---
title: "Buffer Tool"
slug: "buffer-tool"
description: "Use the Buffer Tool on prep sheets to adjust quantities for expected demand changes. Enter buffers as quantity or percent to update estimated usage."
updated: 2026-09-02T16:25:55Z
published: 2026-09-08T06:30:22Z
canonical: "docs.restaurant365.com/buffer-tool"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.restaurant365.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Buffer Tool

The **Buffer Tool** adjusts prep quantities to account for expected changes in menu item sales, such as large catering orders or special events. Use this tool to fine-tune prep needs when anticipated sales differ from typical forecasts.

A positive or negative buffer recalculates the expected menu item quantities, which automatically updates estimated usage and prep quantities for the day. Buffers can be entered as a specific quantity or a percentage, depending on the expected change in demand.

> [!WARNING]
> Note About Buffer Tool Display
> 
> The Buffer tool column label and description text depend on the settings enabled for an organization. If the menu item depletion rules are enabled, the column displays **Recipe Name** and the tool references recipes. If the depletion rules are not enabled, the column displays **Menu Item** and the tool references menu items.
> 
> Menu Item depletion rules are in beta.

---

## Security

The following permissions are required to access the buffer tool:

- Food → Advanced Prep → Prep Sheets
  - View Prep Sheets
  - Edit Prep Sheets

---

## Navigation

The Buffer Tool is available on the Prep Quantity Review step of the Prep Sheet wizard. From the [Prep page](/doc/docs/prep-page):

1. Start a new prep sheet or open an existing **prep sheet**.
2. After completing the On hand count step, click **Continue**.
3. Click the **Buffer Tool** button.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-RN70XLQC.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

---

## Buffer Tool

To use the buffer tool:

> Buffer values can only be applied to the current day's prep sheet. Past prep sheets are read-only.

*Click steps to expand for additional information and images.*

**1) Open the **buffer tool**.**

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-HM1KSAXE.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

**2) Locate the **menu item** or **recipe** that needs a buffer added.**

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-9637HDOS.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

**3) Select the **buffer type**.**

Options include using **quantity** or **percent**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-CLGC3LGV.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

**4) Enter the **buffer value**.**

As the buffer value is entered, the **Adjusted Qty** updates. The Adjusted Qty is today’s estimated usage plus/minus the buffer.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-UC92R2GJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

**5) Click **Apply Changes** to apply the buffer.**

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/5c9d1111-0c69-4e96-8910-d7f2750fdc9d/Images/Documentation/image-HK8I42HO.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T22%3A05%3A46Z&se=2026-10-28T23%3A05%3A46Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=jISRZ8EipLjtRuINVZO3%2FS1qia4ShRpM7bk%2B50D42jQ%3D)

The prep quantities for all impacted prep recipes adjust based on the buffer.

---

## Automatic Buffer Tool Recalculation

A Buffer Tool prompt can also appear automatically, without a user opening the tool manually. When a Menu Item Modifier setting changes after a prep sheet was created, R365 recalculates the affected prep recipes and flags the prep sheet for review.

> [!NOTE]
> Open the Buffer Tool from the flagged prep sheet to review and confirm the buffer quantities before printing.