How to Configure Section Prep Times and Order Timers
Fine-tuning kitchen preparation targets per menu section and adjusting the New, Cooling, and Critical queue thresholds.
Steps
Open Timer Settings
From the Order Board (`/waiter` or `/dashboard/orders`), click the stopwatch or settings gear icon.
This opens the "Section Prep Times" modal.
Adjust preparation minutes per section
Review each menu section (e.g. Beverages: 3 min, Starters: 8 min, Steaks: 20 min).
Use the "+" and "-" buttons or enter numbers to define the standard ready time in minutes. The board calculates an order's aging timer based on the longest prep item on the ticket.
Understand the status legend
Timers govern when tickets change color on the floor:
• Green (New): Within initial prep window (default 0–5 min). • Amber (Cooling): Midway through preparation (default 5–15 min). • Red (Critical): Approaching or exceeding target ready time (15+ min).
Save changes
Click "Save" to apply the updated prep times.
New prep targets will apply to all newly arriving tickets on both waiter and kitchen screens.
What you should see
Order aging calculations reflect actual kitchen prep times for each department.
Good to know
- Overall restaurant threshold minutes can also be customized organization-wide in Owner Settings → Service & orders.
Related guides
- Managing Order Queues and Timing StatesUnderstanding order aging (New, Cooling, Critical), updating order statuses, and advancing tickets to completion.
- How to Configure Restaurant Service & Order SettingsAdjusting service modes, kitchen pass screens, customer waiter calls, and order aging thresholds.