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.

::: note 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:

1. Click the date picker field (default shows today's date)
2. Select your desired date from the calendar popup
3. The dashboard automatically refreshes with data for that date

TIP

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 (⋮)

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:

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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:

1. Scroll down to see all locations
2. Compare patterns between locations
3. Identify top-performing locations
4. 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

1. Click the menu icon (⋮) on any chart
2. Select "Download PNG"
3. 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