User Registration & Management
OrderNow uses a role-based access system to ensure users have appropriate permissions for their responsibilities. This guide covers creating accounts, assigning users to your restaurant, and managing permissions.
::: note Key Concepts:
- License: Your restaurant's agreement with OrderNow, containing all your data and settings
- Location: A physical restaurant venue (you can have multiple under one license)
- User: Anyone who logs into OrderNow (staff, managers, administrators) :::
Registration Methods
New users can join OrderNow using one of two methods:
Option 1: Google Authentication (Recommended)
Use your existing Google account for quick, secure access without creating a new password.
- On the OrderNow login page, click "Sign in with Google"
- Select your Google account or enter your Gmail address
- Grant OrderNow permission to access basic profile information (name and email)
- Your account is created automatically
TIP
Benefits: No separate password to remember, automatic security updates from Google, faster login process.
Option 2: Email Registration
Create an account directly with your email address.
- On the login page, click "Create an Account"
- Fill in the required information:
| Field | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Your first and last name |
| Email Address | Valid email you can access |
| Password | At least 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers recommended |
- Click "Register"
- Check your email for a verification message
- Click the verification link to activate your account
WARNING
Important: You must verify your email before you can use the account. Check your spam folder if you don't see the verification email within a few minutes.
The Demo License
After registration, all new users are initially placed in a "Demo License." This is a temporary environment where users can familiarize themselves with OrderNow features using sample data.
::: note To use OrderNow with your actual restaurant, an administrator must transfer you from the demo license to your restaurant's production license. See Account Transfer for details. :::
Understanding User Roles
Roles define what actions a user can perform in OrderNow:
| Role | Permissions | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Full system access: manage users, locations, menus, settings, view all reports | Restaurant owners, general managers |
| Manager | View reports, manage orders, configure some settings, but cannot add/remove users | Shift managers, supervisors |
| Normal User | Day-to-day operations: process orders, manage tables, view assigned locations | Servers, waiters, bartenders |
Assigning Users to Your Restaurant
For Administrators: Adding Existing Users
When a staff member registers, they start in the demo license. To connect them to your restaurant:
- Log in as an administrator
- Navigate to Admin → Users
- Find the user in the list (or have them provide their username)
- Click "Change License"
- Select your restaurant's license from the dropdown
- Click "Save Changes"
Assigning a Role
After adding a user to your license, assign their role:
- In the Users list, select the user
- Click "Edit Roles"
- Check the appropriate role(s)
- Click "Save Changes"
Assigning to Locations
Specify which restaurant locations the user can access:
- Select the user in User Management
- Click "Manage Locations"
- Check the boxes for relevant locations
- Assign a User Number for identification (optional)
- Click "Save Changes"
TIP
Multi-Location Staff: Users can be assigned to multiple locations. This is useful for managers who oversee several venues or staff who float between locations.
Account Transfer Process
For users who registered independently and need to join your restaurant:
- The user generates a transfer code from their account menu
- They provide this code to an administrator
- The administrator enters the code in User Management
- The account is transferred to your license
Detailed Guide: Transferring Your Account
Managing Existing Users
Modifying User Access
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| Change Role | User Management → Select User → Edit Roles |
| Add/Remove Locations | User Management → Select User → Manage Locations |
| Reset Password | User Management → Select User → Reset Password (sends email) |
| Deactivate Account | User Management → Select User → Deactivate |
| Remove from License | User Management → Select User → Change License → Demo License |
User Management Best Practices
- Principle of Least Privilege: Give users only the permissions they need for their job
- Regular Audits: Review user access monthly; remove departed employees promptly
- Strong Passwords: Encourage complex passwords or use Google authentication
- Role Documentation: Keep a record of who has administrator access
- Training: Ensure users understand their role limitations and capabilities
- Backup Admin: Always have at least two administrators in case one is unavailable
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| User can't see my restaurant | Verify they're assigned to your license, not the demo license |
| Email verification not received | Check spam folder, verify email address was typed correctly, request resend |
| Google sign-in not working | Ensure pop-ups are allowed, try incognito mode, check Google account status |
| User can't access a location | Check location assignments in User Management; verify user role permissions |
| Forgot password | Use "Forgot Password" on login page or have admin reset it |
WARNING
Security Reminder: Never share administrator credentials. Each person should have their own account with appropriate permissions.