Definition

The software is designed in such a way that it automates order management by using previously entered data about raw materials, semi - products, products, users, tables, department or branch. It is possible to get several different reports and to make analyses related to the gathered data. This, in turn, increases the efficiency and the service quality. The software not only focuses on the automation of order collecting process, but also it has inventory control or accounting modules.

The software is fully compatible to the standard Windows interface; and it has full security with its structure organizing user permissions. It is possible to predefine which parts of the system would be used by each user. The software is compatible with Windows 9X, NT, XP operating systems. Operations are fast, since the application uses custom designed inmemory database.
When the program is used via a handheld terminal (usually a PocketPC):

The service attendants enter the orders to handheld terminals. There is a wireless connection between the handheld terminals and the server. The server routes the order information to related clients (usually a thin client or printer) in the kitchen. Hence, the order that was entered by the attendants can be seen realtime.
Since the order's follow up becomes easier, this leads to a save of time in turn.
With its wireless infrastructure, this application is especially appropriate for buildings with many floors, wide area and garden.

Advantages of MODIS v.1.2.

- It is possible to follow the orders coming from every handheld terminal in a different window on the server.

- It is also possible to send message from the server to handheld terminals or from handheld terminals to other handheld   terminals.

- You can give efficient service to more customers with less number of personnel.

- If there is a client (thin client PC) in the kitchen, the information that order is ready can be sent to the related handheld   terminal with table and order number.

- The products can be grouped as food, drinks etc.

- It is possible to enter as many additional materials as possible for the products by using semi-products or raw materials   (   e.g. sweet corn for the pizza).

- Some special notes can be added to check (well done, spicy etc.).

- The handheld terminals are designed in such a way that orders can be given, even when the handheld terminals are not   connected to the server. When the connection is ready, the order is there to be sent to the server. This makes possible to   take orders out of the restaurant.

System Overview

Terms:

- Master PC (or System Server): Main service PC that data from hand terminals are collected, reports are taken and orders   are directed to the related production units ( via printers or Slave PC). There is an access point connected through an   ethernet port.

- Slave PCs (or Displaying Units): Slave PCs are displaying and feedback units that are located in production units (PU - bar,   patisserie, kitchen etc.). The order information entered in hand terminals, are displayed in related Slave PCs in bar,   patisserie or kitchen. Also, when the order is ready to serve, a message can be send to hand terminals informing the waitor   that the order is ready.

A low profile PC is enough to be used as the Slave PC.

- Hand Terminals: Pocket PCs via which orders can be entered into the system. Pocket PCs include the software of wireless   ordering.

- Wireless hardware: The system can be installed as totally wireless or as a mixture of wireless and wired struructure.   Generally, the infrastructure is Standard Wi-Fi 802.11b/g Wireless Ethernet network. PCI/USB Wi - Fi adapters can be used   in Slave PCs, hand terminals must have CF or SD slot or built in Wi-Fi capability. Wi - Fi Print Servers that are put on the   parallel port, can be used in printers. Wi - Fi 802. 11b Access Point should be used for the Master PC. If required wireless   repeaters (Access Points) can be used to extend communication range of the system.

General Structure:

Figure 1 - General Structure of MODIS System

As it is seen in Figure - 1, the system is installed on a standard ethernet network which has a totally or partly wireless design.
Hand terminals that are built in wireless or became wireless by Compact Flash (or SD) cards, are connected to the Master PC through Access Points. Parallel with this, PCs or printers used as displaying units are connected to the Master PC through wireless transmission adapters.
Modis Master software should become ready to transmission and operation by using the related menus. With this aim, the data about the system users, the information about the user rights, the definitions of raw materials, semi - products and products should be entered into the system together with the information of table numbers, section numbers etc.
Moreover, to establish transmission between channels, the related port numbers and IP adresses should also be defined.
Modis Master software opens a separate transmission channel for each hand terminal and connects each channel to a different window. This means that the ordering data from each hand terminal are displayed in a different window. In these windows, the current situation of the orders are coded in different colors. Open orders, changed orders or closed orders are specified by a different color. Furthermore, by putting the appropriate filters, it is possible to display only the open orders.
As pre-defined at the beginning, the ordering data coming from each hand terminal are displayed in the related displaying unit. If a Slave PC is used as the displaying unit, it is again possible to display the orders' situations as coded by colors together with sending the "order is ready" information to hand terminals. Moreover, it is possible to send an information message to hand terminals separately.
If a printer is used as the displaying unit (DU), only the related part of the order is printed in the related section's printer (such as steaks from the kitchen printer, ice cream from the patisserie printer etc.).
It is possible to enter and print orders and send them to the related displaying units from Modis Master software. Receipts or orders can be printed both from the Master PC and from hand terminals. Hand terminals are able to direct the receipt to any one of the printers.
The software used by hand terminals has standard Windows programs' interface. The user can enter, cancel or change orders by using hand terminals. Also, hand terminals can communicate with each other (i.e. can send messages to them). When the connection between the hand terminal and the Master PC is off, the hand terminal is able to collect orders and save them. After the connection is on, it is able to send the saved orders to the system.

Precautions:

- The memory of Master PC should be 1 GB min., since all of the database operations are done in Master PC's memory.
- Because of the same reason, Master PC should be supported by a UPS with appropriate power.
- Extended batteries should be prefered in hand terminals for an acceptable service time.
- Network infrastructure can be built as wired (10/100Base-T Ethernet), wireless (Wi - Fi 802. 11b/g) or as a hybrid   structure.
- The operating system for Master and Slave PCs should be Windows XP (Professional Edition).
- The operating system for hand terminals should be at least Windows CE 3.0. (PocketPC 2002 or more)
- It is better to use Wi - Fi Print servers for unit printers.
- All of the wireless hardware uses Wi-Fi 802.11b/g infrastructure. With this aim, Master PC is connected to an Access Point.   Slave PCs have wireless adapters. Printers (whether receipt or production unit printers) include wireless print servers. In   the same way, hand terminals have wireless adapters.
- If the security specifications of wireless hardware are prefered to be included, it is advised to use 802. 11g standard for a   better system performance.
- The number and quality of wireless hardware must be specified after the physical environment analysis. It is very   important to configure the hardware according to the real working environment. Wireless repeaters can be used according   to the distance between the hardware.

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