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Multi Use Tables | Setup Guide (WIP)

Overview

Significant work has gone into developing a new table locking system that provides sophisticated access controls to replace the previous single-use functionality. At its core, the system operates with three modes:

  • Exclusive Master Lock 

  • Master Lock

  • Order Entry Lock

This triple-mode approach ensures data integrity by preventing simultaneous modifications while still allowing tables to be accessed from multiple locations. The system maintains strict controls by permitting only one Master instance per table while allowing multiple simultaneous Order Entry Mode instances, effectively balancing accessibility with data protection.

Exclusive Master Lock is required to do critical tasks like close a table, where only one process (till or backend) can be allowed to have the table open. While in exclusive master mode you are guaranteed to be the only one with the table open, and any attempt to open it simultaneously will fail. This mode cannot be selected, and is always automatically applied when the system needs it.

For example, when attempting to attach an account close a table or transfer a table, the system will attempt to place an ‘Exclusive Master Lock’ on the table before it can proceed with either workflow. This ensures no other users are currently using the table, and the function can proceed without issue.

If the system is unable to achieve ‘Exclusive Master Lock’, the user will be notified, and have the option to retry. This is the case for any of the below functions:

Master Exclusive Lock is required for 

  • Account Attach/Detach

  • Order % Discount

  • Table Transfers (Source & Destination Table)

  • Splitting Table

  • Change Split Count 

  • Table Limit

  • Table Loss

  • Closing Tables

  • P@T usage for SPM, Linkly, Tyro

 

Understanding backend processes, such as Tyro or Linkly, is crucial as they also employ table locking to effectively carry out their designated tasks. This operation occurs seamlessly in the background, requiring no user intervention.

Specifications

Version: 4.8.0.0

Released: June 2025

Applies to: SmartPOS

Key Features & Capabilities

  • Multi Table Ordering: Users can add products to the same table simultaneously, supporting both regular and Bistro Tables.

  • Patron Numbers: A new feature for Bistro Tables that enables monitoring of which patron is placing an order at each table.

  • Updated UI: Clarity on which mode is being used, with color-coded indicators (GREEN for Master Mode, BLUE for Order Entry Mode).

  • New POS List Font: A new font for a consistent display of pricing, which can be manually installed.

At present, the new font is not part of the manual update. However, users can manually install the font file on their systems. Once SmartPOS is restarted, it will automatically check for the new font and utilize it in place of the existing default font.

A link to the font can be found below:

Droid Sans Mono

 

UI Changes

Order Mode | Master Mode

When a user has entered Master Mode, it will be detailed at the top of the POS List and the balance colour will be GREEN

 

Order Mode | Order Entry Mode

When a user has entered Order Entry Mode, it will be detailed at the top of the POS List and the balance colour will be BLUE

New POS List Font

We have the ability to upload a new font to the SmartPOS workstation which will update the POS List font. This has been updated to provide a more accurate display of pricing on the POS list. Currently, this must be installed manually on each system. In a future release, it will be included in the install procedure.

 

New Transaction Window UI

The Transaction Window accessed through the Recall Transaction List through the Manager function in SmartPOS, now has a new look and feel. This was enhanced to align with the new font. These changes will also be seen in the Backoffice Transaction Window

 

Single Use Enforced

When single use has been enforced, and a user attempt to open a table that’s currently in use. A new dialogue will be shown.

  • ID → Displays the ID of the POS that’s currently using the table

  • Till / Process Name → The name of the POS or Process (eg. Tyro P@T) currently using the table

  • Usage Mode → The specific lock that is applied to the table - Exclusive, Master, Order

 


Single Use Manager Override

When single use with Manager Override has been enabled, and a user attempt to open a table that’s currently in use. A new dialogue will be shown.

  • ID → Displays the ID of the POS that’s currently using the table

  • Till / Process Name → The name of the POS or Process (eg. Tyro P@T) currently using the table

  • Usage Mode → The specific lock that is applied to the table - Exclusive, Master, Order

  • Retry → Typically used when they are looking for Master Mode, which can be achieved when the table is closed on POS ID 1

  • Open with Manager Override → Enter the manager code to allow multi use and enter Order Entry Mode

 

Configuration

Single Use Mode Configuration

The user has the ability to configure single use mode - both enforced or with a manager override. This can be configured within the Venue Settings > Tables > Table Groups Flags

 

  • If Single Use Mode Enforced is enabled multi-use tables will be blocked on the POS

    • When a user attempts to open a table that is in use, they will be shown a dialogue advising them it’s currently in use, along with the Till / Process that’s currently using it, and the usage mode.

    • They will have no option to override

 

  • If Single Use w/ Manager Override is enabled the user will be prompted for a manager code to proceed to multi-use mode.

    • When a user attempts to open a table that is in use, they will be shown a dialogue advising them it’s currently in use, and the usage mode will be shown.

    • The user has two new options:

      • Retry → Typically used when they are looking for Master Mode, which can be achieved when the table is closed on POS ID 1

      • Open with Manager Override → Enter the manager code to allow multi use and enter Order Entry Mode

 

 

  • If Single Use Enforced is disabled the user not be prompted for a manager code and will proceed directly into multi-use mode.

    • When a user attempts to open a table that is in use, the table will open directly into Order Entry Mode

Bistro Mode

We are excited to announce the introduction of a new concept called Patrons for Bistro tables. This enhancement enables a bistro table to support multi use, providing greater flexibility to the end user. It's important to note that this feature is optional and does not alter the standard bistro workflows, which remain unchanged.

When a bistro table is opened, you will notice the Patron identifier. On first open, it will be listed as ‘New Patron’, as the table hasn’t been saved or paid for it doesn’t technically have an identifier.

If the user selects 'Finalise & Continue' or 'New Patron' , from that point onwards, each patron will have a numerical identifier.  

Bistro Table Function

When configuring the Bistro Open till function button, it’s worth noting that we have a new Sub Item configuration option.

SubItem = 32 → Always Prompt for Patrons

 

The new option relates to the Patron Selector window, and whether it’s shown in certain workflows

 

  • When enabled, the user will always be prompted with the Patron Selector

  • When disabled (default), the Patron Selector will only be prompted if there are Unfinalised patrons

    • If all Patrons are Finalised, when the user opens the bistro the bistro will automatically open into a new Patron

What is a finalised patron?

  • A Patron is marked as finalised when the balance reaches $0 and the user selects "Finalise & Continue" from the prompts.

  • The distinction between finalised and non-finalised Patrons supports the default behavior of opening Bistro Tables directly into New Patrons.

  • If a Patron's balance is $0 and the user chooses "Save & Exit," it indicates they are not finished and plan to return for further adjustments.

  • Without the "Finalised Patrons" concept, returning to a Patron at $0 would create a poor user experience, requiring multiple steps to access the desired Patron.

  • Users would need to add a New Patron, save the table, reopen the Bistro, enable the finalised Patrons flag, and locate the previous Patron to continue.

Workflows

Table Mode | Single Use Enforced

Table Mode | Single Use w/ Manager Override

Table Mode | Single Use Disabled

Multi Table | Adding Discounts

 

 

 

Troubleshooting

New Database Table for Locking

We have introduced a new DB table dbo.locking which is used to track the locks that are currently being used across all tables. This table is self tidying, which means it will show no records if there are currently no locks in place.

 

 

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