Instructions
Master Your Dinner Order System
Complete guide to streamline your catering operations with real-time updates, TV integration, and seamless workflows
6
Easy Steps
⚡
Real-time
📺
TV Display
📚 What You'll Learn
👥 Staff Management & Onboarding
🍽️ Menu Creation & Management
🗓️ Event Creation & Activation
🪑 Advanced Waiter Assignment
📝 Real-Time Order Management
📺 TV Display & Kitchen Integration
⚡ Performance & Troubleshooting
👥
Staff Management
Manage your team and permissions
Adding Waiters to Your Team
1.
Access Manager Dashboard
• Open the GlanceMenu app as a Manager
• Navigate to Settings → Team Management
2.
Invite New Waiters
• Tap ➕ Add Waiter
• Enter the waiter’s Full Name and Email
• Add a Profile Image (optional but recommended)
• Tap Send Invitation
3.
Waiter Onboarding Process
• Waiter receives email invitation with login credentials
• First login prompts password setup
• Automatic role assignment with appropriate permissions
• Access limited to assigned tables and events only
Waiter Role Features
• Limited Dashboard: Access only to assigned tables and active events
• Order Management: Create and update orders for assigned tables
• Real-time Sync: Instant updates across all connected devices
• Haptic Feedback: Tactile confirmation for all actions
Managing Existing Staff
• View All Waiters: See complete team roster with status
• Edit Permissions: Modify waiter access and assignments
• Remove Staff: Deactivate accounts when needed
• Activity Tracking: Monitor waiter performance and assignments
🍽️
Menu Creation
Build and customize your event menus
Creating Your Event Menu
1.
Navigate to Menu Management
• Go to Menu Items section in Manager Dashboard
• View existing items or create new ones
2.
Add Menu Items
• Tap ➕ Create Menu Item
• Enter Item Name (e.g., “Grilled Salmon”)
• Add Description (optional)
• Set Temperature Options if applicable
• Include Allergy Information and dietary notes
• Add Pricing (if applicable)
Menu Categories
• Appetizers: Small plates and starters
• Main Courses: Primary entrées
• Desserts: Sweet endings
• Beverages: Drinks and cocktails
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.
Advanced Menu Features
• Temperature Selections: For items requiring cooking preferences
• Allergy Warnings: Clear labeling for dietary restrictions
• Seasonal Items: Mark items as seasonal or limited availability
• Kitchen Notes: Special preparation instructions
• Inventory Tracking: Monitor item availability in real-time
💡 Pro Tip: Use clear, descriptive names and always include allergy information for guest safety.
🗓️
Event Management
Create and activate your events
3. 🗓️ Event Creation & Activation
Creating New Events
1.
Start Event Creation
•
Navigate to Events → ➕ Create Event
•
Enter Event Name and Description
•
Set Date & Start Time
•
Define Order Taking Window (when waiters can submit orders)
2.
Table Configuration
•
Set Number of Tables needed
•
Configure Seats Per Table (default: 10, adjustable)
•
Auto-generation of table layout
•
Option to customize individual table settings
3.
Menu Selection
•
Choose from your created menu items
•
Select Available Items for this specific event
•
Set Item Availability per table if needed
•
Configure Special Event Pricing (optional)
Event Activation & Management
✨ New: Swipe-to-Activate Feature
1.
Activate Events
•
Swipe Right on any event to activate
•
Instant activation with haptic feedback
•
Real-time sync across all devices
•
Only one event can be active at a time
2.
Event Status Indicators
•
🟢 Active: Currently accepting orders
•
🟡 Scheduled: Created but not yet active
•
🔴 Completed: Finished and archived
3.
