What is Host Mode in POS?
At the minimum, host mode in POS allows a host/hostess to assign diners to tables from a stationary location (e.g., host stand) without assigning the diners to seats. In addition, if enabled, host mode also allows you to manage table reservations.
The hostess assigns diners to tables by scanning a badge/ID or searching directly for them. The diner goes to their assigned table and sits down wherever they choose.
What Does the Server See and Need to Do?
Outside of host mode, when the server accesses a table and taps a seat, the Assign a Diner pop-up appears listing the diners assigned to the table by the hostess (screenshot below). The server then just taps the Assign button for the diner they want to seat.
Without the hostess having first assigned the diners to the table via host mode, the server would have had to go through the longer steps of searching for the diner to add to the seat.
How is Host Mode Activated in POS?
Host mode is a feature that exists by default for a POS location that is a dining room.
When a POS operator logs in and is in a POS location that is a dining room, the Host Mode button is available in the top right corner. A host or hostess clicks this button to access host mode.
Managing Table Reservations in Host Mode
About Table Reservations
Host mode also provides the ability to manage table reservations. The reservation functionality must first be enabled for POS in the Touch Admin software; to do so see Enabling Reservations for a POS Dining Room Location.
Making a Reservation in POS
Assuming table reservation functionality is enabled, complete the following steps to make a reservation:
- In host mode, select the Reservations tab.
- In the left panel, tap into the time slot you want to reserve, and then tap the Add Reservation button that appears (first screenshot below). The screen refreshes accordingly (second screenshot below).
- Your next steps are to select the diners to add to the reservation. Tap the Add button, and the screen refreshes for you to search for and select diners (second screenshot below). Note that if the resident uses an identification badge, you can scan the badge to select the diner.
- For each selected diner, tap their + sign, and then tap the Assign button (screenshot below). The screen refreshes accordingly.
Note: If your diners use the Portal app, then they may have the ability to manage reservations themselves. If so, then any reservation you make in the POS will be available to the diners to view. In addition, the first diner in the list when you make the reservation will also have the ability to modify the reservation themselves in the Portal app. - Your next step is to select the table to assign the selected diners to. From the floor plan on the right, select the desired table (first screenshot below). The table turns blue to indicate it has been selected for a reservation (second screenshot below).
- If desired to change the default reservation length, then you can do so by the Duration slider.
- If needed, enter any notes in the Note field.
- Click the Save button to make the reservation. A success message appears, and the newly-added reservation is listed on the right for the date.
Assigning Table for a Reservation received from the Portal App
Portal app users have the ability to make reservations (see MealSuite Portal App - Making Reservations). When a reservation comes in from the Portal app, it is listed in the Reservations screen with the Reserved by Portal label (screenshot below).
When a reservation is received from the Portal app, staff will need to assign a table. To do so:
- Tap the reservation to open the table view (second screenshot below).
- Tap the table to assign. The table turns blue to indicate it has been selected for a reservation
- Click the Save button to apply your changes.
Adjusting a Reservation
- In host mode, select the Reservations tab.
- Scroll to the desired date to display the reservations on the date.
- Tap the reservation you want to adjust (first screenshot below). The screen refreshes accordingly to allow you to make the desired adjustments (second screenshot below).
- Make the adjustments as needed:
- Add or remove diners.
- Select different date.
- Select different meal service.
- Select different time.
- Select different reservation length.
- Select different table.
- Add note or edit existing note.
- After making your adjustments, tap the Save button to apply your changes.
Deleting a Reservation
- In host mode, select the Reservations tab.
- Scroll to the desired date to display the reservations on the date.
- Tap the reservation you want to delete (first screenshot below). The screen refreshes accordingly
- In the left panel, scroll down until you see the Delete Reservation button. Tap the Delete Reservation button and then tap Yes to the confirmation message that appears.
- Tap Yes to the confirmation message that appears. The reservation is deleted.