Logo

McLain's Bakery

2024
Full Stack
Backend Development
Automation
Automating ingredient ordering for Kansas City's favorite baked goods
McLain's Bakery

Overview

2024
Full Stack
Backend Development
Automation
Haystack automated McLain’s ingredient ordering process by leveraging Toast POS data across multiple retail locations, resulting in streamlined operations and improved inventory management. The custom-built system integrates sales data, order generation, and supplier communication to create a comprehensive solution that saves time while maintaining store manager autonomy.
Grid image 1
Grid image 2

Delivery

Intelligent Inventory Management Platform
Design
Marketing
Frontend
Backend
Cloud
Architecture
Web
JavaScript
Next.js
MongoDB
Mailjet
Tripetto
n8n

We developed a comprehensive inventory management solution for McLain's Bakery that transformed their manual ordering process into a streamlined, data-driven system. The platform ingests daily sales data from Toast POS across multiple retail locations, processes this information through sophisticated algorithms, and automatically generates accurate ingredient orders based on actual consumption patterns.

The system accounts for factors such as seasonal variations, special promotions, and historical ordering trends to optimize inventory levels. Store managers retain final approval authority through an intuitive dashboard interface where they can review and modify suggested orders before submission.

Key components of the solution include:

  • A robust ETL pipeline that transforms Toast POS data into a structured relational database
  • Custom algorithms that calculate precise ingredient requirements based on recipe compositions and sales volumes
  • Automated order generation with supplier-specific formatting and delivery scheduling
  • Digital invoice processing with QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
  • Real-time notifications via Slack to keep stakeholders informed throughout the ordering process

This end-to-end solution eliminated manual data entry, reduced ordering errors, minimized waste, and freed up significant staff time previously dedicated to inventory management. The system maintains a complete audit trail of all orders and modifications, providing valuable data for ongoing process improvement.