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

# Inventory Overrides

> Temporarily mark items available or unavailable with end_of_day, on_restock, or timed expiry.

## Overview

An **inventory override** temporarily  flips an item's availability without changing recipes or stock. Use it when reality diverges from the system — a fridge breaks, a supplier is late, or a special is running for one lunch service. Overrides live in the `inventory_overrides` table and auto-expire.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dishink/images/inventory/overrides.png" alt="Overrides panel showing active overrides with expiry rules" />
</Frame>

## Expiry rules

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="end_of_day" icon="calendar-day">
    Override clears at midnight (venue local time).
  </Card>

  <Card title="on_restock" icon="boxes-packing">
    Override clears the moment the ingredient is restocked above its min level.
  </Card>

  <Card title="timed" icon="clock">
    Override clears at a specific timestamp you pick.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Creating an override

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Inventory → Overrides">
    Or use the shortcut from any menu item or ingredient.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick the target">
    An ingredient (affects every item using it) or a menu item (affects just that item).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose available or unavailable">
    Unavailable is far more common — sold out, equipment down.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the expiry rule">
    end\_of\_day, on\_restock, or timed with a specific end time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a note (optional)">
    "Fryer broken", "Supplier delivery Tuesday". Notes show to managers only.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    The override is active immediately. POS, waiter, and online ordering all respect it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Precedence

1. **Active override** — wins over everything.
2. **Auto-unavailability** — kicks in if enabled in [Inventory Settings](/inventory/settings) and stock is depleted.
3. **Manual availability toggle** on the menu item.

<Note>
  Overrides never edit stock levels. They are a display-only shortcut. If you sold the last one, decrement stock through a normal sale or [Adjustment](/inventory/adjustments).
</Note>

## Ending an override early

Managers can clear an active override at any time — open the override and click **Clear Now**. This is the only way to end an `on_restock` override before stock arrives.

## Tips

* Use **on\_restock** for supplier delays — no manual re-enable needed.
* Use **end\_of\_day** for one-service situations ("kitchen swamped, hide dessert until tomorrow").
* Use **timed** for scheduled specials that end mid-service.
* Always add a **note** — stops managers unclearing overrides they don't understand.

## Common mistakes

* **Override instead of adjustment.** Overrides don't fix stock; they only hide items. Use both if needed.
* **Forgetting on\_restock overrides.** If you don't restock, the override never clears. Set a reminder.
* **Overriding a widely-used ingredient.** Hides every item that uses it — confirm impact first.
* **Manual availability toggle after an override.** Confusing state. Clear the override first.

## Related pages

* [Inventory Settings](/inventory/settings)
* [Stock Levels](/inventory/stock-levels)
* [Low Stock Alerts](/inventory/low-stock)
* [Adjustments](/inventory/adjustments)
* [Menu Availability](/menu/availability)