Decrease Spending, Increase Profit With ChefTec Ultra Foodservice Management Software

Menu Engineering and the "What If" Food Cost Calculator
Do you want to know how to calculate food cost in a restaurant? "Ask Theo" is a sophisticated food cost calculator that gives you more power to manage your food costs.

After your recipes and invoices are entered, the total costs based on ingredients in each recipe, are added together. Then, the menu price of each dish is divided by the food cost to determine the percentage of the price that comes from food to determine if you have priced the meal correctly.

After your recipes and invoices are entered, the total costs based on ingredients in each recipe are added together. Then, the menu price of each dish is divided by the food cost to determine the percentage of the price that comes from food to determine if you have priced the meal correctly.

There are different ways to use the food cost calculator, such as setting a percentage food cost and allowing the calculator to specify the selling price. These "what if" scenarios give operators a comprehensive tool to determine menu pricing. Since your CorTec or ChefTec system will already include all your pricing information, you can seamlessly bring in real sales numbers (integrations are available with any POS system!) to consider price point changes for menu items by categories or all together.

No need to crunch the numbers using complicated formulas on your own! Make seasonal menu changes, adjust for sale pricing, and engineer your menus easily, all in one software window. Use these numbers to budget, strategize, and build your best menu yet.

Do you know which menu items to place where on your menu? Use the Menu Engineering specific tools, such as the "Dogs and Stars" scatter chart to fine-tune your menu design for higher profitability. With menu items categorized into categories like "Appetizers," "Entrees," "Desserts," etc., it is a breeze to cost all of your menu items. The software automatically plots your costed menu items onto the "Dogs and Stars" scatter chart reducing the time-consuming step of manual analysis. The CorTec or ChefTec system will recommend which items to drop from your menu and which items you should have your servers highlight. It will even give you guidance on designing your next menu layout. Menu engineering has never been easier!

Inventory Control
Your food inventory represents a significant investment of money and time. One of the most sought-after pieces of ChefTec functionality, inventory control (also know as inventory management) is the quickest way to save those resources.

ChefTec includes several inventory management capabilities that allow you to see changing food costs, make changes to your desired food cost, quickly determine the total value of goods held in inventory, and compare this information to purchases and sales. With automatic updates and the ability to quickly generate reports, you will spend at least 4 to 8 fewer hours controlling your inventory each week.

Taking Physical Inventory was never easier: Using either sheet-to-shelf physical inventory worksheets set up for your locations or alphabetical sheets, taking and entering inventory counts is a snap. For even faster results try our Mobile Solutions for inventory taking.

In addition, the 1,900 inventory items preloaded into ChefTec save hours' worth of data entry and give you the information you need for accurate inventory tracking.

Get the fastest return on investment by keeping costs down and efficiency up with these powerful inventory features:

• Track rising food costs automatically.
• Compare vendor pricing at the touch of a button - from purchases or bids.
• Enter Invoices quickly using the "auto-populate" feature.
• Use a mobile Tablet for inventory taking.
• Generate customized reports on purchases, price variances, bids, and credits.
• Take the pain out of physical inventory, ordering, and maintenance of par levels.
• Automatically track activity based on purchases and sales.
• Calculate inventory on-hand for multiple locations.
• Compare theoretical and actual usage and identify problem areas.
• Calculate overall percentage food cost.
• Preloaded list of over 1,900 ingredients with unlimited capacity for additional inventory items.
• Lists of ingredients in different languages (such as, Spanish, French, and German) are available with
  unlimited capacity for adding additional ingredients.

Nutritional Analysis, Allergens, and Bioengineered Foods
Use ChefTec Ultra to easily calculate nutritional values for your recipes and menu items. Also, obtain the appropriate information needed to meet both health requirements and the demands of health-conscious customers. Healthcare, education, quick service restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, manufacturers: these are just a sample of foodservice industry segments that increasingly want and need to provide nutritional information to meet customer needs and comply with government mandates.

