Real-Time Order System

Learn how Santhai's real-time order system works and how to use it effectively.

What is Real-Time Orders?

Real-time orders use WebSocket technology to deliver instant notifications when customers place orders. No page refresh needed - orders appear automatically on your dashboard.

Note: This feature is designed for sellers who want restaurant-style instant order notifications, perfect for food vendors, bakeries, and fast-turnaround businesses.

How It Works

1. Customer Places Order

Customer scans your QR code, browses products, adds items to cart, and completes checkout with delivery address and payment method.

2. Instant Notification

The moment the order is submitted, your real-time dashboard receives the order via WebSocket connection. You'll see:

  • Order token number
  • Customer name and phone
  • Delivery address
  • Order items with quantities
  • Custom field values (if applicable)
  • Payment method
  • Order total

3. Process Order

Accept the order and update its status as you prepare and deliver it. Customers see real-time status updates.

Enabling Real-Time Orders

  1. Go to Seller Information
  2. Toggle "Enable Real-Time Orders"
  3. Save changes
  4. Open Real-Time Orders Dashboard
  5. Keep the dashboard open to receive notifications

Important: The real-time dashboard must be open in your browser to receive instant notifications. If you close the tab, you won't get real-time alerts (orders will still appear in regular order list).

Dashboard Features

Connection Indicator

Look for the "WebSocket Connected" indicator at the top. This shows you're connected and ready to receive orders.

View Modes

Switch between:

  • Card View: Restaurant-style order cards showing full details
  • List View: Compact table for quickly scanning multiple orders

Order Cards

Each order card displays:

  • Order token and timestamp
  • Customer contact information
  • Delivery address
  • Complete item list with custom fields
  • Payment method and status
  • Inline action buttons

Inline Actions

Process orders without leaving the dashboard:

  • Accept Order: Available when status is "Pending"
  • Mark Payment Received: For COD/Zelle orders after receiving payment
  • Mark as Delivered: When order is successfully delivered

WebSocket Technology

WebSockets maintain a persistent connection between your browser and our server, allowing instant two-way communication.

Connection Status

  • Connected: Green indicator - receiving real-time updates
  • Disconnected: Red indicator - check internet connection
  • Reconnecting: Yellow indicator - attempting to restore connection

Automatic Reconnection

If your connection drops, the system automatically attempts to reconnect. Orders received during disconnection will appear when connection is restored.

Best Practices

  • Keep the dashboard open during business hours
  • Use card view for detailed order review
  • Switch to list view when handling high volume
  • Respond to orders within 5-10 minutes
  • Enable browser notifications (optional browser feature)
  • Use a stable internet connection
  • Have a backup device ready for important hours

Troubleshooting

Not Receiving Orders?

  • Check "WebSocket Connected" indicator
  • Refresh the page to restart connection
  • Verify "Enable Real-Time Orders" is toggled on
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try a different browser

Orders Delayed?

  • Check network speed (slow networks may cause delays)
  • Close other bandwidth-heavy applications
  • Move closer to WiFi router

Dashboard Not Loading?

  • Clear browser cache andcookies
  • Update to latest browser version
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily

Demo Video

Watch a complete walkthrough of the real-time order system:

🎥Watch Real-Time Order Demo Video

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