Dashboard & Analytics
The Dashboard provides powerful insights into your restaurant's performance through visual charts and detailed reports. Use this data to optimize operations, staffing, and menu offerings.
Access: Navigate to Dashboard from the main navigation menu to view analytics.
1. Selecting a Date
The Dashboard is date-specific, allowing you to analyze historical performance:
- Click the date picker field (default shows today's date)
- Select your desired date from the calendar popup
- The dashboard automatically refreshes with data for that date
Tip: Compare the same day of the week across different weeks to identify trends and patterns.
2. Available Reports
📊 Items Per Half Hour Per Station
Shows order volume distribution throughout the day, broken down by:
- Time slots: 30-minute intervals
- Locations: Each restaurant location
- Order volume: Number of items ordered per time slot
Use for: Identifying peak hours, planning staffing levels, kitchen capacity planning
📈 Cumulative Tables Per 15-Minute Interval
Tracks active table sessions over time:
- Time slots: 15-minute intervals
- Cumulative count: Running total of active tables
- Trend line: Shows busy periods visually
Use for: Understanding table turnover, predicting rush periods, optimizing seating
3. Understanding the Charts
Interactive Features
- Hover: Move your mouse over data points to see exact values
- Zoom: Click and drag to zoom into specific time periods
- Pan: After zooming, drag to move left/right through time
- Reset: Click the "Reset Zoom" button to return to full view
- Download: Export chart as PNG image using the menu icon (â‹®)
Chart Components
| Element |
Description |
| X-Axis (Horizontal) |
Time of day, from opening to closing hours |
| Y-Axis (Vertical) |
Count (items ordered or active tables) |
| Data Points |
Individual measurements for each time interval |
| Lines/Bars |
Visual representation of the data trend |
| Legend |
Identifies what each colored series represents |
4. Interpreting Your Data
Identifying Peak Hours
Look for the highest points on your charts:
- Lunch rush: Typically 12:00 - 14:00
- Dinner rush: Typically 18:00 - 21:00
- Shoulder periods: Transition times between rushes
Staffing Optimization
Use the "Items Per Half Hour" chart to align kitchen staff with demand:
Example: If you consistently see 50+ items ordered between 19:00-20:00, ensure you have enough kitchen staff during that window.
Table Turnover Analysis
The cumulative tables chart helps you understand:
- Opening pattern: How quickly tables fill after opening
- Peak occupancy: Maximum concurrent tables
- Closing pattern: How long tables remain active near closing
- Average session length: Time between first and last orders
5. Multi-Location Comparison
If you manage multiple locations, each appears as a separate chart:
- Scroll down to see all locations
- Compare patterns between locations
- Identify top-performing locations
- Share best practices across venues
6. Common Patterns to Watch
| Pattern |
What It Means |
Action |
| Sharp lunch spike |
High demand in short window |
Add pre-prepared options, streamline menu |
| Long dinner plateau |
Sustained busy period |
Ensure adequate staffing throughout |
| Early afternoon dip |
Slow period between meals |
Consider afternoon specials or happy hour |
| Late-night activity |
Customers staying late |
Extend kitchen hours if profitable |
| Inconsistent patterns |
Unpredictable demand |
Review marketing, events, or external factors |
7. Exporting & Sharing
Chart Export
- Click the menu icon (â‹®) on any chart
- Select "Download PNG"
- Use the image in presentations or reports
Data Export
For raw data analysis, check the Reports section for CSV export options.
Best Practices
- Regular review: Check dashboard daily to spot trends early
- Weekly comparison: Compare Mondays to Mondays, etc.
- Seasonal awareness: Account for holidays and events
- Actionable insights: Use data to make concrete changes (menu, hours, staffing)
- Share with team: Show kitchen managers the item volume charts
- Set benchmarks: Establish targets based on historical averages
Data Limitations
Note:
- Data is only available from when you started using OrderNow
- Historical data may be archived after extended periods
- Charts show completed orders only (not pending)
- Time is shown in your system's configured timezone
Troubleshooting
| Issue |
Solution |
| Charts not loading |
Refresh the page. Check your internet connection. |
| No data displayed |
Ensure the selected date had operational hours and orders |
| Incorrect location data |
Verify location settings in the admin panel |
| Charts look compressed |
Try zooming out your browser or widening the window |