Key Features

• Get a quick and accurate analysis of nutritional values for up to 1,700 most commonly used ingredients. Add your own specialty items.
• Calculate nutritional values for your recipes and menu items.
• See at a glance which menu items are low fat, low calorie, etc.
• Print the "Nutritional Facts" label.
• Print a wide assortment of styles of "Nutritional Facts" labels, including the Standard Vertical and Small Tabular for Small Packages.

Ensure Compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Allergen Labeling Requirements Using ChefTec Ultra

As food allergies have come to affect about two percent of adults and four-to-eight percent of children in the United States (according to the FDA), millions of consumers need to be alerted to the presence of allergens in the goods they consume. In today’s food industry, accurate allergen labeling is essential to protect consumers with food allergies. The FDA issued comprehensive guidance to ensure that food products are labeled correctly, helping consumers identify potential allergens and make safe food choices. ChefTec Ultra provides the ability to meet these stringent allergen labeling requirements effortlessly.

Key Features

• FDA Compliance: ChefTec Ultra is designed to help food manufacturers comply with the FDA’s food allergen labeling requirements, ensuring that any major food allergens are clearly listed on the labels of FDA-regulated foods.
• Comprehensive Allergen List: Automatically labels the nine major food allergens ("sesame" was mandated as 9th major allergen (effective January 1, 2023) as identified by the FALCPA: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soybeans.
• Ingredient List Management: Streamline the process of managing ingredient lists, ensuring that allergens are highlighted and easily identifiable by consumers.

National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, directed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national mandatory standard for disclosing foods that are or may be bioengineered. Food Manufacturers, Importers, and Retailers who package and label food for retail or bulk food sales are required to adhere to this standard of disclosure. Restaurants and similar retail food establishments and very small food manufacturers (<$2,500,000 of annual receipts) are exempted from the Standard.

With ChefTec Ultra, the process of analyzing recipes and storing this information couldn't be easier. Without ChefTec it would be a cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming process.

Sales Analysis
Tracking sales dollars and incorporating this information with the known value of each inventory item provides a more complete picture of your operation's profit and loss. With sales information integrated into ChefTec, comprehensive reports become available, inventory is automatically subtracted, and discrepancies can be identified to alert you to larger inefficiencies or areas of loss. ChefTec Ultra's Sales Analysis functionality includes the ability to:

• Track sales by day or period.
• Rank sales by contribution to profit or number sold.
• Interface for Point Of Sale (POS) as an add-on.

Purchasing & Ordering
In a successful foodservice operation, bringing in inventory is a constant task. Add to that the need to compare costs and track discrepancies, and you are on your way to a real headache…that is, unless you've got the most powerful back-of-the-house foodservice tool available. ChefTec Ultra's inventory management, sales integration, and purchasing and ordering functions combine to provide you an accurate and reliable system for determining exactly what to order, how much, and from whom. The software's deft cross-referencing capabilities provide instantaneous analysis and save hours of labor. Save more money and get hours back each week with these purchasing and ordering features:

• Generate orders based on Par levels.
• Order based on lowest price/lowest bid.
• Generate orders for multiple vendors at a time or a single vendor.
• Use a mobile Tablet for ordering.
• Convert orders into an invoice instantaneously and modify for changes upon receipt of goods.
• Track purchasing in detail and summary.
• Ability to analyze by inventory category, account category, profit center, location, etc.
• Instant flag on price increases and decreases.
• Compare vendor bids and actual purchases between vendors.

Also included for free for the first year are these indispensable modules:

Alerts and Reminders Module - Stay on top of actions in ChefTec by setting your own personal reminders.

