Overview
Tavio runs on tablets, phones, and desktop browsers. Hardware success is less about exotic gear and more about mounts, power, paper, and Wi‑Fi.
Recommended floor kit
| Role | Device | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter | 8–11" tablet or phone | Protective case; venue Wi‑Fi (not guest) |
| Kiosk | Self-order kiosk | At the door or counter; Tavio provisions it |
| Cash desk | Tablet + receipt printer | Stable stand |
| Kitchen | Tablet / HDMI screen | Brightness high; grease-away mount |
| Manager | Laptop or iPad | Admin + reports |
You can lease kits with Tavio or bring your own devices — ask sales for current packages.
Mobile apps
Install Tavio POS from the Apple App Store or Google Play for dedicated FOH and LAN printing. Browser access remains available for admin and backup.
Printers (recommended path)
Use Wi‑Fi / LAN 80mm ESC/POS thermal printers on the same restaurant network as your tablets (any mainstream brand — Epson, XPrinter, Star, Bixolon, HPRT, etc.).
Tablet (iPad / Android app)
- Native Tavio POS app on iPad or Android.
- Printer fixed/reserved IP, port 9100.
- Admin → Settings → Printers → Type Network (IP Address) → Check connection → Test print → Save.
Windows till (browser + Print Agent)
- Install Tavio Print Agent on the till PC (Office → Printers → download).
- Network IP: enter printer IP in settings — no Windows driver needed for the network printer.
- USB: install printer driver in Windows first, then Print Agent → Type Windows Print Agent (USB / silent).
Print Agent gives silent printing from the browser (no dialog every ticket).
| Event | Typical printer |
|---|---|
| Payment completed | Receipt |
| Food parked/added on FOH | Kitchen (new food lines) |
| Kitchen screen → Print | Kitchen |
Multi-station mode (one printer per till) is optional and off by default.
Full steps: Printer Setup Guide.
Legacy / fallback
- Bluetooth — mainly desktop Chrome/Edge. Prefer Network on iPad/Android.
- Browser print dialog — desktop fallback only.
Tip: Keep spare paper rolls at cash desk and pass.
Fingerprint (optional)
USB keyboard-wedge fingerprint pad on the till PC (~R200–600):
- Faster staff sign-in (code still works).
- Managers can scan for admin approval instead of typing the token.
Enroll in Office → Staff → Set up fingerprint. See Fingerprint reader guide.
Network basics
- Prefer a business-grade router; separate guest Wi‑Fi from POS Wi‑Fi.
- Reserve DHCP or static addresses for printers.
- Avoid microwave-adjacent access points when possible.
Device hygiene
- Auto-lock times that balance security and speed.
- Nightly charge routine.
- No personal TikTok on the KDS tablet.
Good practice: Label every device (“Bar 1”, “Floor 2”, “KDS”) so support calls are faster.
Troubleshooting
| If this happens | Check this |
|---|---|
| Printer offline | Power, paper, same Wi‑Fi, printer IP, native app or Print Agent on Windows |
| Check connection fails | Typo in IP; guest Wi‑Fi; port not 9100 |
| Tablet overheating | Case airflow; direct sun on patio |
| Weak signal at far tables | Mesh node; 2.4 GHz often better for printers |
| App won’t open | Update OS; reinstall; try browser fallback (admin) |
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thermal printer | Receipt printer using heat-sensitive paper |
| LAN / Network print | Direct ESC/POS to printer IP:9100 |
| Print Agent | Windows background app for silent USB or network print from browser |
| KDS device | Screen used only for kitchen tickets |
| BYOD | Bring your own device |