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Prep planning

Prep Smarter.
The Whole Week Planned Automatically

Most systems just print out a list of what needs to be done. Scaled maximizes efficiencies and profits.

Time out your week and display availability in minutes… not hours.

  • Organized, assigned, optimized and tracked in real time
  • Timed prep from every approved order
  • Learns your preferences, assigns to the right chef
  • Balance the week: Get Ahead or Lighten the Day
  • Batch like tasks for operational efficiencies
  • Live progress tracked for the whole team

14-day free trial  ·  No credit card required

  • Missed prep items? Found out when the truck was leaving and that your sauce is missing?

    Solved by Scaled.
  • Last-minute grocery runs? Someone realized at 2 pm that the fish never got ordered?

    Solved by Scaled.
  • Got a last-minute order request? Can we take it?

    Solved by Scaled.
  • Looking for the sauce that you know was made? Not sure who to ask?

    Solved by Scaled.

The prep plan

Approved orders become timed prep

Your prep week organized and optimized in one click.

Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveGenerated from approved orders.
#1046 · Aria Bennett weddingSat, Sep 12 · 100 guestsApproved
#TaskPrep ruleScheduled
1make empanada doughMaria López · 1h 30mCan be done 5 days beforeNot setMon, Sep 7
2assemble and freeze empanadasLena Fischer · 2h 30mCan be done 3 days beforeNot setWed, Sep 9
3make chimichurri sauceAhmed Khan · 1h 0mCan be done 3 days beforeNot setWed, Sep 9
4make avocado cremaPriya Patel · 45 minCan be done 3 days beforeNot setThu, Sep 10
5grill flank steak and sliceLena Fischer · 1h 30mMust be done same dayNot setSat, Sep 12
6bake off empanadasMaria López · 1h 0mMust be done same dayNot setSat, Sep 12
Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
PPPriya Patel9:00 am – 5:00 pm
5h 45m / 7h 0m · 3 tasks0 done · 3 to do1h 15m left
make chocolate mousse - mousse domes3h 0m · 60 guestsBaking
LFLena Fischer8:00 am – 4:00 pm
4h 30m / 7h 0m · 4 tasks1 done · 3 to do2h 30m left
prep and package roasted fennel salad2h 0m · 40 guestsSalad Prep
make pickled ginger pico1h 0m · 40 guestsSalad Prep
Reassignmake raspberry coulis
Duration1h 30mGuests60 · Bracket 41–60Goes outNexa Corp · Thu, Sep 17
Scheduled date
Optimal window Sep 8 – Sep 16 · Can be done any time before.
Chef
In the optimal windowTue, Sep 8 · Priya Patel
make almond crumble barsBaking2h 0m · 40 guests · Kestrel Group offsite, every Thursday
Who it was assigned to
Week of Aug 24Lena FischerPriya PatelAssigned to Lena · moved to Priya by Jordan Reyes
Week of Aug 31Lena FischerPriya PatelAssigned to Lena
Week of Sep 7Lena FischerPriya PatelNot generated yet
PP Priya Patel PreferredMoved to Priya once so far.
Week of Sep 7 – 13Wed, Sep 9
make chimichurri sauceCompletedCan be done 3 days before.
Assigned Chef
AKAhmed KhanWed Sep 9 · Completed 10:24 AMReassign
Scheduled DateWednesday, September 09, 2026 Number of GuestsBracket 81–100 100 guests Duration1h 0m StationSoups/Sauces RecipeChimichurri · Scaled ×5
Related Orders (1)
#1046 · Aria Bennett weddingSat, Sep 12 · Grilled Flank Steak · 100 guests
OrdersOrder #1046
Order #1046 — Aria BennettApprovedSat, Sep 12 · 100 guests · First Kitchen
Total prep time8 hrs 15 minPending prep time3 hrs 15 min
Grilled Flank Steakchimichurri, avocado crema100 guests3 tasks
TaskPrep ruleStatus
make chimichurri sauceCan be done 3 days beforeCompleteAhmed Khan · Sep 9, 2026
make avocado cremaCan be done 3 days beforeScheduledPriya Patel · Sep 10, 2026
grill flank steak and sliceMust be done same dayScheduledLena Fischer · Sep 12, 2026
Beef Empanadaschorizo, salsa verde100 guests3 tasks
Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
Unscheduled TasksPending Freezer Pull
MLMaria López9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pull from Freezerassemble and freeze empanadasAria Bennett · 100 guests
make lemon curd60 min · 80 guests
LFLena Fischer8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pull from Freezer (bulk purchase)flank steakAria Bennett · 100 guests
saute spinach1h 0m · 60 guests
Goes out Sat, Sep 12. Scaled adds the pull 1 day before, with no one having to remember.

