How to configure the number of tables in POS
Why table number configuration matters in the POS system
Configuring the number of tables in the POS system is one of the first steps that any restaurant owner must complete before starting daily operations. A well-defined floor map in the POS means clear orders, more efficient staff, and a better customer experience. Whether you have a 10-table terrace or a hall with a capacity of 80 seats, the POS system from the Menivo platform gives you the tools needed to faithfully reflect your restaurant's reality in the digital environment.
In this guide you will learn exactly how to configure the number of tables in the Menivo POS, step by step, with no prior technical knowledge required. If you are just starting out with the platform, we recommend you first read How to Activate the POS Module: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners to familiarize yourself with the general interface.
What you need
- An active account on menivo.io (if you don't have one, create your free account in a few minutes)
- A restaurant configured on the platform (name, address, logo)
- The POS module activated in your Menivo account
- Information about the number of tables in each area of the restaurant (dining room, terrace, bar, etc.)
- A device with internet access (laptop, tablet, or desktop)
Step 1: Access the Menivo admin panel
The first thing you need to do is log into your account on menivo.io. Once logged in, you will be redirected to the main dashboard, from where you can manage all aspects related to your restaurant — from the menu and categories, to the POS system settings.
- Go to menivo.io and enter your login credentials.
- From the left side menu, select the restaurant for which you want to configure the tables.
- Make sure you are in the correct section of the desired restaurant, especially if you manage multiple locations.
Step 2: Navigate to the POS module settings
The POS module in Menivo has a dedicated section for configuring the dining room and tables. This section allows you to define distinct areas and assign a specific number of tables to each area, so that staff can quickly identify a customer's table.
- From the admin panel, go to the POS section in the side menu.
- Select the Configuration or POS Settings option, depending on the platform version.
- Look for the subsection dedicated to table management or the floor map.
If you want to better understand the general architecture of the module before making changes, check out the guide How the POS Works and How to Use It Effectively.
Step 3: Define the restaurant's areas
Before setting the exact number of tables, it is recommended to organize the restaurant space by areas. This makes the work of waiters and managers much easier, as each employee can be responsible for a specific area.
- Press the Add area button (or its equivalent in the interface).
- Enter a descriptive name for the area: for example, Indoor dining room, Terrace, Bar, Upper floor.
- Save the created area before moving on to the next step.
- Repeat the process for each distinct area of your restaurant.
- Tip: Name the areas exactly as you use them internally, to avoid confusion during service.
- Tip: If you have a single dining room, you can use a single generic area simply named "Restaurant".
Step 4: Configuring the number of tables per area
This is the central step of the guide — configuring the number of tables for each previously defined area. The Menivo POS system allows you to add tables individually or specify a total number, depending on the options available in your subscription version.
- Select the area for which you want to add tables (for example, Terrace).
- Press the Add table or Add number of tables button.
- Enter the table number (for example, Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, etc.) or set the total number of tables for that area.
- Optionally, you can also add the capacity of each table (number of seats), useful for managing reservations.
- Save the changes after adding all the tables in an area.
- Repeat for each area.
- You can number tables continuously (1–50) or by separate areas (T1–T10 for terrace, S1–S20 for dining room).
- Some restaurants prefer to use special names: VIP booth, Round terrace, etc. — the system also accepts free text.
- Make sure the numbering in the POS matches the physical numbering in the restaurant to avoid confusion.
Step 5: Assign tables to staff members
Once the tables are configured, you can associate each area or table with a waiter or floor manager. This feature is essential for restaurants with larger staff, where multiple waiters operate simultaneously.
- Go to the Staff section in the POS module.
- Select an employee and assign them the areas or tables they are responsible for.
- Save the configuration.
For more details about managing staff in the POS, read the tutorial How to Create and Manage Staff in the POS System.
Step 6: Test the configuration before launch
Before using the system during service, it is essential to test that everything works correctly. An error in table configuration can lead to confusion among staff and delays in service.
- Open the POS interface in operational mode.
- Check that all areas and tables appear correctly on the map.
- Place a test order on one of the tables to verify the complete flow: order → kitchen (KDS) → payment.
- If you use the KDS system, make sure orders are transmitted correctly — read What KDS Means and How It Works for details.
- Also check the payment methods configured for each table.
Step 7: Adjust and optimize over time
Configuring the number of tables is not a static process. As your restaurant evolves — you add a seasonal terrace, reconfigure the dining room, or change capacity — you will also need to update the POS settings. Menivo allows you to make these changes at any time, without downtime.
- Review the table configuration at the beginning of each season.
- Add or remove tables depending on physical changes in the restaurant.
- Check the POS reports to identify whether certain tables are underused or overloaded.
Useful tips for efficient table number configuration
- Keep consistency: The table numbers in the POS must match exactly those physically displayed in the restaurant — on stands, menus, or table QR codes.
- Think scalable: Leave margins in numbering (for example, 1–20 for the dining room, 30–50 for the terrace) so you can add new tables without renumbering everything.
- Involve the staff: Discuss the configuration with the head waiter or floor manager before implementation — they know the operational flow best.
- Integrate with the digital menu: If you also use QR menus per table, make sure each QR code is associated with the correct table number in the POS. Learn more about integrating the QR menu with the POS.
- Back up the configuration: Note down or export the table configuration, so you can quickly restore the settings if needed.
- Check your subscription: Certain advanced table management features may depend on the active subscription plan. Check out how to choose the right subscription to make sure you have access to all the necessary features.
Conclusion: Correct table number configuration makes the difference
Configuring the number of tables in the Menivo POS system is a simple process, but one with a major impact on your restaurant's operational efficiency. By following the steps described in this guide — from defining areas, to adding tables and testing the configuration — you will build a solid foundation for fast, organized, and error-free service.
Now that the tables are configured, you can move on to the next step: optimizing the advanced POS settings. Read the guide How to Configure the POS Module: Advanced Settings and Optimization for Restaurants to discover all the available options. Also, if you haven't yet configured a complete digital menu, the menu creation guide in Menivo will help you have a complete and attractive offer for your customers.
See briefly the POS system for restaurants: tables, table orders, bill splitting, and fiscal receipt, all in one place.