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🍳 How to use Activity Mode (Preparation Time)

Preparation time is how long it takes you to get an order ready. Slerp uses this to calculate the ETA shown to customers and to book couriers at the right time.

Using Activity Mode (Quiet / Moderate / Busy)

With Activity Mode: 

  • Your team can switch the restaurant’s current mode in the Slerp app as the day gets busier.
  • When you select Busy:
    • Customers are blocked from choosing very near-term slots (e.g. within the next 30 minutes, depending on your configuration).
    • This gives your kitchen more breathing space.
    • It reduces the risk of late deliveries, especially during lunch/dinner rushes or adverse weather. 

Changing prep time from the app (day-to-day use)

In the Slerp app, your team can:

  1. Open the app and go to the relevant location.
  2. Use the controls (where enabled) to switch between Quiet, Moderate, and Busy.
  3. The system automatically applies the prep time you set in Controls for that mode.

This is the quickest way for front-of-house or managers to react to real conditions without going back into the dashboard.

Practical tips

  • Test your settings
    • Place a test order to see the ETA your customers would see.
    • Adjust prep times as needed.
  • Plan for peak periods
    • Before known busy times (weekend evenings, holidays), consider:
      • Increasing Busy prep time
      • Using order limits per time slot 

Also see:

Optimising your Slerp delivery setup

  • Use Busy mode early, not late
    • It’s better to increase prep times slightly earlier than to risk a wave of late orders.

What is preparation time?

Preparation time is how long it takes you to get an order ready. Slerp uses this to calculate the ETA shown to customers and to book couriers at the right time.

You can:

  • Set different prep times for quiet, moderate, and busy periods (Activity Mode)
  • Adjust prep time to give your kitchen and drivers realistic windows during rush hours or bad weather

Why adjusting prep time matters

Updating your prep time helps you to:

  • Avoid showing unrealistic ETAs to customers
  • Reduce complaints about “late” orders
  • Give your team and courier partners enough time to prepare and deliver
  • Manage expectations during rushes or adverse weather

How to set preparation time in Controls

  1. Log in to Controls Dashboard.
  2. Go to Locations and select the relevant location.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Go to Same-Day Orders > Preparation Time.
  5. Set your base prep time (for example, 20 or 30 minutes).
  6. If Activity Mode is available, set prep times for each mode:
    • Quiet – normal/low volume
    • Moderate – steady trade
    • Busy – peak times where you need more time
  7. Click Save.

Your customers will now see ETAs that match these settings.