Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “log food waste and spoilage”

Here is the best way to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

10 min
typically, every day
60%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 1

Software feature

Log waste with a scale or app that does the maths

Waste tracking tools (Winnow and Leanpath use a camera and scale) or the waste log in your inventory app record what is thrown away and why in seconds, and show which items to cut back on.

Typically saves about 50% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Start with the waste log in your inventory system, or trial a smart waste tracker such as Winnow or Leanpath.
  2. 2Log every bin of prep waste, spoilage and plate returns with a reason.
  3. 3Review the top five wasted items weekly.
  4. 4Adjust par levels and prep lists from what you find.

Tools: Winnow · Leanpath · MarketMan, Restaurant365 or xtraCHEF waste logs

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do you log food waste with a scale or app that shows what to cut back on?
Tools like Winnow or Leanpath, or the waste log in your inventory app, record waste in seconds and show which items you over-prep.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Chef / kitchen lead

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

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Other common tasks for Chef / kitchen leads