Real-time Event Updates
•
Live participant count
•
Order progress tracking
•
Automatic status synchronization
•
Optimistic UI updates with error rollback
Event Dashboard Features
•
Live Statistics: Real-time order counts and progress
•
Table Overview: Visual table status grid
•
Waiter Assignments: See who’s assigned where
•
Order Timeline: Track order submission timing
•
Event Analytics: Performance metrics and insights
🪑
Waiter Assignment
Assign staff to tables efficiently
4. 🪑 Advanced Waiter Assignment
Quick Assignment Methods
Method 1: Swipe Gestures (Recommended)
1.
Navigate to Event Tables
•
Open active event details
•
View table grid layout
2.
Swipe-to-Assign
•
Swipe Left on any table row
•
Select “Assign Waiter” from action menu
•
Choose waiter from dropdown list
•
Confirm with haptic feedback
Method 2: Assignment Modal
1.
Tap Table for Details
•
Tap on any table number
•
Access Table Management options
2.
Use Assignment Modal
•
Tap "Manage Waiters"
•
Interactive waiter selection interface
•
Drag-and-drop assignment (where supported)
•
Bulk assignment for multiple tables
Advanced Assignment Features
Real-time Assignment Updates
•
Live Sync: Assignments update instantly across all devices
•
Visual Feedback: Color-coded indicators for assigned tables
•
Conflict Prevention: Automatic detection of over-assignments
•
Assignment History: Track changes and modifications
Waiter Workload Management
•
Table Count Limits: Set maximum tables per waiter
•
Workload Indicators: Visual representation of waiter capacity
•
Auto-balancing: Suggestions for optimal assignments
•
Performance Tracking: Monitor waiter efficiency per table
Assignment Best Practices
1.
Pre-Event Planning
•
Assign waiters before event activation
•
Consider venue layout and waiter experience
•
Plan for backup assignments
2.
During Event Management
•
Monitor waiter performance in real-time
•
Reassign tables if needed
•
Use swipe gestures for quick changes
3.
Quality Assurance
•
Verify all tables have assigned waiters
•
Check for balanced workloads
•
Confirm waiter availability
📝
Order Management
Real-time order tracking and updates
5. 📝 Real-Time Order Management
Enhanced Order Taking Workflow
For Waiters: Taking Orders
1.
Access Assigned Tables
•
Login shows only your assigned tables
•
Clear visual indicators for table status
•
Real-time seat availability updates
2.
Seat Selection & Order Creation
•
Tap on Available Seat (green indicator)
•
Choose from event menu items
•
Select Temperature if applicable
•
Add Special Instructions or notes
3.
Order Submission
•
Tap Submit Order
•
Instant haptic feedback confirmation
•
Real-time status update to “SUBMITTED”
•
Immediate sync to kitchen displays
New: Advanced Seat Management
✅ Normal Order Flow
1.
Tap available seat → Select menu item → Choose temperature → Submit
2.
Seat status: AVAILABLE → SUBMITTED (with order details)
3.
Haptic feedback + visual confirmation
4.
Real-time update to all connected devices
🚫 No-Show Management
1.
Tap available seat → Select "Mark as No Show"
2.
Seat status: AVAILABLE → NO_SHOW
3.
Removes seat from order count calculations
4.
Prevents accidental order placement
🔄 Order Modifications
1.
Swipe Left on existing order
2.
Options: Edit Order, Delete Order, Add Notes
3.
Real-time updates with optimistic UI
4.
Automatic rollback on conflicts
Kitchen & Management Order Tracking
Order Status Workflow
1.
SUBMITTED → Order placed by waiter
2.
IN_PREPARATION → Kitchen has started cooking
3.
READY → Dish ready for service
4.
SERVED → Delivered to guest
Manager Dashboard Features
•
Live Order Grid: Real-time view of all orders
•
Status Updates: Click to advance order status
•
Table Progress: Visual indicators for completion
•
Analytics: Order timing and efficiency metrics
Performance Features
Optimistic Updates
•
Instant UI feedback for all actions
•
Automatic rollback on server conflicts
•
Seamless user experience even with slow connections
Real-time Synchronization
•
WebSocket connections for live updates
•
Cross-device order status sync
•
Automatic conflict resolution
•
Offline queue management
Order Management Best Practices
1.
