CSK) software suites. In KDS the executable is found in the …\QSRAuto\KDS\Bin directory. In CSK it is found in the ...\Program Files\Qsr Automations\ConnectSmart\BackOffice\Bin

NOTE: ChangeActivityLevel.exe is NO LONGER INCLUDED as part of the CSK Server installation in versions 3.4 and later. Please use the executable contained in the ChangeActivityLevel.zip attached to this article. This executable is not version-specific for CSK or KDS.

If the POS being used has the ability to run an executable, this command can be added as button on the POS for a more automated solution. In most cases, this involves copying the ChangeActivityLevel.exe to each terminal but consult the POS documentation for correct usage.

Examples of commands

• \ChangeActivityLevel.exe 1 (would change to level 1)
• \ChangeActivityLevel.exe 2 (would change to level 2)

Advantages

• Allows for an automated way of changing levels.
• Gives the ability to change levels on the fly in accordance to current site demand.
• Does not require that a site have access to the QSR system.

Scheduled Task Method

This method is essentially a batch file that is created using the parameters of the command line method. The batch file is then set up in Windows as a Scheduled Task to run at a specific day/time. 

Advantages

• Allows for a somewhat automated method of changing levels.
• Level changes consistently occur at the same time.

Disadvantages

• Takes the decision to change levels out of the hands of the site and does not take into account what may be currently occurring at the site. For example, staff shortages or unexpected high volume are not taken into account.

Win32 Command Line (CSK only)

The Win32 hardware such as the eXpert controller or All-in-One has the ability to run an executable through CSK external program feature. The user can assign an action to the keypad or touch panel that will execute an activity level change. 

1. Upload the ChangeActivityLevel.exe to the eXpert using the File System Transfer operation in Site Manager (or use ControlPoint).
2. In the Kitchen Builder Pro, on the External Programs tab of the Kitchen Action Settings form and enter the following:
• Command Line = C:\QSRAuto\ChangeActivityLevel.exe
• Argument = 2
3. The external program action/button  needs to be added to the keypad or touch panel.

      This example changes to activity level 2. A separate command line and argument would need to be added to change the level back to 1.

NOTE: This works on the assumption the file uploaded in Step 1 was placed in the C:\QSRAuto folder on the eXpert. If placed to a different directory then the command line file path would need to be adjusted accordingly.

Advantages

• Allows the kitchen staff to change activity levels from a kitchen station.

Disadvantages

• It is limited to only three level changes; there are only three external program actions allowed.
• Users can inadvertently change levels by accidentally pressing the Change Level button.
• It is the most labor intensive method to set up.
• It only works using Win32 hardware with CSK software.