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:
- Batching – The most accurate method, automatically adjusting inventory levels in real-time.
- Prepared Items – A simpler method that tracks batches in audits without affecting running theoretical stock.
| Feature | Prepared Items | Batching |
|---|---|---|
| Depletions | Only from ingredients | From batch |
| Available in Audit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Updates Running Theoretical Inventory | ❌ | ✅ |
| Accuracy | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Time Required | ~5 minutes once, no ongoing updates | ~5 minutes once + ~30 seconds per batch created |
Batches Overview
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 Method: Maximum Accuracy with Manual Input
Batching is the most precise method for managing batched recipes. It ensures accurate inventory tracking and cost control, but requires manual input when batches are prepared.
How It Works:
-
When a batch is added to the system, the ingredients are immediately deducted from theoretical inventory.
-
The batch itself appears in inventory audits, allowing you to track remaining quantities during counts.
-
In POS-integrated systems, sales of items made from a batch automatically reduce that batch’s stock level.
-
In reports, adding a batch is logged as a positive transfer in for the batch and negative transfers out for each ingredient used.
Key Benefits:
-
Inventory Accuracy: Ingredient usage is properly deducted, aligning stock levels with real usage.
-
Audit Visibility: Batched items show up during inventory audits, making it easy to account for them.
-
Automated Sales Deduction: Batch quantities adjust automatically with sales in POS-integrated setups.
Best For:
Operators who prioritize inventory accuracy and are willing to manually enter batch production for the highest level of control.
Prep Items Overview
Prep Items (or Prepared Items) are simplified batched recipes that appear in inventory audits but do not update theoretical inventory in real time. Instead of deducting ingredients when the prep is made, the system depletes raw ingredients when the final product is sold.
This method offers a low-maintenance way to track batches without constant manual input.
Prep Item Method: Simplified Tracking Without Live Inventory Updates
The Prep Item method is ideal for businesses that want to track batch-style recipes during audits but don’t need real-time inventory adjustments. It reduces manual workload while still offering visibility into costs and stock levels.
How It Works:
-
Prep Items are built using recipes, but ingredients are not deducted from inventory when the prep is created.
-
Theoretical inventory reflects depletion only when the final menu item is sold, pulling directly from the raw ingredients.
-
Prep Items appear in audits, where their quantities and costs can be tracked and adjusted.
Key Benefits:
-
Simplified Tracking: Prep items are counted and costed in audits, helping you monitor usage without extra data entry.
-
Less Manual Input: No need to log preps each time they’re made—just update counts during inventory.
-
Ingredient-Level Accuracy: Sales reduce raw ingredient stock, keeping inventory aligned with actual usage.
-
Better Reporting: When running Actual vs. Theoretical (AvT) reports, choose Items + Preps to ensure prep items are properly included.
Best For:
Operators who prefer a lightweight tracking method without frequent inventory updates or the need to enter batches manually.
.