---
title: "Using the POS: How to Take an Order"
description: "Take dine-in, takeaway and delivery orders on the Restaurant POS, with tables, modifiers, waiter assignment and the kitchen ticket, plus a full worked example."
url: "https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-pos/using-the-pos-taking-an-order/"
updated: "2026-10-13"
category: TecniForge Restaurant Management System / Point of Sale (POS)
---

# Using the POS: How to Take an Order

**Quick answer:** To take an order, open the POS, pick the order type (Dine-in, Takeaway or Delivery), choose a table for dine-in, tap items to add them, then click **Send KOT** to fire it to the kitchen and **Pay** to settle.

## Before you start

Cashiers must have an **open register** before selling. Waiters must **clock in** first. See the Register and Attendance guides.

## Step 1: choose the order type

At the top of the POS pick **Dine-in**, **Takeaway** or **Delivery** (keyboard F1, F2, F3). For dine-in, pick a **table** (F4) from the hall grid: green means free, red means occupied.

## Step 2: add items

1. Tap a category, then tap an item, or type in the **search** box.
2. Change quantity with + / - or the arrow keys.
3. Add **modifiers / add-ons** (for example extra raita), a per-item **note** ("no chillies") or a per-item **discount** if allowed.

## Step 3: customer and waiter

**Walk-in Customer** is selected by default. To attach a regular (for loyalty or credit), search by name or mobile, or add one with **+ New**. For dine-in you can assign a **waiter**; the name prints on the KOT and receipt.

## Step 4: send to the kitchen

Click **Send KOT** (F9) to print the kitchen ticket. If you add items later and print again, only the **new** items are sent, so nothing is cooked twice.

## Worked example: a dine-in order

A family sits at table **F3**. You press F1 (Dine-in), tap F3, then add 1 Chicken Karahi (full), 2 Plain Naan and 2 Soft Drinks. You add a note "half spicy" on the karahi and assign waiter Imran. You press **Send KOT**: the kitchen ticket prints with a big "TABLE F3" header and the items. When the family is done you press **Pay**, take cash, and the receipt prints. Table F3 turns green (free) automatically.

## Keyboard shortcuts

- F1 / F2 / F3 - Dine-in / Takeaway / Delivery
- F4 - Tables, F6 - Running orders, F8 - Clear order
- F9 - Send KOT, F10 - Pay; arrows and + / - change quantity; Enter adds the item

## Sounds and offline

The POS plays a short sound on add, pay and errors (you can mute it). If the internet drops, orders are saved on the device and sync automatically when it returns.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I take a takeaway order?

Press F2 (Takeaway), add items and pay. A token number prints so you can call the customer when it is ready.

### Why is my order saved as a draft?

Waiter orders are saved as drafts for the counter to verify before the kitchen ticket is fired. The counter opens the draft and presses Verify.

### Can I edit an order after sending it to the kitchen?

Yes. Reopen it from Running orders, add items and send KOT again; only the new items print for the kitchen.

## Related guides

- [Payments, Split Payment and Receipts](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-pos/payments-split-payment-and-receipts/)
- [Running Orders: Verify, Edit and Cancel](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-pos/running-orders-verify-edit-and-cancel/)
- [Restaurant Tables: Halls, Occupancy, Shift and Merge](https://tecniforge.com/docs/rms/rms-operations/tables-halls-and-occupancy/)

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