Set Up Routing Modifier Sets in Multi-Location Management
Description: Learn how to create a Routing Modifier Set, assign print routes to modifiers, and attach the set to a menu item in Multi-Location Management so a single item can route to different kitchen stations based on the modifier selected.
Note: This feature is currently available only for Pilot users using Multi-Location Management (Customer Hub).
Overview of Routing Modifier Sets
A Routing Modifier Set is a modifier set type in which the selected modifier can override the parent item's print route, sending the item to a different printer or Kitchen Display System (KDS) based on the modifier a server selects. Routing Modifier Sets are configured in Multi-Location Management only and are not available in the standard Shift4 Customer Hub.
Before You Begin Setting Up a Routing Modifier Set
Before creating a Routing Modifier Set, make sure the following are already configured in Shift4 Customer Hub:
- The modifiers you plan to use (for example, Grilled, Blackened, Fried) exist in your modifier library. No new modifier records are required.
- The Printer Templates exist for the station you want to route to, and your printers and/or KDS stations are set up.
- The menu items that will use the Routing Modifier Set exist and have their default print routing configured.
Key Concepts for Routing Modifier Sets
The following terms describe how Routing Modifier Sets and print routing work together.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Routing Modifier Set | A modifier set type where the selected modifier can override the parent item's print route. Each item supports a maximum of one Routing Modifier Set. |
| Route Override | The printer(s) and/or KDS station(s) to which an item is redirected when a modifier with a Printer Template assignment is selected from a Routing Modifier Set. |
| Default Route | The item's own printer/KDS assignment is used whenever the selected routing modifier has no Printer Template assigned. |
| Independent Modifier Routing | Existing behavior for standard modifier sets: a modifier with its own Printer Template assignment prints a separate ticket at its assigned station (for example, a Fries modifier printing at the FRY station), independent of the parent item. |
| Printer Template | The assignment that maps an item or modifier to one or more printers and/or KDS stations. |
Create a Routing Modifier Set
- Log in to Shift4 Customer Hub and go to Menu > Modifier Sets.
- Select Add Modifier Set, then select Routing as the set type.
- Name the set (for example, Preparation Method).
- Add modifiers to the set from your existing modifier library.
- Configure the POS modifier selection rule: Prompt, Don't Prompt, or Modifier Selection Required. When you select Modifier Selection Required, the minimum must be one.
- Select Save.
Note: Routing Modifier Sets are single-selection only. The "Total Modifiers Allowed" and "Individual Modifiers Allowed" options are hidden for this set type; the set always behaves as if Total Modifiers Allowed is one and Individual Modifiers Allowed is disabled. Quantity per modifier and automatic default selections are not supported.
Assign Print Routes to Modifiers in a Routing Modifier Set
Route overrides use the existing modifier-level Printer Template assignment.
- Navigate to the modifier that should redirect the item (for example, Fried).
- Assign the Printer Template(s) for the destination printer(s) and/or KDS station(s) (for example, FRY and EXPO).
- Leave the Printer Template assignment empty on any modifier that should use the item's default route (for example, Grilled and Blackened on an item that already routes to GRILL).
- Select Save.
Important: The modifier set type determines how a Printer Template assignment on a modifier behaves. If the modifier is in a standard modifier set, it prints independently at its assigned station (Independent Modifier Routing). If the modifier is in a Routing Modifier Set, it overrides the parent item's print route instead.
Assign a Routing Modifier Set to a Menu Item
- Navigate to Menu > Items and open the item.
- Add the Routing Modifier Set to the item's modifier sets.
- Position the set anywhere in the item's modifier sequence, first, middle, or last, to match your order entry flow.
- Select Save and publish your changes to the location(s).
Important: Each menu item supports a maximum of one Routing Modifier Set. If an item already has one assigned, the system prevents assignment of a second. Routing Modifier Sets can only be assigned at the item level; the item assignment box is hidden on the Routing Modifier Set itself to prevent invalid multiple-item assignments.
Example: Route a Menu Item Based on Modifier Selection
A Grouper Sandwich normally prints to the Grill station, but should print to the Fry station when ordered fried.
| Configuration | Value |
|---|---|
| Item default route | GRILL, EXPO |
| Routing Modifier Set | Grilled (no Printer Template), Blackened (no Printer Template), Fried (Printer Template → FRY, EXPO) |
When a server selects Grilled or Blackened, the sandwich prints at GRILL and EXPO. When the server selects Fried, the sandwich prints at FRY and EXPO instead.
Compatibility Notes for Routing Modifier Sets
Printer Groups and Routing Modifier Sets
Route overrides are fully compatible with Printer Groups. Once the destination is resolved, existing Printer Group logic applies.
Combos and Routing Modifier Sets
Combo items consist of standard items, each with its own print and modifier assignments. Routing Modifier Set behavior is the same whether the item is sold alone or within a combo; the combo name still prints above the item when that setting is enabled.
Standard Modifier Sets and Routing Modifier Sets
Existing standard modifier set behavior, including Independent Modifier Routing, is unchanged.
Conditional Routing and Routing Modifier Sets
Routing Modifier Sets apply a simple per-item override only. Routing based on other items on the ticket is not supported.
For details on how servers select routing modifiers during order entry, visit the Use Routing Modifier Sets on the Workstation for Shift4 Dine article.