Select Maintenance > System Settings > Media Files to access this function.

The Aloha POS system uses image and video files to enhance the Front-of-House (FOH) order entry screens and provide training for your employees. For example, in the Jobcodes function, you can reference an image that represents the job function, to assist employees in selecting the correct job code when they log in to the FOH. Other functions in which you can use image files include Items, Movie, Order Modes, Kitchen Screens, Tenders, and more.

The POS system supports the following types of media files, where appropriate: BMP, PNG, JPG, AVI, ASF, SWF, WMV, and JS.

(QS only) Quick Service supports all file types on buttons and panels; however, you still have to import the images through the Media Files function.

When you first install the configuration management tool, either Aloha Configuration Center or Aloha Manager, you must perform a data import, which also imports, among other things, the existing media files from the local site. After a successful import, use either the Import Multiple Media Files utility or the Media Files function to view and manage media files, when you need to import updated or additional media files. The Import Multiple Media Files utility allows you to select and import media files into your database individually or in bulk, and automatically logs you out of the system when you are done. You need to log back in to continue. The Media Files function is better used for single file imports.

Media File types

The choices that appear for ‘Application’ include the products and features installed on the system. The application you select determines the media file types supported by and available for selection from ‘File Type.’

Media Files quick tips

There are several tips to know before uploading media files:

• When you are performing a new CFC or Aloha Manager installation and you do not have an existing database to import, either at a site or on a lab system, place your media files in a folder on the file server, and use either the Import Multiple Media Files utility or the Media Files function to import the files into the database.
• After a successful import, the media files become part of the CFC or Aloha Manager database. For this reason, you cannot just copy a file with the same name into the BMP folder at the site and have the system recognize it as an updated file. You need to perform an import so that it becomes part of the database and wait for the next data refresh for it to become active.
• If you create a new media file after your initial import, you must create a record in Media Files, to import the new file, and then reference it to make it available for the next export.
• The Media Files function also manages the images for the floating logo (Logo1.bmp, Logo2.bmp, and so on. Be sure to include these media files as part of your import.
• Once you successfully import the necessary media files, access the applicable function and select the media file for reference. - The system only includes referenced media files in the export to the site.
• At the end of every business day, as part of the End-of-Day process, the system removes all media files at the site, and then exports only referenced media files back to the site, to prevent unnecessary files from being copied to the site.

Media Files tab

Use the Media Files tab to import a new media file into the configuration management tool.

Group Bar: Identification

Name — Identifies the media file. This is the name you reference when you create a reference to a media file. Once you type a name, it should remain static so that any references to the media file do not break.

Application — Identifies the product for which the media file is intended, for organizing, filtering, and exporting purposes. This option is read only.

Original File Name — Identifies the original name of the file you initially selected for upload. This option is read-only.

File Type — Indicates the graphic, video, or script media file type, such as BMP, AVI, WMV, VBS, and more. The file types that appear correspond to the file types supported by the application you select from the Application list box.

Select File — Enables you to browse and select the media file you wish to upload to the host database. The file name cannot be the same name as one you have already successfully imported. For this reason, to update an existing media file for which you already have a reference, create a file with a slightly different name. For example, if you need to update the Icon5.bmp media file, name the new file Icon5_New.bmp. Required Options: You must make a selection in ‘File Type’ to expose this option.

Export location — Specifies the folder to which to export the file. Choose ‘Kitchen folder’ for all Kitchen image files except those intended for use with a kitchen screen of the ‘Customer order display’ type, in which case, choose ‘Customer Display folder.’ Required Options: You must select ‘Aloha Kitchen’ as the media file type to expose this option.

Preview tab

Use the Preview tab to view the selected file.