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Instant Ordering (IO) in the Touch App

Kevin U
  • Updated

Taking an Instant Order in the Touch App

After setting up Instant Ordering and selecting one or more residents to take orders for, you place an instant order for a resident as follows:

  1. If multiple residents were selected, then at the top of the screen select the tab of the resident who you want to take the order for. 
    select_resident_tab.png
     
  2. By default, items from all menu categories are displayed. To display items from a specific category, tap the desired category. Note: Choice 1 items are displayed in bold text.

    entree_category_selected.png
     
  3. If an Also Available menu is active in your facility, then you can display its items for a specific category by selecting the Include Also Available check box for the category. 
    include_also_available_IO.png
     
  4. To add an item, tap its Add button. The added item appears on the right side of the screen. When an item has been added, its Add button changes to a green Added button, and the item text also changes to green. 

    added_items_IO.png
     
  5. To decrease or increase the portion size of an added item, tap the - or + buttons respectively for the item. 

    portion_size_IO.png
     
  6. If required to remove an item from the order, tap its remove icon.

    removes_item_IO.png
     
  7. The Delivery To section at the bottom right of the screen is explained as follows:
    • For a resident profile assigned a table in the Core system, the Table check box is automatically selected with their assigned table displayed in the adjacent drop-down. The table number be changed if needed by selecting the desired table number from the drop-down. 
    • For a resident profile that is not assigned a table in the Core system, the Table check box is automatically selected, but you will be required to select the correct table number from the adjacent drop-down. 
    • If the resident profile is assigned in-room service in the Core system, then the In Room check box is automatically selected with their assigned room displayed adjacent to the check box.  
    • If a resident assigned with in-room service is instead to receive table service, then select the Table check box and from the adjacent drop-down select the the table number.
    • If a resident with table service is to receive in-room service, then select the In Room check box. 

      delivery_to.png

      Note: When a resident is assigned a table in the Core system, then selecting a different table in IO will not change that table assignment in the Core system. The next time the resident is selected in IO, their table assignment from the Core system is shown.  
       
  8. To leave a note for the order (e.g., "Dressing on the side"), tap the Server Note button, and the Add Note pop-up appears for you to enter your note. 

    server_note_IO.png
     
  9. Tap the Save and Next Resident button. 

    save_and_next_IO.png
     
  10. You are prompted to enter your name to the order via the Add Server Name pop-up. Click OK after doing so. When taking other orders for the meal, you will not be required to enter your name again. 

    add_server_name.png
     
  11. The resident's tab at the top of the screen states Ordered in green text. 
    ordered_resident_tab.png
     
  12. Repeat the above steps to add instant orders for other residents. 

Instant Ordering - Tutorial Video (4:36)

FAQs

I do not see my resident on the Instant Ordering screen?

For a resident to appear on the Instant Ordering (IO) screen in the Touch app, their service type must be set to table select. To change the service type of a resident, see Assigning a Service Type to a Resident/Patient.

If they are set up with the table select service type, and are still not appearing on the IO screen, it could mean they are off-premise. 

How do I edit an instant order after it is placed?

For an instant order that has already been placed, you can create a new order for the resident. And then you must verbally inform the kitchen staff to skip the first order. 

A menu item is missing for a resident/patient? Why is a resident/patient not receiving a menu item?

The items available to order for a resident/patient are taken from their personal menu in the Core system. If a menu item is missing for a resident on the IO screen, see the following FAQ from the personal menu FAQ article: A menu item is missing for a resident/patient? Why is a resident/patient not receiving a menu item?

On the ordering screen for the resident/patient, there are no food items to select?

This most likely indicates that the resident/patient is set up with "no meal service" for the meal period (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and day of the week. 

How do I delete/remove an instant order after it already has been placed?

You must verbally inform the kitchen staff to skip the order. 

Are there start times for meal periods when placing an instant order?

No. An instant order can be placed anytime for a meal period (breakfast, lunch, dinner). There are no time restrictions, such as start times, for when an instant order can be placed. 

Is meal course functionality supported in the Touch app for the Instant Ordering service?

No. Meal courses are not supported in the Touch app, meaning items ordered via the instant ordering service cannot be assigned to courses. 

How are recipe photos added to instant ordering in the Touch app?

Recipe photos are not added in the Touch app. Instead, recipe photos flow in from the recipes in the Core system for currently active menus. See Recipe Photos for more information. 

If recipe photos are not syncing between the Core system and the Touch app, reach out to MealSuite Support. If you are MealSuite Support, refer to the following internal article: Synching Recipes Between Core System and Touch App (INTERNAL).

Can diners be assigned to seat numbers in Instant Ordering?

No. A diner cannot be assigned to a seat in IO. However, you can assign a resident to a table via the drop-down adjacent to the Table check box. 

Does the server have to enter their name each time they enter an instant order?

For the first instant order that is placed for a meal period (breakfast, lunch, dinner), the Add Server Name pop-up appears and the server will be required to enter their name and tap OK. For subsequent instant orders for the meal, the Add Server Name pop-up appears but with the server's name already automatically entered (which can be changed if needed), and the server will only be required to tap OK.  

Quick Reference Guide - Taking an Instant Order (Updated March 30, 2026)

The attached one-page guide explains how to take instant orders. Distribute to staff as needed.