Setting Up Par Levels
Define standard daily production quantities for each recipe to ensure consistent output.
Setting Up Par Levels
- Define standard daily production quantities for each recipe
- Set different par levels for each day of the week (e.g., more croissants on weekends)
- Let BakeOnyx use par levels as baseline targets for production planning
What Are Par Levels?
Par levels are the standard quantities you want to produce each day for a specific recipe, regardless of customer orders. Think of them as your "safety stock"—the amount you always want on hand to meet customer demand and keep your display cases full.
For example, you might set a par level of 20 croissants for weekdays but 40 for weekends. BakeOnyx's production scheduler uses these par levels as baseline targets, ensuring you're always prepared even on slower order days.
How to Set Up Par Levels
Step 1: Navigate to Par Levels
- Log in to BakeOnyx and go to your Dashboard
- Click Production in the left sidebar
- Select Par Levels from the submenu
You'll see a grid with all your recipes listed on the left and the days of the week across the top (Sunday through Saturday).
Step 2: Select a Recipe
- Scroll through the recipe list on the left side to find the recipe you want to set par levels for
- Click on the recipe name to select it
Only recipes you've already created in BakeOnyx appear here. If you don't see a recipe, you'll need to create it first (see "Next steps" below).
Step 3: Enter Daily Quantities
- For each day of the week, click the quantity field and enter your standard production number
- Use the same unit you defined when creating the recipe (e.g., individual croissants, dozens, loaves)
- Press Enter or click outside the field to save
You can set different quantities for each day. For example:
- Sunday: 30
- Monday–Friday: 20
- Saturday: 50
Step 4: Activate or Deactivate Par Levels
- Each recipe has a toggle switch next to its name
- Make sure the toggle is on (highlighted) to activate par levels for that recipe
- If you want to temporarily stop using par levels for a recipe, click the toggle to turn it off
When a par level is active, BakeOnyx includes it in production planning. When it's inactive, the production scheduler ignores it and only plans based on actual customer orders.
Step 5: Review and Adjust
- After setting par levels, check your Production Calendar to see how they affect your daily production plan
- If production quantities seem too high or too low, come back to this page and adjust
- It's normal to fine-tune par levels over a few weeks as you see how they work in practice
Best Practices
- Update seasonally: Adjust par levels for seasonal items (e.g., higher pumpkin muffins in fall)
- Consider shelf life: Don't set par levels higher than what you can sell before items expire
- Account for events: Temporarily increase par levels before holidays or special events
- Monitor waste: If you're throwing away unsold items, lower your par levels
Next Steps
- Creating a Recipe — Add new recipes to BakeOnyx before setting par levels
- Using the Calendar — See how par levels affect your production schedule
- Configuring Production Equipment and Staff — Ensure you have the capacity to meet your par levels
The summary, FAQ, and statistics in this section were compiled from public sources and reviewed by the BakeOnyx editorial team. AI-assisted research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are par levels in a bakery?▾
Par levels are the target quantities of specific recipes you aim to produce daily, regardless of immediate customer orders. They function as a 'safety stock' to consistently meet customer demand and keep your bakery displays stocked. For example, you might set a higher par level for croissants on weekends than on weekdays.
How does BakeOnyx use par levels for production planning?▾
BakeOnyx's production scheduler utilizes your defined par levels as baseline targets. When generating a production plan, it considers these levels to ensure you produce enough of each item to meet your desired daily stock, even if current orders are low. This helps streamline operations and maintain consistent product availability.
Can I set different par levels for different days of the week?▾
Yes, BakeOnyx allows you to set distinct par levels for each day of the week. This is highly beneficial for managing fluctuating demand, such as needing more bread on weekends or fewer pastries on Mondays. You simply enter the desired quantity for each specific day in the par levels interface.
What happens if I don't set par levels for a recipe?▾
If par levels are not set or are deactivated for a specific recipe, BakeOnyx's production scheduler will only plan production based on actual customer orders received. It will not use any baseline target quantity, meaning you might not produce that item unless it's specifically ordered, potentially leading to stockouts if demand is higher than expected.
How do I know what par levels to set?▾
It's recommended to use your historical sales data to inform your par level decisions. Observe which items sell consistently and how much. Setting par levels slightly above your average sales for a given day can provide a useful safety buffer. BakeOnyx encourages reviewing and adjusting these levels over time based on actual sales patterns.
Is setting par levels too high or too low a problem?▾
Yes, both extremes can be problematic. Setting par levels too high can result in overproduction, leading to increased waste and ingredient costs. Conversely, setting them too low may cause you to run out of popular items, disappointing customers and losing potential sales. It's crucial to find a balance and adjust based on real-world performance.