Pre-Service Setup
•
Verify all menu items are available
•
Test order submission flow
•
Confirm kitchen display connectivity
2.
During Service
•
Use swipe gestures for efficiency
•
Monitor real-time order progress
•
Communicate delays immediately
3.
Quality Control
•
Double-check special dietary requests
•
Verify order accuracy before submission
•
Use notes field for kitchen communication
📺
TV Display Integration
Connect kitchen and dining displays
6. 📺 TV Display & Kitchen Integration
QR Code Authentication Setup
Initial TV Display Setup
1.
Launch TV App
•
Install GlanceMenu TV app on your display device
•
Ensure device is connected to internet
2.
Generate QR Code
•
TV displays unique QR code for authentication
•
QR code contains device authorization URL
•
Code refreshes automatically for security
3.
Manager Authentication
•
Scan QR Code with manager mobile app
•
Automatic redirect to authorization screen
•
Tap “Authorize Device” to connect
•
Instant connection confirmation
4.
TV Display Activation
•
Automatic switch to live order display
•
Real-time connection to active event
•
Kitchen staff can immediately view orders
Advanced TV Display Features
Real-Time Kitchen Dashboard
Order Progress Tracking
•
Live Order Counts: “113/230 orders placed (49%)”
•
Progress Bar: Visual completion indicator
•
No-Show Counter: Accurate guest count tracking
•
Completion Percentage: Real-time success metrics
Menu Item Ticker
•
Scrolling Totals: Live count per menu item
•
Example: “Shrimp Scampi: 23 | Beef Tenderloin: 31 | Vegetarian: 8”
•
Auto-updating: Changes reflect immediately
•
Color-coded: Different colors for item categories
Table Status Grid
•
Visual Table Layout: Matches actual venue setup
•
Status Indicators:
•
🟢 Green: All orders placed (8/8)
•
🟡 Yellow: Partial orders placed (5/8)
•
🔴 Red: No orders placed (0/8)
•
Real-time Updates: Instant status changes
•
Table Numbers: Clear identification
Kitchen Staff Benefits
1.
Instant Order Visibility
•
New orders appear immediately
•
Audio notifications for order updates
•
Clear priority indicators
2.
Production Planning
•
See total quantities needed per item
•
Track completion percentage
•
Identify bottlenecks quickly
3.
Service Coordination
•
Monitor table completion status
•
Coordinate timing across kitchen stations
•
Ensure balanced food delivery
Multiple Display Management
Organization Settings
•
TV Debug Info: Show/hide technical details
•
Display Preferences: Customize layout per location
•
Audio Alerts: Configure sound notifications
•
Auto-refresh: Set update frequencies
Multi-Location Support
•
Connect multiple TV displays per organization
•
Different layouts for kitchen vs dining room
•
Centralized management from manager dashboard
•
Individual display configurations
TV Display Best Practices
1.
Hardware Setup
•
Use 4K displays for optimal clarity
•
Ensure stable internet connection
•
Position screens for kitchen staff visibility
2.
Pre-Event Setup
•
Test QR code authentication
•
Verify real-time data updates
•
Configure audio alert levels
3.
During Service
•
Monitor display connectivity
•
Use multiple displays for redundancy
•
Keep authentication codes secure
4.
