Configure Item Search and BIN Numbers in Shift4 Dine

Description: Learn how to set up item search fields on the Workstation for Shift4 Dine and assign BIN numbers to menu items in Shift4 Customer Hub or the Workstation.

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Note: This feature is currently available only for Pilot users.

Overview

Shift4 Dine lets you control which fields staff can search by when looking up menu items during order entry. In addition to Item Name, you can enable search by Item Description, UPC, SKU, and BIN.

BIN is a wine cellar identifier used to locate specific bottles on a wine list. BIN values are alphanumeric and do not need to be unique — multiple items can share the same BIN value.

This is useful for restaurants with large or complex menus where staff identify items by a code rather than a name. A server can type a BIN number and immediately find the right bottle without sifting through unrelated results.

Note: You need Manager or Owner access on the Workstation to change search configuration settings.

Configure Item Search Fields on the Workstation

1. On the Workstation, select Manager > Settings > Business > General > Item Search Configuration.
   
2. Select the fields you want staff to be able to search by. Available fields, listed in search priority order, are:
   • UPC
   • SKU
   • BIN
   • Item Name
   • Item Description
     
3. Deselect any fields you do not need. Only the Item Name is enabled by default.
4. Select OK. The updated configuration syncs to all terminals at the location.

Important: At least one field must remain enabled. The system will not save a configuration with all fields turned off.

Add or Edit BIN Values on Menu Items

In Shift4 Customer Hub (including Multi-Location Management locations):

1. Navigate to Dine Settings > Menu > Items and open the item you want to edit.
   
2. Locate the BIN field, enter the BIN value.
   
3. Select Save.

You can also set the BIN field when creating a new item. For Multi-Location Management instances, the ability to edit the BIN field follows the same ownership restrictions as other item fields. For more details, see the Multi-Location Management section of the Shift4 knowledge base.

On the Workstation (non-Multi-Location Management locations only):

1. Navigate to Manager > Settings > Menu > Items and find the item.
2. Edit the BIN field directly.
   
3. Select Save. 

Changes sync back to the Shift4 Customer Hub and to all terminals at the location.

How Item Search Works

Once configured, staff can type any value into the Workstation search bar. The system searches all enabled fields and returns results in priority order:

1. UPC
2. SKU
3. BIN
4. Item Name
5. Item Description

Exact matches rank above partial matches.

FAQs

Can multiple items share the same BIN?

Yes. If multiple bottles share a cellar BIN, all of them can carry the same value, and all will appear in search results when that BIN is searched.

Can the search configuration be set differently per terminal?

No. Configuration is set at the location level and applies to all terminals.

What if the Workstation is offline when the configuration is changed?

 The Workstation continues using its last synced configuration while offline. Once it reconnects, the updated configuration is applied automatically.

Why can't staff find an item by BIN?

Confirm BIN is enabled in Search Configuration (Manager > Settings > Business > General > Item Search Configuration). Also, verify the item has a BIN value entered in Shift4 Customer Hub or the Workstation.

Why are numeric searches returning too many irrelevant results?

Enable the relevant numeric fields (UPC, SKU, BIN) in Search Configuration so numeric queries prioritize those fields over Item Name.

Why can't I save my Search Configuration?

 At least one field must be enabled. Make sure at least one toggle is turned on before saving.