What hardware is needed for CallerID telephone ordering?

Food-Ordering.com's CallerID module is compatible with the Artech AD102, US Robotics USR805637, and all modems with CallerID functionality. The hardware connects to the computer running the Food-Ordering.com back office. When a call comes in, the system detects the incoming number and auto-populates the customer record.

What customer information is auto-populated when a customer calls?

When a returning customer calls, Food-Ordering.com retrieves their record from the database using the incoming phone number. The screen displays: customer name, delivery address, previous order history, any saved preferences or notes, and total order count. For new callers, a new record is created during the call and saved for future use.

Does CallerID ordering connect to the same kitchen printing as online orders?

Yes. Telephone orders taken via the CallerID module flow through exactly the same kitchen workflow as online orders — the same printers, the same KDS screens, the same multi-station routing. Staff don't need a separate system for phone orders; everything arrives at the kitchen the same way regardless of how it was placed.

Is telephone ordering still worth supporting in 2025?

For many takeaway businesses, yes. High-volume takeaways — particularly Indian, Chinese, and pizza — often retain a significant telephone order share, particularly from older customers and regulars who prefer to call. Refusing telephone orders means losing those customers. The CallerID module makes telephone order handling nearly as fast as online ordering by eliminating manual customer data entry.

CallerID Telephone Ordering for Restaurants — How It Works

What CallerID telephone ordering does

When a customer calls your takeaway or restaurant, the CallerID module detects the incoming phone number and instantly matches it against your customer database. If the caller has ordered before, their full record appears on screen immediately — name, delivery address, order history, and any notes. Staff can confirm the order with the customer without re-typing a single character.

For new callers, a new customer record is created during the call and stored automatically for their next order.

How the call handling works

Phone rings — customer record appears

Incoming number triggers a database lookup. Returning customer details populate the order screen before staff answer.

Staff confirm identity and address

"Is that still [name] at [address]?" — a 5-second confirmation, no manual entry needed.

Staff take the order on screen

Items are selected from the same menu as the online ordering system. Modifications, extras, and instructions added as the customer speaks.

Order confirmed and dispatched to kitchen

Order routes to the kitchen printer or KDS screen — identical to an online order. Staff confirm estimated time with the customer.

Record updated for next call

Any changes to address or preferences are saved. The call is logged in the customer's history for future orders.

Compatible CallerID hardware

Artech AD102

USB CallerID device. Plug-and-play on Windows. One of the most widely used CallerID adapters in UK takeaway businesses.

US Robotics USR805637

USB modem with CallerID capability. Also supports fax if required. Widely available and reliable in commercial use.

Any modem with CallerID support

Food-Ordering.com supports the CallerID standard, meaning any compatible modem or USB CallerID device that passes caller number data to Windows will work with the system.

Why telephone ordering still matters

Despite the growth of online ordering, telephone orders remain significant for many UK takeaways. The customers who prefer to call are often:

Older regulars who have called the same number for years
Customers who want to ask about the menu or customise a dish beyond what the online ordering form allows
First-time local customers who found the number on a leaflet or Google listing
Customers in areas with unreliable mobile data connections

Without CallerID, handling these calls means manually typing the customer's name, address, and order — which takes 2–3 minutes per call and is prone to address errors. With CallerID, a returning customer's order can be taken and confirmed in under 60 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

What hardware is needed?

Artech AD102, US Robotics USR805637, or any modem with CallerID support. USB connection to the Windows machine running Food-Ordering.com. No proprietary hardware required.

What customer information appears automatically?

Name, delivery address, full order history, and any saved notes. For new callers, a blank record is created and saved during the call.

Does CallerID ordering use the same kitchen system as online orders?

Yes. Telephone orders route to the same kitchen printers and KDS screens as online orders. No separate workflow for phone orders.

Is telephone ordering still worth supporting?

For most takeaways, yes. Regulars and older customers often prefer to call. CallerID makes telephone order handling almost as fast as online ordering by eliminating manual data entry.

CallerID included in the full platform licence

The telephone ordering module is included in the Food-Ordering.com full platform licence (£3,500) or available as a standalone add-on (+£150) to the online-only licence. No monthly fee. No per-call charge.

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