Kitchen Displays (KDS)Kitchen DisplaysKDS

Kitchen Displays

Kitchen Displays are the screen-based kitchen workflow in Tapa. They let you route items to the correct preparation stage and move orders through service from prep to line to expedite.

Kitchen Display Overview

This section covers each configured display for the selected branch.

  • Reference: the display code.
  • Description: the name of the screen, such as PREP SCREEN, LINE SCREEN, or EXPEDITE SCREEN.
  • Type: whether the display is a prep, line, or expedite screen.

Use New to create another kitchen display.

Kitchen display types

  • Prep: used for early-stage preparation items such as veg prep, fryer prep, desserts, or anything that needs to be started before final assembly.
  • Line: used by the main cooking or plating station where the core dish is cooked and assembled.
  • Expedite: used at the pass to check that all parts of the order are complete before handoff to service staff.

Typical kitchen flow

A common workflow is Prep → Line → Expedite.

  1. Prep: the order first appears on the prep screen for any items that need early preparation.
  2. Line: once prep is underway or complete, the order progresses to the line screen where the main cooking and assembly happens.
  3. Expedite: when the dish is ready, it moves to the expedite screen where the final check is made before the order leaves the kitchen.

This staged flow helps different kitchen stations work in sequence, reduces missed items, and gives the pass or expediter a final overview before service.

Edit tab fields

When creating or editing a kitchen display, configure the following fields.

  • Reference: the internal code for the display.
  • Description: the visible name of the display.
  • Type: choose Prep, Line, or Expedite.
  • Grouping: controls how tickets are grouped, for example by Course.
  • Printer: optionally link a printer if you want print output associated with that display workflow.
  • Course Alerts: highlights course-related activity on the display.
  • Start on New: controls whether new items begin in the new state when they arrive on the display.
  • Print on Complete: prints when the item or ticket is completed on that display.

How to create a kitchen display

  1. Go to Settings > Kitchen Displays.
  2. Click New.
  3. Enter the Reference and Description.
  4. Select the correct Type.
  5. Choose the required Grouping.
  6. Select a Printer if needed.
  7. Set options such as Course Alerts, Start on New, and Print on Complete.
  8. Click Save.

Best practice setup

  • Use separate displays for prep, line, and expedite when different stations are involved.
  • Keep display names clear so staff can identify the correct screen immediately.
  • Use course grouping where the kitchen needs to control firing by course.
  • Only use Print on Complete where a paper handoff is still part of the workflow.

FAQ

What is the difference between prep, line, and expedite?

Prep is for early preparation work, line is for main cooking and assembly, and expedite is the final checking stage before food is served.

Do I need all three screen types?

No. Smaller sites may only need one or two stages, but larger kitchens often benefit from the full prep-to-expedite workflow.

What does Start on New do?

It controls whether new items appear in the new state as they arrive on that display, helping staff see fresh work immediately.

When should I use Print on Complete?

Use it if your kitchen still needs a printed handoff at completion, for example at the pass or for bagging and collection workflows.