Timing and capacity

One look, know if you need more staff or can take more work

Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
ML4 tasks
Maria López2 hoursavailable5h 0m / 7h 0m
make lemon syrup30 min
make Israeli cous cous salad1h 0m
+2 more
AK4 tasks
Ahmed Khan2 hoursavailable5h 0m / 7h 0m
make chimichurri sauce1h 0m
make smokey tomato salsa1h 30m
+2 more
LF3 tasks
Lena Fischer2 hoursavailable5h 0m / 7h 0m
assemble and freeze empanadas2h 30m
make spicy mayo30 min
+1 more
PP3 tasks
Priya Patel2 hoursavailable5h 0m / 7h 0m
make almond crumble bars2h 0m
make lemon curd1h 0m
+1 more
Wed, Sep 9 · 8 hours available across 4 chefs
Account SettingsPrep
Setup & Cleanup TimePer-chef-per-day non-prep buffer. Allowed range 0–480. 60 min/day
Shift8h 0m−Set up, clean up1h 0m=Prep time per chef7h 0m
Tuesday, Sep 8Set up, clean upBookedAvailable
MLMaria López9:00 am – 5:00 pm3 hoursavailable
AKAhmed Khan7:00 am – 3:00 pm3 hoursavailable
LFLena Fischer8:00 am – 4:00 pm3 hoursavailable
PPPriya Patel9:00 am – 5:00 pm3 hoursavailable
Team: 11h 15m available · 4h 0m set aside for set up and clean up
My DaySaturday, September 12 · First Kitchen
Sep 12, 2026 - Saturday - Aria Bennett - On-site - 100 Guests
ServiceOn-siteTime3:00 PM – 10:00 PMAddress4180 Lakeshore Drive, Building C
  • Beef Empanadas – 100 Guests
  • Flank Steak with Chimichurri – 100 Guests
make empanada doughMaria López · 7 Sep 2026 · 5 days beforeComplete
assemble and freeze empanadasLena Fischer · 9 Sep 2026 · 3 days beforeComplete
make chimichurri sauceAhmed Khan · 9 Sep 2026 · 3 days beforeComplete
make avocado cremaPriya Patel · 10 Sep 2026 · 3 days beforeComplete
grill flank steak and sliceDay of eventPending
bake off empanadasDay of eventPending
Week of Sep 14 – 20, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
Pending Freezer Pull2
ML7 tasks
Maria LópezNo timeleft7h 30m / 7h 0m
make lemon curd1h 0m
make mango salsa1h 30m
+5 more
AK7 tasks
Ahmed KhanNo timeleft7h 15m / 7h 0m
saute brocolini1h 0m
make smokey tomato salsa1h 30m
+5 more
LF7 tasks
Lena FischerNo timeleft7h 0m / 7h 0m
make pickled ginger pico1h 0m
make spicy mayo30 min
+5 more
PP7 tasks
Priya PatelNo timeleft7h 15m / 7h 0m
make poached pears and sauce1h 30m
make almond crumble bars2h 0m
+5 more
Thu, Sep 17 · 0 hours available across 4 chefs
Pending Tasks for the WeekOrder tasks due this week with no chef or date.
20 tasksTotal Prep Time: 23h 30m
Task nameGuestsPrep timeMax date
make Italian meatballsHalcyon Media dinner802h 30mSep 15Must assign till
Make Honey Chili glazed pork tenderloinNexa Corp lunch602h 0mSep 17Must assign till
prep and package citrus slawKestrel Group offsite401h 30mSep 17Must assign till
make avocado cilantro dressingM. Alvarez dinner301h 0mSep 18Must assign till
+ 16 more tasks · 16h 30m
No chef on shift has the time before these dates. Add a shift, or call in help. Tasks stay here until assigned or completed.