Troubleshooting
•
Re-scan QR code if connection drops
•
Check internet connectivity
•
Restart TV app if needed
⚡
Real-Time Features
WebSocket technology and live sync
7. ⚡ Real-Time Features & Performance
WebSocket Technology
Live Data Synchronization
•
Instant Updates: Changes appear across all devices within milliseconds
•
Conflict Resolution: Automatic handling of simultaneous edits
•
Offline Support: Queue actions when connection is lost
•
Auto-reconnection: Seamless recovery from network issues
Optimistic UI Updates
•
Immediate Feedback: Actions show results instantly
•
Error Handling: Automatic rollback on server conflicts
•
Loading States: Clear indicators during processing
•
Haptic Feedback: Tactile confirmation for actions
Enhanced User Experience
Performance Optimizations
•
Debounced Updates: Prevent excessive API calls
•
Smart Caching: Reduce redundant data fetching
•
Background Sync: Update data during idle periods
•
Progressive Loading: Load critical data first
Multi-Device Coordination
•
Cross-platform Sync: iOS, Android, and web in harmony
•
Role-based Views: Managers see everything, waiters see assignments
•
Conflict Prevention: Smart locking during edits
•
Session Management: Handle multiple logins gracefully
Real-Time Analytics
Live Dashboard Metrics
•
Order Velocity: Orders per minute tracking
•
Table Completion: Real-time progress indicators
•
Waiter Performance: Live efficiency metrics
•
Kitchen Timing: Average preparation times
Predictive Insights
•
Estimated Completion: AI-powered finish time predictions
•
Capacity Planning: Real-time workload analysis
•
Bottleneck Detection: Identify service delays instantly
•
Resource Optimization: Suggest waiter reassignments
System Reliability
Error Handling & Recovery
•
Graceful Degradation: Core functions work during partial outages
•
Automatic Retry: Smart retry logic for failed operations
•
Data Integrity: Ensure no orders are lost
•
Audit Trails: Complete action history for debugging
Monitoring & Alerts
•
Connection Status: Real-time connectivity indicators
•
Performance Metrics: Response time monitoring
•
Error Notifications: Immediate alert for issues
•
Health Checks: Proactive system monitoring
🛠️
Troubleshooting
Common issues and best practices
8. 🛠️ Troubleshooting & Best Practices
Common Issues & Solutions
Connection Problems
Problem: TV display not updating
•
Solution: Re-scan QR code from manager app
•
Check: Internet connectivity on both devices
•
Verify: Active event is selected
Problem: Mobile app sync delays
•
Solution: Check WiFi connection strength
•
Try: Force close and reopen app
•
Verify: Latest app version installed
Problem: Orders not appearing on TV
•
Solution: Verify TV is authorized for current organization
•
Check: Event is activated (green status)
•
Test: Submit test order to verify connection
Authentication Issues
Problem: Waiter cannot access tables
•
Solution: Verify waiter is assigned to tables
•
Check: Waiter account has correct permissions
•
Confirm: Event is active and accessible
Problem: QR code authentication fails
•
Solution: Ensure manager has organization admin permissions
•
Try: Generate new QR code from TV app
•
Check: Both devices on same network (if applicable)
Performance Issues
Problem: Slow order submission
•
Solution: Check internet speed and connectivity
•
Try: Use WiFi instead of cellular data
•
Clear: App cache if performance degrades
Problem: Real-time updates delayed
•
Solution: Verify WebSocket connection (check for 🟢 indicators)
•
Try: Refresh app by pulling down on lists
•
Check: No other high-bandwidth apps running
Event Day Best Practices
Pre-Event Checklist (30 minutes before)
•
[ ] Activate event and verify green status
•
[ ] Assign all waiters to tables
•
[ ] Test order submission on each device
•
[ ] Connect and test all TV displays
•
[ ] Verify menu items are available
•
[ ] Check internet connectivity
•
[ ] Brief staff on any changes
During Event Management
•
[ ] Monitor real-time dashboard for issues
•
[ ] Keep backup devices charged and ready
•
[ ] Watch for connection status indicators
•
[ ] Communicate delays immediately
•
[ ] Use swipe gestures for efficiency
•
[ ] Monitor waiter workload balance
Post-Event Review
•
[ ] Export order data and analytics
•
[ ] Review performance metrics
•
[ ] Collect staff feedback
•
[ ] Identify improvement opportunities
•
[ ] Update processes based on learnings
Emergency Procedures
System Outage Response
1.
Immediate: Switch to backup paper system
2.
