Special Instructions

Special Instructions

Special instructions allow you to add customer preferences, dietary requirements, preparation notes, and other important information to KOT orders. This feature ensures kitchen staff receives all necessary details to prepare orders according to customer specifications.

What are Special Instructions?

Special instructions can include:

• Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
• Allergies: Nut allergies, dairy-free, etc.
• Preparation Preferences: Well-done, medium-rare, extra crispy, etc.
• Customization Requests: No onions, extra sauce, etc.
• Service Notes: Serve separately, serve together, etc.
• Customer Requests: Any other special requests

Benefits of Special Instructions

Using special instructions provides:

• Customer Satisfaction: Orders prepared according to preferences
• Safety: Important allergy and dietary information
• Customization: Meet individual customer needs
• Communication: Clear instructions for kitchen staff
• Compliance: Handle dietary requirements properly

Adding Order-level Instructions

To add instructions for the entire order:

1. Open the KOT creation or editing form
2. Locate the Special Instructions field
3. Enter instructions that apply to the entire order
4. Instructions will appear on the KOT for kitchen staff
5. Save the KOT with instructions

Adding Item-level Instructions

To add instructions for specific items:

1. In the KOT item list, find the item
2. Click on the item or use the instruction field
3. Enter item-specific instructions
4. Instructions appear next to the item on KOT
5. Save changes to the KOT

Instruction Display

Instructions are displayed:

• On printed KOTs for kitchen reference
• On kitchen display systems
• In KOT detail views
• Prominently to ensure visibility

Instruction Best Practices

When adding instructions:

• Be clear and specific
• Use standard terminology familiar to kitchen staff
• Highlight critical information (allergies, dietary restrictions)
• Keep instructions concise but complete
• Use consistent formatting

Common Instruction Types

Examples of common instructions:

• Allergies: "No nuts", "Dairy-free", "Gluten-free"
• Dietary: "Vegetarian", "Vegan", "Halal"
• Preparation: "Well-done", "Medium-rare", "No salt"
• Customization: "Extra sauce", "No onions", "Side of rice"
• Service: "Serve together", "Separate plates", "On the side"

Instruction Templates

You can create instruction templates for:

• Common dietary requirements
• Standard preparation preferences
• Frequently used customizations
• Quick selection of common instructions

Instruction Visibility

Ensuring instructions are noticed:

• Instructions appear prominently on KOTs
• Critical instructions may be highlighted
• Kitchen display shows instructions clearly
• Staff training on reading instructions

Editing Instructions

You can modify instructions:

• Edit KOT to change instructions
• Update instructions before printing
• Modify instructions based on customer requests
• Changes update in real-time

Instruction Validation

When adding instructions:

• Verify instructions are clear and understandable
• Confirm critical information (allergies) is included
• Check that instructions are feasible
• Ensure kitchen staff can fulfill requests

Best Practices

• Always ask customers about dietary restrictions
• Document all special requests accurately
• Highlight critical instructions (allergies, dietary)
• Train staff on handling special instructions
• Verify instructions are followed
• Review instruction handling regularly

Troubleshooting

Instructions not showing on KOT?

• Verify instructions were saved
• Check KOT template includes instruction field
• Ensure printer/KDS displays instructions
• Review instruction field configuration

Instructions too long?

• Keep instructions concise
• Use abbreviations where appropriate
• Split complex instructions into multiple lines
• Consider instruction templates

Next Steps

After setting up special instructions:

• Train staff on instruction handling
• Create instruction templates for common requests
• Monitor instruction fulfillment
• Gather customer feedback on instruction handling
• Continuously improve instruction process