In this article, you will find instructions on how to activate and configure table stock in Zenchef. This feature allows you to manage your restaurant’s availability based on your table plan, ensuring optimal capacity management.
Table of Contents
- Activate table stock from the web application
- Activate table stock from the iOS application
- Common Issues & FAQs
- Support & Related Articles
What You Need to Know
Table stock calculates your restaurant's availability based on the available tables or table groupings. This helps prevent overbooking and optimizes seating arrangements.
The software will automatically assign new reservations based on available tables, their capacity, and predefined seating rules.
Without activation, the system calculates stock based on the maximum number of covers defined in your service settings.
1. Activate Table Stock from the Web Application
To activate table stock efficiently, follow these steps in the correct order:
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Access your Zenchef account settings.
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In the Room & Tables tab, create your rooms.
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Add tables to your room plan.
Ensure you define the minimum and maximum capacity for each table:-
If a table for 2 should only accommodate 2 people, set Min and Max to 2.
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If a table for 4 can also accommodate 3 people, set Min to 3 and Max to 4.
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4. Configure Table Groupings
Table groupings allow the system to recognize possible table combinations. For example, a reservation for 6 guests can be assigned to a group of two tables (4PAX and 2PAX).
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Navigate to Settings > Services & Reservations > Rooms and Tables.
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Select the relevant room and click Manage Table Groups:
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Click New Grouping.
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Select the tables that can be combined.
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Name the grouping (e.g., "Table 1 + 2").
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Define the minimum and maximum number of covers the grouping can accommodate.
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Example 1: Group 3 tables for 2 to accommodate a reservation of 5-6 guests.
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Example 2: Group 2 tables for 4 to accommodate a reservation of 7-9 guests.
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Click Create to save.
5. Set Assignment Preferences
Assignment preferences indicate the order in which tables should receive reservations.
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Go to the Assignment Preferences page.
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Tables will display the following information:
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Assigned room
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Capacity in number of guests
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Status: Reservable (white) or Non-Reservable (black)
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Organize the assignment order by selecting and dragging tables as needed.
6. Activate Table Stock
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Return to the Room Configuration page.
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Check the Activate Table Stock box and save your settings.
7. Assign Rooms to Your Services
With table stock activated, you can choose which rooms are reservable for each service. For example:
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Open Indoor and Terrace for Lunch.
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Open Indoor only for Dinner.
Navigate to your Services, modify the relevant service, and adjust the Rooms section.
2. Activate Table Stock from the iOS Application
Table stock configuration is also available in the iOS app. Access the dedicated sections via Settings > Reservations > Rooms & Tables, and follow the same process as above.
For an optimal experience, it is recommended to perform this setup on a computer via the web application.
3. Common Issues & FAQs
Common Issues
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Tables are not automatically assigned to reservations.
Ensure that the "Activate Table Stock" box is checked, as this enables automatic assignment.
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Table assignment does not match my restaurant’s capacity.
Check your room plan settings. The minimum and maximum capacities of tables and groupings must be correctly set.
FAQs
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Why do my reservations exceed the number of available tables?
This may be due to table turnover, which is managed by the system based on the meal durations configured in your services. Check the list of meal durations in your Services settings.
4. Support & Related Articles
Contact Our Support Team
For further assistance, contact Zenchef support via the chatbot available in your customer area or visit our Help Center.