Alerts - Get Alerted About Important Actions

Set up your own criteria for automatic alerts. Get alerts when prices increase above a specified percentage or dollar amount, when prices exceed the bid price, when prices haven't been updated in ChefTec, invoice discrepancies, late orders, and so much more. An invoice comes in with an vendor pricing error – you’ll know immediately. We understand that CorTec and ChefTec are not one-size-fits all. That's why customized alerts will meet the needs of your operation. You'll have accurate, real time information needed for maintaining your profit margins.

Reminders – Set it and Forget it!

Set up personal reminders for those time critical operational tasks. Schedule any number of reminders for specific dates and when and how long they need to be repeated. Inventory due dates, ChefTec reports to submit, orders to be placed? These are just a few examples of the types of reminders you can create. The reminders function of the Alerts and Reminders Module is a great management tool. It's also a great for tool for training new employees – no need to remind them of their daily routines.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Information Module (HIM) - Accurately manage food safety.
With the fully integrated Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) module you get pre-loaded handling information on specific food types, as well as an audit trail. The software provides you with a complete management system for controlling all food safety. Storage and cooking temperatures, as well as handling and usage procedures, can be customized and automatically associated with recipes based on your specific inventory needs. In addition, you can add safe food handling procedures from the USDA or your local health department.

Training new employees to safely handle food is an important step in preventing foodborne illnesses from hurting your customers, reputation, credibility, or profits. Having food safety information readily available is vital to keep your kitchen food-hazard-free. Ensure that your employees always have the information they need to keep preparation techniques up to code. When you have the resources you need, you can avoid the costs and penalties associated with a food safety mistake.

 

Our software products are rated #1 in functionality and customer service.

A proven product at an affordable price - with ChefTec Ultra it's that simple!

 

Want Even More? Boost Productivity With These Additional Modules

You may select one of the following modules at no additional cost, with the option to add on the others:

Event Management Module (EMM) - Organize and streamline event planning.
Catering demand is on the rise and the Event Management Module makes meeting it easy. If your operation caters events, you need the comprehensive functionality available in ChefTec's fully integrated system.

1. Create banquet and event-specific menus and cost them out with real numbers from your invoices and inventory.
2. Make adjustments quickly based on budget, food allergies or restrictions, favorite recipes, and more.
3. With the Event Management Module, you have the ability to respond immediately to last-minute changes.
4. Cost out non-food expenses like staff and rentals, manage client and venue information, and generate detailed quotes and final invoices.

The Event Management Module also manages client and venue information. You can simplify processes even further with optional Caterease and Quickbooks integrations.

Production Management Module - Keep your schedules tight and precise.
Enhance your food production operations with our state-of-the-art Production Management Module, designed to keep your kitchen running smoothly and efficiently. Whether you're a bustling restaurant or a large-scale manufacturing or catering service, this module is tailored to meet your unique needs and optimize your production processes.

• Streamline Processes: The Production Management Module helps you streamline food production processes, allowing you to operate with maximum efficiency and productivity. From ingredient preparation to final plating, every step of your production workflow is optimized for success.
• Increase Efficiencies: By automating manual tasks and providing intuitive tools, our module helps you increase efficiencies in your kitchen operations. This means you can produce more with less effort, reducing waste and saving valuable time and resources.
• Reduce Labor Costs: With our Production Management Module, you can reduce labor costs by optimizing staff schedules, minimizing downtime, and maximizing productivity. By automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows, you can ensure that your kitchen operates at peak efficiency without unnecessary labor expenses.
• Customizable Prep Sheets: Our module allows you to create customized prep sheets based on your specific needs and requirements. Whether you're preparing for a busy service or a large event, you can easily generate prep sheets that align with your par levels, recipes, and sales data, ensuring that you have everything you need to meet demand.
• Automatic Master Production Sheet Splitting: Say goodbye to manual data entry and tedious paperwork. Our module automatically splits master production sheets into location-specific sheets, simplifying organization and streamlining workflow for maximum efficiency.
• Real-Time Inventory Updates: Keep track of your inventory in real-time with automatic updates that reflect changes in production. As ingredients are used and dishes are prepared, your inventory is automatically updated, providing you with accurate and up-to-date information at all times.
• Integrated Recipe Management: Our module seamlessly integrates production recipes from completed sheets into your inventory, making it easy to track ingredients, monitor usage, and plan for future production needs. With integrated recipe management, you can ensure consistency and quality in every dish you serve.

