What are hub networks?
Hub networks aren’t strictly necessary to use Foxstock, but they make it easier to set up and use the recommendation system effectively. In practice, hub networks are just like any networks you have created so far, but they have a special meaning in the context of the recommendation system.
They represent central points in your logistics network that connect various other networks together. They usually do not represent physical locations, but rather a movement of goods between different parts of your logistics network.
In general, a hub network:
- Does not have stockpiles assigned to them directly, just like intermediate networks
- Connects multiple other intermediate or even leaf networks together
- The stockpiles it inherits from its connected networks receive targets
In theory, you could use any intermediate network as a hub network, but just how we don’t use the master network as a hub, it is a best practice to create dedicated hub networks for this purpose to keep your logistics network clean and easy to understand.
Let’s take a simplified example of our logistics networks from before:
In this example, the Master Logistics Network connects the Frontline Network and the Backline Network together. It does not have any stockpiles assigned to it directly, but it inherits stockpiles from its connected networks. In theory, we could use it as a hub network, but it is a best practice to not use the master network as anything but its main function: the top-level network of your organisation.
Let’s imagine that there was a need to move goods between the frontline and backline frequently, and we want to set targets on this movement. This is the kind of situation where a hub network is born. Hubs are made from the need for movement. So, let’s create a dedicated hub network to connect our frontline and backline networks together!
What changed? We created a new Hub Logistics Network that connects the Frontline Network and the Backline Network together, and added a network assignment in our organisation to link the hub network directly to share it to the rest of the organisation! Alternatively, we could have put the hub network as a child of the master network. Both options are possible! It just looks better this way on a graph :D
You can create as many hub networks as you want in your logistics network, depending on your organisational structure and needs. You could have a hub network for one front, and another for another front, or even have hub networks for different types of goods (e.g., medical supplies, ammunition, etc.).
When creating hub networks, try to inherit the least number of networks possible to avoid creating overly complex structures. Hub networks should serve as central points in your logistics network, not as catch-all networks that connect everything together. That is one of the reasons why the master network is ill equipped for this purpose.
Do try to avoid creating too many hub networks, as it can make your logistics network more complex and harder to manage. Aim for a balance between simplicity and functionality.
Now, you need to set item targets on the hub network! Read more in our Set up the recommendation system guide!