Before we can start creating our networks and stockpiles, we need to think of a way to organise them so it becomes easier for Officers and Members to find what they need, share, edit, or delete them.
How to organize a logistics network
We do not enforce a specific organisational structure on organisations! However, we recommend setting up a clear and scalable structure from the beginning to avoid confusion as your organisation grows. You can implement the below structural guidelines, or make up your own, and let your members know!
In the below, we will describe a master network organisation, where there is a single all-encompassing network that contains all stockpiles and sub-networks. This is what we recommended, but it is not what you HAVE to do. Feel free to experiment and give us feedback if you find a better way!
Now that you have your organisation created, it’s time to set up your network structure. Networks in FoxStock are logical groupings of stockpiles and other networks (because yes, networks can be nested in each other). They help you organise your assets in a way that makes sense for your organisation’s logistics operations.
To keep things easily extensible and centralized, we recommend creating a small number of top-level networks that reflect the main branches of your logistics operations, and then expanding them with nested networks as your needs grow. This approach prevents your organisation from becoming fragmented and ensures that everyone knows where new stockpiles should be placed.
What is a logistics network?
When we talk about “logistics networks” in this guide, we refer to the entire hierarchical structure of networks within your organisation, not just a single network. A logistics network encompasses all master, intermediate, and leaf networks that together organise your stockpiles.
A logistics network is a hierarchical structure that helps organise stockpiles and other networks within your organisation. Think of it as a tree, where the top-level networks (master networks) branch out into sub-networks (intermediate networks), which can further branch out into more specific networks (leaf networks).
Intermediate network
In theory, an intermediate network is any network that is neither a master nor a leaf. It helps grouping stockpiles and other networks into logical groups. These networks, just like the master network, should not contain stockpiles directly.
You can have any number of intermediates which can help splitting your logistics network in easily discernible groups. You can divide your network in geographical areas. You have an example of a logistics network below.
Leaf network
A leaf network is a network that does not contain any child networks. It is the “end of the line” in the network hierarchy and is where stockpiles are actually stored. Leaf networks are the most specific networks in your logistics structure and are used to categorise stockpiles based on their precise function or location.
In practice, stockpiles are usually part of multiple leaf networks, and can sometimes be part of intermediate networks as well, depending on your organisational structure.
How to create a logistics network
Create the master network
Let’s create a first Master network by opening the Networks page on the left navigation bar and selecting “Add New.” You will be asked to provide a name, children networks and stockpiles. For now, we will only provide a name and leave the rest empty.
The master network should not contain stockpiles directly. This is what leaf networks are for.
There is a known issue on the network creation page where child networks are not saved correctly. Child stockpiles are saved as expected, but child networks must be added again after the parent network has been created. Until this is fixed, we recommend reviewing the network immediately after creation and reattaching any child networks that did not persist.
Assign the master network to the organisation
Go to your organisation page, and in the Networks tab, click on Assign Network and select your newly created master network.
Create intermediate networks
Intermediate networks are meant to split your logistics network into logical groups. They can mean anything, from geographical distinction to purpose. You pick! You can use the illustration below to get an idea.
Open the Networks page and select “Add New.” Fill in a name that identifies it well. Once created, go back to your Master Network and in it, add the newly created network as a child network.
Intermediate networks should not contain stockpiles directly. This is what leaf networks are for.
Continue creating as many intermediate networks until you think you are done.
Link your intermediate networks to master
Once you’ve created your intermediates, we need to link them to the master network so they can be shared to the organisation. For that, go to the Master Network, and add your intermediates to the list of child networks.
You only need to add the parentless intermediate networks. See the illustration below. As previously mentionned, permissions trickle down. You do not need to add all intermediates to the master, just enough that there is a path from the master to the lower networks. You can use the Stockpiles & Networks Overview diagram tool in the Dashboard to get a good visualization of your current organisation.
Create leaf networks
Now that you have your intermediate layers, you can have your leaf networks. If properly set up, you can already use the “deepest” or “childless” intermediates as leaf networks. These are networks that cannot, or hardly so, be reasonably split into more meanings.
Your leaf networks will be the ones containing your stockpiles!
A well-structured network becomes the backbone of smooth logistics operations. It makes it easier for members to find relevant stockpiles, enables officers to maintain oversight, and allows your organisation to scale without losing clarity. As your group evolves, you can reorganise or extend your network structure at any time, so do not hesitate to adjust it as you learn what works best for your team.
At the end of this guide, you should have a logistics network ressembling this:
Note how:
- Stockpiles are only ever contained in leaf networks, never in intermediate or master networks.
- The organisation only contains one network, the master network, and that all other networks are children of it, directly or indirectly.
- You only need to add parentless intermediate networks to the master network. As long as there is a path from the master to the leaf networks, all is good!
For simplicity, we’ve only described a master network structure with networks used for grouping stockpiles. However, to make full use of Foxstock’s features and most notably, the target and recommendation system, we recommend also creating “Hub networks” which we will describe in Create Hub Networks. You should consider setting up your hub system only AFTER your base network is established!