Times change, and with them so do restaurant kitchens.
Much like everything else…
But what is this KOT word that has been revolving around restaurant management for some years now and why is everyone using it?
Well, KOT is just another form of communication between the restaurant’s kitchen and the counter. It is popular to be used in Point Of Sale Software now.
What Is KOT?
KOT stands for Kitchen Order Ticket. It is an order receipt sent from the order counter to the kitchen enabling the kitchen to start preparing the order. The receipt contains details of the order such as items, quantity, special requests, assigned waiter, assigned table etc.
The purpose of KOT is to create a bridge between the order counter of a restaurant and the kitchen. This helps the kitchen department to be up to date on what orders to prepare preventing delays or miscommunications between the department.
The process starts with a front-end employee taking an order from a customer and either writing it down or creating a list in POS software. Then the list of the order (KOT) is sent to the kitchen either physically or digitally through the
This process is repeated throughout the day. The kitchen keeps preparing orders written on the KOT and sends it down to the waiter while the order counters keep filling KOTs on orders from customers.
What is KOT in POS Software?
KOT (Kitchen Order Ticket) in POS software is a digital copy of an order sent to the kitchen from the order counter. This contains all the necessary information for the kitchen to start prepping up for an order such as order items, quantity, special requests (if any), assigned waiter and tables etc.
Types of KOT
The trend of using a KOT has been in restaurant businesses for many years.
Previously, physically KOTs were used in restaurants.
This involved the Order Counter keeping some kind of token/ticket/receipt with them. Upon taking the order, the relevant token/ticket/receipt is given to the customer to give to the kitchen department. Some restaurants have an employee of their own who is assigned this task.
However, in recent times, good POS software have taken the responsibility for this duty.
With modern technology, the process is simplified.
The order counter simply creates a cart for the order placed by the customer. When done, a KOT is generated for the cart that is digitally sent to the Kitchen Department.
The user of the kitchen department has a screen on the POS software. This screen gets updated on each arrival of KOT. From here, the kitchen can view all the KOTs to start preparing and also mark them as done when the meal is prepared.
With the help of a POS, the order counter and kitchen are more connected than ever! This enables for more accuracy in order placement and efficient communication between both departments.
4 Primary Benefits of Using a KOT System
KOT Systems are getting more popular each day and there are many reasons for this. The 4 main reasons why we think restaurants shift towards a KOT System are:
1. Efficient Communication
The primary reason why restaurants move towards a KOT system is obviously how it creates an efficient bridge between the order and kitchen departments. This enables a clearer order counter with minimal queues as all orders are forwarded efficiently. On the other hand, the kitchen is also better organized by preparing orders as per their chronological order.
2. Order Accuracy
If there’s anything customers hate more than long queues it’s getting the wrong meal served. And without a KOT, the restaurant is very prone to inaccuracy in orders.
Orders passed through verbal communication can be misheard or even get forgotten about by the kitchen. This creates delays in orders or inaccuracy in the quantity or item of the order.
And remember, an inaccurate order is not only wastage to a restaurant but also contains demarketing of the restaurant.
3. Better Waiter and Tables Management
With a KOT System, restaurants can manage their waiters and tables better.
With advanced POS systems, order counters have the option of seeing which tables and waiters are free, and then subsequently assigning free waiters and tables the order.
The assigned waiter and table is printed on the waiter, either physically or digitally, which helps the kitchen to know who to pass on the order to once it’s prepared, and the waiter knows where the order needs to be served.
4. Record Keeping
Lastly, KOTs contain very important documented information. Even without a POS, KOTs are helpful for waiters, kitchens, order counters, and customers.
At the end of the day, KOTs can be used to double-check orders, assign commissions to waiters based on how many KOTs they served, track kitchen inventory records, and more.
To use a KOT system in your restaurant, get the most advanced and efficient POS software: CISePOS.
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