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) |
| 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 thermal printers on the same restaurant network as your tablets:
- Native Tavio POS app on iPad or Android (required for reliable network print).
- Printer fixed/reserved IP, port 9100.
- Admin → Settings → System → Printers (or Admin → Settings → Printers on mobile).
- Enable receipt and/or kitchen → Type Network → enter IP → Check connection → Test print → Save.
| 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.
Legacy options
- Windows USB print server — USB printers attached to a PC running the Tavio print server.
- Bluetooth — mainly desktop Chrome/Edge (Web Bluetooth). Prefer Network on iPad/Android.
- Browser print dialog — desktop fallback only.
Tip: Keep spare paper rolls at cash desk and pass. Step-by-step LAN setup: Admin → Settings → Printers, or ask support for the Printer Setup 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, app mapping, native app |
| 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 |
| KDS device | Screen used only for kitchen tickets |
| BYOD | Bring your own device |