Communicate: Inform all staff about temporary procedures
3.
Monitor: Check for service restoration updates
4.
Recovery: Resume digital operations when stable
5.
Reconcile: Verify all orders are captured
Critical Error Resolution
1.
Document: Screenshot error messages
2.
Report: Contact support with details
3.
Workaround: Use alternative workflow if available
4.
Follow-up: Confirm resolution before next event
Performance Optimization Tips
Network Optimization
•
Use dedicated WiFi network for GlanceMenu devices
•
Prioritize GlanceMenu traffic with QoS settings
•
Keep devices close to WiFi access points
•
Use 5GHz WiFi when available
Device Management
•
Keep apps updated to latest versions
•
Restart devices before major events
•
Close unnecessary background apps
•
Ensure sufficient battery levels
Team Training
•
Regular practice sessions with staff
•
Train on swipe gestures and shortcuts
•
Practice emergency procedures
•
Stay updated on new features
⚡ Quick Reference
🔄
Event Activation
Swipe right to activate
👥
Waiter Assignment
Swipe left on tables
📱
Order Taking
Tap seat → Select item → Submit
📺
TV Setup
Scan QR code with manager app
🚫
No-Shows
Tap seat → Mark as No Show
🏆 Ready to Get Started?
You now have everything you need to deliver exceptional dining experiences with GlanceMenu.
Launch Dashboard
📚 Resources & Support
•
Email: support@glancemenu.com
•
Live Chat: Available during business hours
•
Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation
•
Training Sessions: Schedule team training
🚀 What’s Coming Next
•
Voice Commands: Hands-free order management
•
AI Analytics: Predictive insights
•
Guest App: Direct guest ordering
•
Advanced Reporting: Custom dashboards
🇺🇸
🇪🇸
🇫🇷
Finally, a dinner order system built for catering halls
Assign waiters, take seat-level orders, and track guest allergies — all in real time
Trusted by catering halls serving 300+ guests per event
✅
Built for teams
✅
Kitchen and waiter friendly
✅
Allergy-safe workflows
Built for teams, kitchen-friendly, allergy-safe workflows
Dinner Order SystemAssign tables to waiters, track seat-level orders, mark no-shows — built for catering halls
Allergy Support
Guest-specific allergy warnings visible to kitchen staff in real time
Digital Signage TV App (September 2025)
Welcome guests, showcase menus, and share live event photos — all on-screen
Waiter Academy Training (October 2025)
Fast-track waiter onboarding with built-in training and continuous staff education
0+
Events Managed
0%
Time Saved
0+
Happy Venues
Simple, Transparent Pricing
One flat rate. Unlimited events, tables, waiters, and allergy tracking.
Free Trial
14 days free
No credit card required
After trial
$299/month
Unlimited events, tables, waiters
✓
Real-time order tracking
✓
Allergy management system
✓
Waiter assignment & management
✓
Early access to upcoming features
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the free trial work?
Start using GlanceMenu immediately with full access to all features for 14 days. No credit card required. After the trial, you can choose to continue with our $299/month plan or cancel anytime.
What happens after 14 days?
You'll have a 7-day grace period to add payment information if you want to continue. During this time, you can still access your data but can't create new events. No surprise charges - we'll email you reminders.
Is it App Store compliant?
Yes, GlanceMenu is available on the App Store and follows all Apple guidelines. Billing is handled through our secure web portal, ensuring compliance and easy management.
How is billing handled?
All billing is processed securely through Stripe. You'll receive monthly invoices via email, and you can manage your subscription, update payment methods, and view billing history through our customer portal.
Why is this different from restaurant systems?
GlanceMenu focuses on serving all dinners at the same time as fast as possible - completely different from the wave-like nature of restaurants. We coordinate 200-500+ guests getting their meals simultaneously, with waiter assignments per table and guest-specific dietary tracking. This is a one-of-a-kind solution built for the unique demands of catering events.
Ready to run smoother events?