COUNTING PREP ITEMS VS. BATCHES

Choosing the Right Batch Tracking Method: Accuracy vs. Simplicity

Creating Batches in Craftable

Craftable offers two ways to track batched recipes, each suited to different needs:

1. Batching – The most accurate method, automatically adjusting inventory levels in real-time.
2. Prepared Items – A simpler method that tracks batches in audits without affecting running theoretical stock.

What Are Batches?

Batches are items made by combining multiple ingredients into a single product that can be sold individually or used in other recipes. Once ingredients are turned into a batch, they can no longer be used separately in other recipes.

Tracking batches properly ensures accurate inventory records and better operational efficiency. Choosing the right method can help maintain accurate stock levels and reduce discrepancies.

Batching: Maximum Accuracy, More Manual Input

Batching is the most precise way to track batched recipes, as it automatically deducts ingredients from inventory when a batch is created.

How It Works:

• When a batch is entered into the system, the ingredients are immediately reduced from the running theoretical inventory.
• The batch appears in audits, allowing you to track its remaining quantity during inventory checks.
• If the system is integrated with a POS, sales of items made from the batch will automatically reduce its stock level.

Best For:

Prioritizing inventory accuracy and manually entering batches as they are created.

Prepared Items: Simpler Tracking Without Live Inventory Updates

Prepared Items (or "prep items") allow you to track batched recipes in audits but do not update inventory in real-time. Instead, depletion happens when the final product is sold, based on its raw ingredients.

How It Works:

• Prep items appear in audits, allowing you to track costs and counts.
• Theoretical inventory does not reflect batch quantities—stock levels are only updated during audits.
• This method requires less manual input, making it ideal for businesses that don’t want to enter batches every time they are made.

Best For:

Simple way to track batches without frequent manual updates or automatic inventory adjustments.

Pro Tip: When running Actual vs. Theoretical (AvT) reports, select Items + Preps to ensure prep items are properly factored into ingredient counts.

Choosing the Right Method

• Use Batching if you need precise, real-time inventory tracking.
• Use Prepared Items if you prefer a low-maintenance method that tracks batches during audits without constant updates.

By selecting the right approach for your operation, you can maintain accurate records, streamline inventory management, and reduce waste.

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