How to optimize the production process to save time in baking?

by Lucile Tinchant
Pastry is a delicate art that requires precision, passion and patience. But in the hectic pace of a production laboratory, every minute counts. How, then, can you optimize your process to save time without sacrificing quality? Here are concrete tips for efficient production.
Professional pastry chef working in his lab

1. Planning and preparation in advance

  1. Ingredient List : Have all your ingredients ready. An organized list prevents wasted time. Consider pre-measuring ingredients for recurring recipes.
  2. Organization of the work plan : Arrange your tools logically. Think about the frequency of use of each of them: the most used ones should always be placed within reach, those a little less used easy to reach, and those less used stored in a cupboard or a shelf, even if it means let them be in another room. Consider using mobile carts to easily move bulky ingredients.
  3. Task planning : Establish a production schedule, starting with the tasks that take the most time or require rest time.

Professional pastry chef

2. Setting up a rotation system

  1. Dough rotation : Organize a rotation. While one dough is resting, work on another. This optimizes waiting time.
  2. Optimizing cooking time : If possible, use multiple ovens or adjust temperatures to cook multiple items at once. Also consider multiple cooking plates to increase capacity.
  3. Efficient Cooling : Use cooling racks to speed up the process and prevent moisture under baked goods.

3. Use of suitable tools

  1. Thermoformed plastic molds : They allow rapid production, consistent quality that is always perfect, are disposable and guarantee impeccable hygiene.
  2. Pastry robot : A high-performance robot reduces preparation time. Also consider hand blenders for liquid preparations.
  3. Electric sieves : To quickly sift dry ingredients and avoid lumps.

4. Process standardization

  1. Technical sheets: Sheets for each recipe detailing ingredients, necessary equipment, weight and step-by-step steps guarantee uniform and rapid production, regardless of who makes them. Include photos for key steps or technical gestures.
  2. Ongoing training: Make sure your team is trained consistently. Organize internal workshops to share best practices.
  3. Starter Kits : For popular recipes, prepare kits with all ingredients pre-measured to speed up the process.

5. Inventory and order management

  1. Regular inventory: Avoid unexpected shortages that slow down production.
  2. Predictive orders : Anticipate raw material needs: define for each ingredient the threshold at which you must reorder, which takes into account your supplier's supply times. Anticipate events to store products in tension at certain periods, while taking into account the shelf life. The ideal is to use inventory management software for accurate forecasting.
  3. Reliable suppliers: Build good relationships and favor reliable suppliers who can deliver quickly when needed.

6. Feedback and Improvements

  1. Team Feedback: Hold regular meetings to discuss challenges and solutions.
  2. Customer feedback analysis: Use tools like surveys to collect feedback.
  3. Benchmarking: Look at what other bakeries are doing to find ideas for improvement.


In conclusion, optimizing the pastry production process is a balance between speed and quality. With these tips, you will be able to produce more efficiently while preserving the excellence of your creations. The key is preparation, adaptation and continuous listening to feedback to improve.