This article shows how to set a Processing Time between a service and a finishing service, such as a cut, style, or blow-dry, along with a Finishing Time if needed.
In this Article
What Are Processing and Finishing Times?
Processing Time automatically adds a gap between two services booked together or between a service and its Finishing Time, if set.
Finishing Time links a follow-up finish to a service, letting you create a start and end in a single service (e.g., 'Color + Blow-dry') instead of needing separate services.
Setting the Processing Time (Gap) and Finishing Time
Go to Manager > Services > Click on a service > Set the desired duration in the Processing Time and Finish Time fields > Click Save.
Setting Different Durations per Staff Member
Sometimes you may want to set different Processing and Finishing Times for different staff members (for example, if a self-employed staff member uses different products).
To do this, click a service to edit it > click the Staff tab, then update the Processing Time and Finish Duration for any staff whose duration differs from the default.
You can only update these durations for staff who are Qualified to perform the service.
Multiple Locations in Phorest?
If you have multiple locations in Phorest and you wish to update staff level Processing Time and Finish Duration, you will need to do this from the Chain Library.
Go to Manager > Chain Library > Services Library > Select a service > Select the Staff tab, then update the staff member durations from this screen.
Any changes made here will be applied to all locations.
Should I Use Processing Time, Finishing Time, or Both?
You can use either approach, depending on what works best for you and your business.
If you'd like to handle your color and finish bookings within a single service, you can set both a Processing and Finish duration for one service, and name it something that reflects the full appointment, like 'Full Head Highlights & Blow-Dry'.
If you prefer a gap between two service bookings in an appointment and want to manage each service separately, just set a Processing time and leave the Finishing time blank.
Processing time will only be applied provided a second service is booked after one with development time. It will not apply when a service is booked on its own, as it is typically used for color services that require a finish before leaving the salon, but time is needed before that finish can be performed.
Services That Require Preparation or Recovery Time
If you have a service that requires preparation beforehand or a treatment where staff need to recover or clean up afterwards, you can use the Online Duration for those services. Click here for a guide.