What is a digital pager and how does it work?
A digital pager makes the customer's phone the pager: they scan a code at the counter, and when the order is ready or it's their turn, their phone rings — no hardware, no app.
Why a digital pager?
Hardware pagers work, but they come with known problems: purchase cost, fading batteries, devices that walk off, cleaning after every use, and a range that ends at the door. Worse, they tell you nothing about the wait.
A digital pager fixes all of that by using the device every customer already carries: their phone.
How it works, step by step
For the customer it takes seconds:
- They order and pay at the counter as usual.
- The cashier adds the order number, or it comes from the POS automatically.
- The customer scans the code with their phone camera — no app, nothing to type.
- They sit down and follow the order on their phone.
- The moment it's ready their phone rings; they pick it up and can rate the visit in one tap.
Does the alert arrive on a locked phone?
Yes. On iPhone the order stays on the lock screen until pickup, and on Android an alert with sound and vibration arrives even when the phone is locked.
Good systems also follow up with a WhatsApp or text message if the alert doesn't arrive, and tell staff to call the customer out loud.
What do I need to start?
No special hardware: a phone or tablet at the counter and a printed code. Add a waiting screen with any TV if you like.
Common questions
- Is a digital pager free?
- Some systems offer a limited free plan — Ranna gives you 300 orders a month for free.
- Do customers need to sign up or share their number?
- No, scanning is enough.