> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ofatoura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Taking table orders on the ePOS app

> Step-by-step guide to opening a table, building a cart, and sending orders to the kitchen from the oFatoura waiter app on your device.

The ePOS waiter app is your main tool for taking dine-in orders. From the table grid you can tap any available table, build the order, set covers and preferences, and fire a kitchen ticket — all without leaving the floor.

## Permissions needed

You need permission to **create orders** to start a new order. Opening or editing a table that belongs to another waiter requires the **Open Others' Orders** permission, which a manager can grant or override with their PIN.

***

## The table grid

When you open the POS screen you land on the table grid. Each table tile shows its name, area, and current status:

| Status    | Meaning                                |
| --------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Available | No active order — ready to seat guests |
| Running   | Order in progress                      |
| Reserved  | A reservation is holding the table     |

**My Tables Only** is on by default for waiters. This hides other waiters' tables so the grid stays focused on your section. Tap the toggle at the top of the screen to see all tables in the branch.

Use the **area filter** (the row of area tabs above the grid) to narrow the view to a specific dining room or section.

***

## Starting an order

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap the table">
    Tap any available table tile. The cart opens for that table.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set party size">
    Enter the number of guests (1–99) in the **Party size / covers** field. This is used for cover reporting and is required before you can submit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the order type">
    The order type defaults to **Dine-in**. You can switch to **Pickup** or **Delivery** from the order type selector if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a customer (optional)">
    For dine-in this is optional. Tap the customer field and enter a name and/or phone number if you want to associate the order with a guest.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add items">
    Browse the menu by category. Tap an item to add it to the cart. Items that have modifier groups (extras, choices, cooking preferences) will prompt you to make selections before adding.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust quantities and modifiers">
    Use the + and − controls on each cart line to change quantity. Tap a cart line to re-open its modifier sheet and make changes before the order is submitted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add special instructions (optional)">
    Tap the **Special instructions** field on the cart to type a free-text note for the kitchen. You can also add a per-item note from the modifier sheet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply a discount (optional)">
    Tap the **Discount** field to enter either a percentage or a fixed amount off the order total.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mark as tax exempt (optional)">
    If the order qualifies for tax exemption, toggle **Tax exempt** on. This action requires a manager override — a prompt will ask for a manager's PIN to authorise it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the order">
    Tap **Submit** (or **Send to kitchen**). A Kitchen Order Ticket (KOT) is created and sent to the relevant kitchen station(s). The table tile updates to **Running** on the grid.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Editing a draft order

You can add, remove, or change items on an order as long as the order has not yet been confirmed by the kitchen. Open the running table, make your changes, and tap **Update** to fire a new KOT for the added items.

<Note>
  Once items have been sent to the kitchen (the order is no longer in draft), you cannot silently change them. Adding new items creates an additional KOT; voiding items after a KOT has been sent requires the void permission.
</Note>

***

## Moving an order to another table

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the running order">
    Tap the table tile to open its cart.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Move Table sheet">
    Tap the table name or the options menu at the top of the cart and select **Move Table**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the destination table">
    The Move Table sheet lists available tables. Tap the table you want to move the order to.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the move">
    Tap **Confirm**. The order transfers to the new table and both table tiles update in real time on the grid.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Order ownership and the lock

Each order is locked to the waiter who created it. Other waiters will see the table as occupied but cannot open the cart unless they have the **Open Others' Orders** permission.

If you need to edit another waiter's order without that permission, a manager can tap **Override** when the locked-order prompt appears and enter their PIN. The override is valid for that action only.

<Tip>
  If your team frequently shares tables, ask your manager to grant the **Open Others' Orders** permission to your role so you don't need an override each time.
</Tip>

***

## Related

* [ePOS Home Dashboard](/epos-app/home-dashboard)
* [Kitchen Display (KDS) on the ePOS App](/epos-app/kitchen-display)
* [Manager Override PINs for Sensitive Actions](/staff/manager-override-pins)
* [Variations, Modifier Groups, and Item Modifiers](/menu/variations-and-modifiers)
* [Floor and Tables Overview](/floor/index)
* [ePOS App Settings and Manager Overrides](/epos-app/settings-and-overrides)