Elevate your food production processes, improve your food production, and take your kitchen to the next level with ChefTec's Production Management Module. With powerful features and intuitive tools, our module is the key to keeping your schedules tight and precise, so you can focus on what you do best: creating delicious meals that delight your customers.

Lot Tracking Module - Easily protect against food recalls and prevent spoilage.
In foodservice operations like commissaries and supermarkets, ensuring product safety and compliance with regulations is paramount. The ChefTec Lot Tracking Module offers a comprehensive solution to streamline inventory management and mitigate risks associated with recalls and spoilage.

• Track Production and Sell-By Dates: Efficiently manage the production and sell-by dates of your inventory items. With our intuitive system, you can easily track the lifecycle of each product, ensuring that items are used or sold before expiration.
• Stay in Compliance with FDA Regulations: The ChefTec Lot Tracking Module is designed to help you stay compliant with FDA food regulations. By accurately recording and monitoring production and sell-by dates, you can confidently meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
• Streamlined Recall Management: In the event of a recall, our module provides robust recall management capabilities. Quickly identify affected products by their lot numbers, enabling prompt removal from shelves and notification to customers, thus minimizing the impact on your business.
• Enhanced Inventory Visibility: Gain greater visibility into your inventory with real-time tracking of lot numbers. Whether it's for internal audits or regulatory inspections, our module empowers you with the information needed to demonstrate compliance and accountability.
• Customizable Alerts and Notifications: Receive customizable alerts and notifications for approaching expiration dates or potential recall situations. Proactively manage your inventory to prevent spoilage and ensure product safety.
• Seamless Integration: The Lot Tracking Module seamlessly integrates with your existing Cheftec, enhancing its capabilities without disrupting your operations. Experience the benefits of advanced lot tracking without the hassle of a complex implementation process.
• Protect Your Business with Confidence: With the Lot Tracking Module, you can protect your business from the financial and reputational risks associated with recalls and spoilage. Invest in a solution that prioritizes food safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Waste Tracking Module - Manage your foodservice waste and stop wasting your profits. Also account for donated food.
"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is such an overused term that in many ways it's lost its luster. Despite 90% of Americans believing recycling is at least somewhat important, only 58% of people recycle.

Take cost control to a new level with automated reporting on food waste by station, loss reasons, disposition, employees, or shifts. Increase your profit margins without diminishing your customers' experience. Quantify what you're wasting and improve your bottom line.

Track Waste By

• Station - such as Hot Line, Salad Station
• Loss Reasons - burnt/overcooked, dropped, customer issue, expired, damaged, spoiled
• Disposition - garbage, garbage disposal, pulper, compost bin, donated
• Employee - hold your staff accountable for the waste they contribute
• Shift - determine if there is a particular shift where there is more waste

And the benefits?

1. 1. Increase your profit margins without affecting your customers' dining experience
2. 2. Pinpoint the areas where the most waste is being generated and modify your practices for improvement
3. 3. Create less landfill waste and a more environmentally friendly operation with greener working practices

ChefTec's analysis reports can show:

• Dollar value of the waste by all the above criteria
• Food waste as a percentage of food purchases
• Dollar amount and donation agency of any donated food
• ...plus many more!

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Arrange for Unparalleled Training to Ensure Success

Unlike other software providers, Culinary Software Services - the creators of ChefTec and CorTec Software - partners with you to provide the necessary resources for maximizing the technology and realizing a profitable return on your investment. We deliver unparalleled training and support designed to ensure that you get ultra value for the most comprehensive implementation of your software!