How do I set up countdowns?

Overview

• The Countdowns feature is used so operators can manage how many orders they receive for items within a given time period. 
  • This is typically used to help manage high volumes of incoming orders during peak times or to better manage orders that require more prep time
• When operators set up countdowns, they define the quantity of items they can receive for every 15 minute interval within their operating hours
  • When the defined quantity of items is reached within the 15 minutes intervals, customers will be asked to place their orders for the next available pick up time
• Countdowns can be enabled by Administrators only. Once active, they can be managed by Operators in the Operations section of backoffice.

Setting up Countdowns

1. Go to the Brands & Locations page
2. Search for a location.
3. Click Edit Location.
   
   
    
4. Go to Preferences.
5. Select the Countdowns preference.
   • The Item Countdowns Flag needs to be checked in the Preferences section of the location pag for countdowns to be applied

6. Enter the default item quantity for countdown.

   

   • The Default Quantity set in preferences will populate all fields. Operators can customize this number based on a 15 minute timeframe. This number will determine how many menu items can be placed during that window.
7. Go to the Operations section.
8. Select a Brand and Location from the dropdown menus.
9. Go to the Countdowns tab.
   • The countdowns chart will be based on hours of operations. If the location is closed on certain days, they will be marked as N/A. To adjust days of week or start an end time, update the hours of operations in the Brands & Locations page.
   • If you entered the wrong number initially for a long list of inputs; go back to Brands & Locations > Preferences, un-check the Item Countdowns Flag and Save. 
   • Then, Re-check the Item Countdowns Flag, re-enter the correct default and Save. Any time frames customized in Operations will be overridden by the new default quantity.

Assigning Items to Countdowns

1. Go to the Menus tab.
2. Select your brand and location from dropdown menus.
3. Go to the Items tab.
4. Select the menu and category of the item.
5. Click the Pencil icon on the item you’d like to add to Countdowns.
6. Turn the Add to Order Time toggle to YES.
7. Publish your changes.
8. If the item is not live yet, Save Draft.

Outpost Ordering with Item Countdowns

Summary

• You can use countdowns for locations using outpost delivery
• When orders for certain items reach the item countdown quantity, users will be prompted to choose the next available pickup time
• The location should be setup with time-slot and Countdown options only
  • Set the Default Item countdown to 0
  • Only add countdown quantity to hours equivalent to time-slot options

Setting up Outpost Ordering

1. Go to Brands & Locations tab > Edit location > Preferences
2. Select order types: Take Out, Outpost Delivery and Item Countdowns Flag
3. Set Item Countdowns Flag Default Quantity to 0
   
    
4. Set up your Outpost Delivery Points and time slots.
   
   
    
5. Go to Operations tab > Countdowns.
6. Add Countdowns item quantities to your pickup time slots.

   • Do not add quantities to any other times.

     

• You may choose not to include items that have minimal preparation times such as beverages, desserts, pre-packaged items, etc.
• Note: Changes will automatically apply on Apps. For web, please refresh cache through the back-office. (Operations > Refresh Cache).