Prep overview
Rinvy has two ways to record prep: ad-hoc prep (one recipe at a time, recorded whenever you make a batch) and prep lists (a planned shift with multiple recipes and Rinvy-recommended batch counts). They share the same underlying execution — when you log a batch, ingredients are deducted from stock and the output product is added. The difference is workflow.
Ad-hoc prep
The right mode for unplanned or one-off prep — somebody made a batch of marinara, you want to record it.
Go to Prep.
- Pick a recipe.
- Enter batches completed (e.g.,
2). - Optionally add a note.
- Save.
That's it. Two batches of marinara at a yield of 4 quart adds 8 quart of marinara stock and deducts ingredient quantities for two batches.
Available on every plan. Any role with canExecuteRecipes (Owner, Manager, Staff) can record ad-hoc prep.
Prep lists
The right mode for planned prep shifts — typically the morning or evening prep block where you bang out several recipes in one go. Rinvy looks at current stock, burn rate, and target stock, then recommends how many batches of each recipe to make. A manager approves the list, staff execute, the system records prep logs.
Pro tier only. Full walkthrough — the DRAFT → APPROVED → COMPLETED workflow, batch tuning, the active-list rule — is in prep lists workflow.
When to use which
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Someone made an unplanned batch of sauce | Ad-hoc prep |
| Recording yesterday's prep retroactively | Ad-hoc prep |
| Tuesday morning prep shift with 8 recipes to make | Prep list |
| Catering order — make a one-time large batch | Ad-hoc prep |
| Recurring weekly prep cycle | Prep list |
Most kitchens use both. Ad-hoc covers the exceptions; prep lists cover the routine.
What gets recorded behind the scenes
Whether ad-hoc or prep-list, every batch logged:
- Deducts ingredient quantities from inventory (using the recipe's ingredient list, scaled by batches completed).
- Adds output product to inventory (using yield × batches completed).
- Creates a prep log entry attributed to the user who recorded it.
These prep logs show up in the activity history and feed into burn rate, variance, and product reports.
Common mistakes
Logging prep before it's actually done
Prep execution deducts ingredients immediately. If you log "2 batches" and then only make 1, you've over-deducted. Wait until the batch is actually in the container before recording.
Using ad-hoc when you should use a prep list
If your team runs the same prep cycle every Tuesday, a prep list takes 30 seconds to approve and gives Rinvy data to recommend better batch counts. Ad-hoc works but misses the planning win.
Recording batches in the wrong unit
The "batches" field is always recipes-as-authored. If the recipe yields 4 quarts per batch and
you enter 4, that's four batches = 16 quarts, not 4 quarts.