How Table NFC Cards and QR Backups Work
The operational mechanics of physical table discs, contactless tapping, and printed QR backup codes.
Steps
Understand the physical table card
Each dining table is equipped with a durable MesaFlow table disc or stand.
The disc contains an embedded high-frequency NFC chip along with a crisp QR code printed on its surface. It serves as the physical identity of that specific table.
Contactless guest interaction
When a customer brings their phone near the card, the phone's built-in NFC reader detects the tag immediately.
The phone displays a web link prompt that directly opens the table’s live menu in the browser. No app download, registration, or Bluetooth pairing is needed.
The QR backup fallback
For older smartphones or devices with NFC temporarily disabled, the printed QR code provides an identical route.
Scanning the QR code with the standard camera app opens the exact same digital table menu and active session.
What you should see
Staff understand how table cards establish table identity and how guests access their digital menu.
Good to know
- Each card links to one table at a time. The association between cards and tables can be managed anytime in the dashboard.
Related guides
- How to Assign and Manage Cards in the DashboardRegistering cards, linking cards to tables, generating QR codes, and viewing card statuses.
- How to Replace a Damaged or Lost Table CardUnlinking damaged hardware, registering a replacement card, and preserving existing table history.
- How to Test Table Cards Before ServiceConducting a pre-shift hardware walkthrough to verify NFC tap sensitivity, QR codes, and table routing.