Manage Printers and Kitchen Displays in SkyTab Multi-Location Management

Description: SkyTab Multi-Location Management (STMLM) provides centralized control of printers and Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) across multiple locations. This article explains how templates, devices, and POS settings work together to ensure consistent configuration and item and modifier routing.

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Overview

SkyTab Multi-Location Management (STMLM) supports central management of printers, Kitchen Displays (KDS), and routing rules across locations. Printer configuration, including formatting, routing, and device assignments, is managed in STMLM to ensure consistency.

Some printing settings remain editable on the POS for convenience or offline operation. POS-level changes are temporary and may be overwritten during the next publish event. The POS displays a warning when changes may be temporary, indicating that permanent updates must be made in STMLM.

Templates

Templates simplify setup by allowing reusable configurations at both the Enterprise and location levels. Templates ensure consistent formatting and routing across multiple devices.

A template contains formatting options and item/modifier routing rules. Supported template types include:

 

Receipt Templates

Receipt templates control:

• Spacing
• Included content
• Custom messaging
• Tip suggestions

Ticket Printer, Virtual Printer, and Kitchen Display Templates

These templates include:

• Formatting settings
• Item and modifier routing options

Kitchen Display templates also allow configuration of order-ready rules for SMS notifications.

Printers and Kitchen Displays

Printers and KDS devices are configured at the location level.

To add a printer:

1. In Lighthouse Business Manager, navigate to Devices > Printers/KDS > Devices.
   
2. Select + Add Printer.
3. Enter the device name and select the Device Used As drop-down. For example, Receipt Printer.
   
4. Select the printer model and the appropriate template from the drop-down.
5. Depending on the template type, select the connectivity type and enter the device IP if required.
6. Select Save to apply changes.

Branding

Branding images can be uploaded at the location level. 

To add branding:

1. In Lighthouse Business Manager, navigate to Devices > Printers/KDS > Branding.
   
2. Select Attach Photo.
   
3. Select your image and select Open.
4. Adjust the image, if needed, and select Done.
   
5. Select Save Changes.

These images are applied to receipt printing.

POS Settings

Certain settings must be configured directly on the POS:

• Terminal assignment of receipt printers
  
• Failover printer assignment
  
• Fulfillment printer assignment
  
• Send Config to KDS
• Test Print
  
• Online order printer assignment
  

Important: Changes made on the POS are temporary unless they are also applied in STMLM. A warning appears on the POS when editing printer settings to remind you that only STMLM updates are permanent.