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

# Product lead time

> Set advance notice for products that need preparation before their serving date or time.

Product lead time sets advance notice for products such as whole cakes.

Atlas Online checks linked rules at checkout.
Scan to order and kiosk checkouts skip this check, although their menus can display lead-time messages.

## Create a rule and link it to a product

1. Open **Settings > [Product lead time](https://portal.atlas.kitchen/lead-time-conditions)** and tap **Add product lead time**.
2. Enter the **Duration** and choose **Days**, **Hours** or **Minutes** as the **Unit of time**.
3. Choose the **Reference point**, then tap **Save**.
4. Open **Menu builder > [Products](https://portal.atlas.kitchen/products)** and edit the product.
5. Open **Lead time** and select the rule under **Linked lead time conditions**.
6. Tap **Save** to apply it to the product.

**Serving time slot** measures notice before the selected serving time.
**12:00AM of the serving date** bases the cutoff on the serving date instead.
A rule created in **Settings** needs linking to the product.
Alternatively, tap **Create lead time condition** in the product's **Lead time** section to create a linked rule.
Reopen the product's **Lead time** section to check its linked rules.
If the required rule is missing, refresh the product editor after saving the rule.


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