KDS Offline Mode

KDS Offline Mode

Summary

  • Problem: KDS devices (tablets/EPOS) in kitchens often lose network connectivity. When offline, chefs must still mark items as done. If actions fail or are lost, orders get stuck, causing delays and operational errors.

  • Goal: Introduce a robust Offline Mode allowing chefs to continue working without connectivity, while the device safely queues actions and automatically syncs when online. Ensure clarity, data safety, and a smooth workflow.

Why This Matters

  • High availability: Kitchens must operate even with intermittent network failures.

  • Business impact: Prevents delays and missed items; reduces friction between chefs and runners.

  • Operational safety: Maintains order integrity and customer experience during outages.

Key Behaviors (User-Facing)

  1. Offline Indicator: Prominent, persistent “Offline” banner when the device loses connectivity.

  2. Local Queueing: Actions like item taps, mark-all, recall, and add-item are saved locally.

  3. Local-First Updates: UI responds instantly with optimistic updates.

  4. Background Sync: Actions auto-sync in correct order when connection returns.

  5. Conflict Handling: If server state differs, show conflict UI or auto-merge (configurable).

  6. Persistence: Queued actions persist across reloads and restarts (IndexedDB recommended).

  7. Diagnostics: "Queued Actions" panel, with retry controls and caps.

  8. Safety: Preserve action order; avoid duplicates; protect against corruption.

Proposed UX Flows

A. Offline Discovery

  • When network loss is detected, show:

    • A red/orange “Offline” banner stating actions will be queued.

    • A floating queued-count badge.

    • Optional buttons: “Go Online” (manual attempt) and “Show Queue”.

B. Applying Actions While Offline

  • Tapping an item:

    • UI updates immediately (prepared tick/colour).

    • Action is queued with metadata {action, orderId, itemId, timestamp, deviceId}.

    • A clock icon and tooltip indicate: “Queued — will sync when online.”

  • If all items are marked prepared, the order still moves to Completed locally.

  • On later sync conflicts, show: “Accept server / Keep local / View conflict.”

C. Sync & Reconciliation

  • When connection returns:

    • Show “Syncing…” banner.

    • Flush queued actions FIFO to the backend.

    • Update UI with canonical server state.

    • Remove successful actions from the queue.

    • Retry failed actions with exponential backoff; surface persistent failures to the user.

Rollout & Testing Plan

  1. Build prototype → internal QA with controlled offline/online transitions.

  2. Pilot in 2–3 real sites with intermittent connectivity.

  3. Add server support: idempotency, conflict responses, reconciliation endpoints.

  4. Gradual rollout with KPIs monitored.

KPIs to Measure

  • Reduction in orders stuck due to connectivity issues

  • Average queue flush success rate

  • Time from local action → server confirmation

  • Conflict frequency and resolution time

Appendix: Minimal User Flows

Flow 1: Offline Item Tap

  1. Tap item → UI shows tick

  2. Action added to local queue

  3. Offline badge visible

  4. Network returns → sync → queue clears → server confirms

Flow 2: Edited Completed Order While Offline

  1. New item added → light-orange highlight + “NEW”

  2. Action queued

  3. When online → sync

  4. If server rejects → conflict UI shown




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