Express – Configure the Kiosk
Set up kiosk behavior per workstation. Vendion's Express kiosk runs on a tablet (iPad or Android) mounted at the counter and drives the flow Attract → Order type → Menu → Review → Upsell → Payment → Confirmation. Each kiosk has its own settings – so you can have an entrance kiosk with one theme and a takeaway kiosk with another.
Find the settings
Admin → Devices → Express kiosks → choose kiosk → Settings
Full settings list
| Setting | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Light / Dark / Brand | Brand uses the restaurant's brand colors |
| Timeout | 30–300 sec (default 120) | Seconds before inactivity warning |
| Show allergens | On/Off | Shows allergen icons on product cards |
| Show images | On/Off | Product images in the grid (off = less distracting) |
| Language | Swedish / English / Ask guest | Swedish is default, "ask" shows a language selector |
| Order type | Ask guest / Always dine in / Always takeaway | Controls kitchen routing and receipt copy (VAT 12% food either way) |
| Upselling | On/Off | Enables/disables the suggestion step |
| Start text | Free text | Text on the attract screen (e.g. "Welcome to Bistro Vega") |
| Default payment method | Card (locked) | Currently hardcoded – see limitations |
| KDS destination | Choose ticket destination | Where orders are sent (e.g. "Express kitchen") |
Theme options in detail
- Light: White background, black text – fits bright restaurants with big windows
- Dark: #0A0A0B background, warm white text – premium look, works in dimmed light
- Brand: Uses primary/secondary colors from the restaurant's brand settings
Timeout behavior
Express is a public kiosk – if a guest loses focus the register should not sit there with a half-finished order. The flow:
- Inactivity for X seconds (default 120)
- A countdown dialog appears: "Timeout in 30 sec"
- Guest taps anywhere → timer resets
- Otherwise → cart is cleared, return to attract screen
Tip: 120 sec is a good default. In kid-friendly settings 180 sec can help. In fast food with queues 60 sec may be better.
Upsell step
When enabled, an upsell step appears between Review and Payment:
- "Would you like fries with that?" (if a main is in the order)
- "Would you like a drink?" (if no drink in the order)
- "How about a dessert?" (after a main)
Guest can Add or Skip. The added value usually lands at 15–25% higher average check in kiosk flows.
Tuning suggestions: As of March 2026 the suggestions are hardcoded. You can however influence which products can appear by marking them as "Popular" in menu management.
Order type behaviors
- Ask the guest: Screen with two big buttons: "Dine in 🍽" / "Takeaway 🥡"
- Always dine in: Skips the question, order gets order type "Dine in"
- Always takeaway: Skips the question, order type "Takeaway"
Why does it matter? The ticket gets a clear tag ("TAKEAWAY") and the kitchen packages correctly. VAT is 12% food in either case (for food), so order type doesn't affect tax.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Kiosk goes black after inactivity | iPad sleep active | iPad: Settings → Display → Auto-lock = Never |
| Card payment doesn't work | Payment terminal hardcoded | Use regular POS until Stripe integration ships |
| Tickets don't reach the right kitchen | Wrong KDS destination | Admin → Devices → Express kiosk → Settings → KDS destination |
| Images load slowly | Menu without image compression | Run images through TinyPNG before upload |
| Kiosk crashes / blank screen | Memory leak after long runtime | Restart the iPad daily (schedule via iOS shortcut) |
| Guest can't find allergen filter | Show allergens = Off | Set Show allergens = On |
| Timer won't reset on tap | Touch disabled / too thick screen protector | Test with bare fingers; replace screen protector |
Production & security
- The kiosk is locked via iPad Guided Access – guests can't close the app
- Auto-logout after the configured timeout if staff doesn't come back
- Real-time sync – menu changes appear instantly
Common setups per environment
Quick-service restaurant (lunch): Dark theme, timeout 60 sec, Ask order type, Upsell on, Images on
Café / takeaway-focused: Light theme, timeout 120 sec, Always takeaway, Upsell on (drink + dessert)
À la carte restaurant (side kiosk): Brand theme, timeout 180 sec, Always dine in, Upsell off (more premium feel)
Known limitations
- Payment method locked to card – gift cards and loyalty don't work in the kiosk today (use POS for those guests)
- No search in the menu (planned)
- Hardcoded upsell suggestions – will become configurable
See also: Express – overview and Express – guest experience.
This feature is part of Vendion POS.
Curious how it looks in practice? Read more about the product or book a short demo.
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