Auto-Shift task management

Lighten the Day. Make room for last-minute orders

Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
Get AheadRegenerate
Friday, Sep 114 chefs · 30h 45m of 28h 0m booked2h 45m overRoom freed
fry chicken - southern style fried chickenMust be done same day · stays on Friday
make dipping sauce for lemongrass steak1h 30m · 80 guests
prep and package citrus slaw90 min · 60 guests
Lighten the DayFriday, Sep 11 · 5 tasks can move earlier
Day to lighten
Movable earlier — 5 selected
make cauliflower chorizo1h 15m · 30 guestsWed, Sep 9Ahmed Khan
prep and package citrus slaw90 min · 60 guestsTue, Sep 8Lena Fischer
saute spinach1h 0m · 60 guestsWed, Sep 9Lena Fischer
make pickled jicama/radish/mint slaw1h 30m · 80 guestsTue, Sep 8Maria López
make dipping sauce for lemongrass steak1h 30m · 80 guestsWed, Sep 9Maria López
Lighten the DayFriday, Sep 11 · 5 tasks can move earlier
make cauliflower chorizo1h 15m · 30 guests · Sides/Veg Saute Wed, Sep 91 of 5
Optimal window Sep 8 – Sep 12 · Can be done 4 days before.
Lighten the DayFriday, Sep 11 · 5 tasks can move earlier
Movable earlier0 of 5 selected
make cauliflower chorizo1h 15m · 30 guestsWed, Sep 9Ahmed Khan
prep and package citrus slaw90 min · 60 guestsTue, Sep 8Lena Fischer
saute spinach1h 0m · 60 guestsWed, Sep 9Lena Fischer
make pickled jicama/radish/mint slaw1h 30m · 80 guestsTue, Sep 8Maria López
make dipping sauce for lemongrass steak1h 30m · 80 guestsWed, Sep 9Maria López
Lighten the DayFriday, Sep 11 · 5 tasks can move earlier
Movable earlier — 5 selected
make cauliflower chorizo1h 15m · 30 guestsWed, Sep 9Ahmed Khan
prep and package citrus slaw90 min · 60 guestsTue, Sep 8Lena Fischer
saute spinach1h 0m · 60 guestsWed, Sep 9Lena Fischer
make pickled jicama/radish/mint slaw1h 30m · 80 guestsTue, Sep 8Maria López
make dipping sauce for lemongrass steak1h 30m · 80 guestsWed, Sep 9Maria López
make lemon curd1h 0m · 80 guests · goes out Sep 15Mon, Sep 14Priya Patel
make pickled cabbage30 min · 60 guests · goes out Sep 14Sat, Sep 12Ahmed Khan
make ginger creme fraiche15 min · 60 guests · goes out Sep 14Mon, Sep 14Maria López
All eligible tasks move together, or none do.
Lighten the DayWednesday, Sep 9 · 0 tasks can move earlier
Nothing can move earlierEach task’s reason is listed below. Try Later.
Can’t move earlier — 4 tasks
assemble and freeze empanadasIts prep window opens Wed, Sep 9. Can be done 3 days before.
make chimichurri sauceIts prep window opens Wed, Sep 9. Can be done 3 days before.
prep and package roasted fennel saladBatched for 2 orders. They move together, and one window opens today.
make smokey tomato salsaNo chef with Soups/Sauces has the time on Tue, Sep 8.
Movable later — 1 selected
make pickled ginger pico1h 0m · 40 guests · goes out Sep 10Thu, Sep 10Lena Fischer
All eligible tasks move together, or none do.

Get Ahead

Don’t have a full work week?

Keep your staff working and make room for future orders.

Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
Lighten the DayRegenerate
ML4 tasks
Maria López3 hoursavailable
make mango salsa1h 30m
make sherry shallot vin1h 15m
make almond/pecan crust45 min · Sep 14
make chocolate chip cookies1h 0m · freeze
AK4 tasks
Ahmed Khan3 hoursavailable
make vodka sauce1h 30m
saute brocolini1h 0m
make turmeric noodle soup2h 0m · Sep 15
make dumpling filling1h 30m · freeze
LF3 tasks
Lena Fischer3 hoursavailable
prep and package roasted fennel salad2h 0m
make pickled ginger pico1h 0m
make spicy asian vinaigrette45 min · Sep 16
PP3 tasks
Priya Patel3 hoursavailable
make chocolate mousse - mousse domes3h 0m
make poached pears and sauce1h 30m
make raspberry coulis1h 30m · Sep 17
make pie dough1h 30m · freeze
Get ahead — pull future tasks forwardFuture tasks you can prep early. Use Assign to pick the chef and day.
7 tasks ready to pull forwardSearch future tasks…
SELECT ALL
make almond/pecan crustfor Maria López · Can be done 5 days beforeMERGE
Places Tue, Sep 840 → 100 guests45mAssign
make turmeric noodle soupfor Ahmed Khan · Can be done 3 days beforeNEW
Places Tue, Sep 840 guests2h 0mAssign
make spicy asian vinaigrettefor Lena Fischer · Can be done 7 days beforeMERGE
Places Tue, Sep 860 → 140 guests45mAssign
make raspberry coulisfor Priya Patel · Can be done 5 days beforeNEW
Places Tue, Sep 860 guests1h 30mAssign
make pie doughfor Priya Patel · Can be done any timeNEW
Places Tue, Sep 880 guests1h 30mAssign
make chocolate chip cookiesfor Maria López · Can be done any timeNEW
Places Tue, Sep 8100 guests1h 0mAssign
make dumpling fillingfor Ahmed Khan · Can be done any timeNEW
Places Tue, Sep 860 guests1h 30mAssign
Confirm pulls each task onto its listed day.
Week of Sep 7 – 13, 2026ActiveWeekly prep plan, generated from approved orders.
AKAhmed KhanTue, Sep 8 · 3 tasks
make dumpling filling1h 30m · 60 guests · Sides/Veg Saute
Nexa Corp lunch (60) · Thu, Sep 17
Recipe: Pork and Ginger Dumplings (Recipe Servings: 20)
Week of Sep 14 – 20, 2026No freezer pulls yet1 freezer pull
Tue 15
Wed 16
Pull from Freezermake dumpling fillingNexa Corp lunch (60)
Thu 17
Nexa Corp lunch60 guests · goes out
My DayWed, September 16 · First Kitchen
Today’s tasksSep 16, 2026 – Wednesday
Pending Freezer Tasks
Pull from Freezer - make dumpling fillingNexa (60)Pending
Pull from Freezer - make pie doughHalcyon (80)Pending
Pull from Freezer - make chocolate chip cookiesHalcyon (80)Pending
Bulk Purchase Pull - flank steakKestrel (40)Pending
Prep Tasks
make orange citrus vinKestrel (40)

