How to Run Your First Test Order
A step-by-step dry run to verify table cards, menu ordering, waiter notifications, and kitchen flow before live service.
Before you begin
- At least one table configured with an assigned card or QR code.
- At least one active menu section containing an available product.
Steps
Open the test table menu
Either tap the table NFC card with your smartphone, scan the table QR code, or open `/waiter/tables` on your computer and click the table label.
The customer menu will open in the browser, showing the restaurant banner, categories, and dishes for that specific table.
Add a dish and submit the order
Select a product, choose any option (e.g. dressing or side), click "Add to Order", open the cart, and tap "Place Order".
Notice the 60-second grace countdown overlay on the phone screen. Do not cancel the order; let the countdown finish or tap "Done".
Observe the order on the Waiter Dashboard
Open `/waiter` on another phone or computer screen.
The ticket appears instantly in the "New" column with a green badge, indicating the table number, ordered dish, and elapsed time.
Advance the order status
Click on the order card or press the primary advance button on the ticket.
If a kitchen screen is enabled, the ticket advances to "Accepted" and appears on `/kitchen`. On `/kitchen`, advance it to "Preparing" and then "Ready". When delivered, the waiter marks it "Completed".
Test Call Waiter and Request Bill
On the test customer phone, tap "Call Waiter" and then "Request Bill".
Verify that the waiter screen displays the notification alert with table number and that the itemized bill screen appears on the guest’s phone.
What you should see
You have verified that the entire tap-to-order pipeline is functioning smoothly from customer phone to staff screens.
Good to know
- Orders placed during testing can be marked as completed or canceled with the reason "Testing" to keep records clean.
Related guides
- How MesaFlow Works: The Tap-to-Table LoopA step-by-step breakdown of how an order moves from a customer’s phone to the kitchen pass and the floor plan.
- Submitting an Order and the Cancellation WindowPlacing the order, reviewing the table cart, and utilizing the 60-second grace cancellation window.
- Managing Order Queues and Timing StatesUnderstanding order aging (New, Cooling, Critical), updating order statuses, and advancing tickets to completion.