QR-based restaurant ordering system
biteflow
A QR-based restaurant ordering system that lets customers scan a table code and order directly, with everything routed live to the kitchen and staff.
metric
live order sync
overview
Real-time table ordering with live WebSocket sync, deterministic order pipeline, and in-app staff assistance requests.
challenge
Replace the friction of flagging down waiters and manual order-taking with a self-serve, real-time ordering flow that stays deterministic and reliable under concurrent table activity.
approach
Built a QR-to-table session flow (no login required) backed by a deterministic order pipeline (pending → preparing → ready → served → paid). Used WebSockets for live sync between customer, kitchen, and waiter dashboards, with station-based kitchen filtering, staff acknowledgment tracking, and a dedicated call-waiter/request-assistance channel.
outcome
Delivered a working end-to-end loop: customers scan, browse, order, and request help instantly, while staff see live order and assistance updates with zero polling. Order state, table status, and payment status stay in sync across all connected clients in real time.
stack
react, vite, typescript, node.js, express, socket.io
highlights