Real-time progress

Know what is done, who did it and when

AKAhmed KhanChef, on his phone
My DayThu, Sep 10 Tasks3 of 6 done
saute asparagus60 min · 80 guestsHalcyon Media launchSides/Veg Saute11:55 AM
make smokey tomato salsa90 min · 40 guests
make vodka sauce90 min · 60 guests
JRJordan ReyesOwner, anywhereLive
Master PrepListFirst Kitchen · Thu, Sep 10
7 of 12 done
sear salmon - citrus glazedMaria López · Completed 9:02 AM
make sherry shallot vinMaria López · Completed 10:10 AM
prep tuna, avo, microgreens for tuna tacosAhmed Khan · Completed 10:24 AM
saute asparagusAhmed Khan · Pending
make mango salsaMaria López · Pending
make smokey tomato salsaAhmed Khan · Pending
make vodka sauceAhmed Khan · Pending
Friday, Sep 11 · 2 orders tomorrowGood morning, Jordan.Here’s what’s happening across your operation today.
Prep tasks need review2 dates have unreviewed prep. Review before they generate.Sep 12Sep 14
Time-off requests2awaiting approval Coverage requests0all clear
Saturday, Sep 122 orders
#1046 · Aria Bennett100 guests · On-siteApproved
#1053 · M. Alvarez30 guests · Drop-offApproved
Task Details
make arugula pestoOverdue1 day late
Can be done 3 days before. Overdue since 4:00 PM — not marked complete by the end of Lena’s shift on Thu Sep 10. Assigned Chef
LFLena FischerFri Sep 11 · Available · 2h 0m freeReassign
Scheduled DateThursday, September 10, 2026 Number of GuestsBracket 21–30 30 guests Duration1h 0m StationNuts/Dressings
Delete
saute asparagusAhmed Khan · Halcyon Media launch · 80 guests0:52:10
1h 0mSides/Veg SauteScaled ×1.33
Estimated against actualEstimatedActual
prep tuna, avo, microgreens for tuna tacosAhmed Khan · 84 min taken · 90 min est6 min under
sear salmon - citrus glazedMaria López · 62 min taken · 60 min est2 min over
sear beef tenderloinMaria López · 106 min taken · 90 min est16 min over
make sherry shallot vinMaria López · 70 min taken · 75 min est5 min under
saute asparagusAhmed Khan · Est 1h 0m · Actual runningRunning8 min under
sear beef tenderloin keeps running over. Update its time and every future week plans around it.
Master Prep ListThursday, September 10
Completed8Pending4Done8 of 12
Live
MLMaria López4 of 6 done
sear salmon - citrus glazed9:02 AM
make sherry shallot vin10:10 AM
make mango salsaPending
AKAhmed Khan4 of 6 done
prep tuna, avo, microgreens for tuna tacos10:24 AM
saute asparagus11:55 AM
make smokey tomato salsaPending
LFLena Fischer3 of 5 done
grill lemon feta asparagus9:40 AM
make pickled ginger pico10:55 AM
make spicy mayoPending
PPPriya Patel3 of 5 done
Bake thick chocolate chip cookies8:40 AM
make avocado cremaPending
make chocolate mousse - mousse domesPending

Real kitchens are not linear

Already have it on hand? Mark it, and skip prep you don’t need to repeat.

Start Free Trial
make chocolate mousse - mousse domesHalcyon Media launch · 35 guests · Thu, Sep 10
Prep Tue, Sep 8 · Priya Patel · 60 guestsThe card drops to 25 guestsThe card drops to 25 guestsPrep Tue, Sep 8 · 60 guestsHalcyon Media and Kestrel Group, made onceHalcyon Media comes off, it is already madeHalcyon Media comes off, it is in the freezerMade with the batch, then frozen
No freezer pullPull from Freezer · Wed, Sep 9Only frozen items get oneAdded for Halcyon Media, the day before the event

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions? See the full FAQ

How is Scaled different from other catering software?

Most catering software helps you manage orders. Scaled goes further by automatically building your weekly prep plan from approved events, grouping tasks, assigning work, balancing workloads, and helping your kitchen stay ahead.

What is different about our prep engine?

Our revolutionary prep engine is patent pending. Unlike other catering software, it builds realistic prep schedules from staff availability, abilities, task timing, and order needs, merging the same task across events, scaling quantities to the guest count, and assigning each task to the right chef.

Can Scaled handle multiple events at the same time?

Yes. Scaled merges the same prep task across events, scales it to the combined guest count, and gives managers a live view of progress across all orders, teams, and dates, so you can even judge capacity for last-minute bookings.

Will my team need extensive training?

No. Scaled is designed to be clean, user-friendly, and customizable to how your team already works, and every user can switch the interface to their preferred language, so kitchen, delivery, and event staff all work confidently.

Can I assign prep tasks to specific chefs?

Yes. Tasks are matched to each chef's skills, availability, and remaining time, and every task shows who completed it and when. Staff can also clock in and out from their phones, so hours are tracked automatically.

Does Scaled work for both small and large catering businesses?

Both. Every account gets the whole platform, with scheduling, permissions, your own branding and reporting, whether you run one kitchen or many. As you grow, you add members and locations, not features.

Can I try Scaled before subscribing?

Yes, every plan starts with a 14-day free trial, no credit card required. You can build real prep plans with your own orders before deciding.

Does Scaled integrate with other business tools?

Yes. Hours, tips, and reimbursements are tracked per event and compiled into a payroll report you can print or send to your accounting team. Automatic email and SMS updates keep staff and clients informed.

Run your whole catering operation from one app

Start free today and watch your next event come together.

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