Stockpiles are one of the core components of FoxStock’s logistics system. They represent actual locations where your organisation stores items. If networks define structure, stockpiles define substance: they are the places where your actual inventory lives.

A stockpile in FoxStock is a container for item data. It tracks quantities, updates, freshness, and optional targets. Because stockpiles can belong to multiple networks, they remain flexible building blocks that you can arrange however your organisational structure requires.

Why use stockpiles?

Stockpiles provide accurate, structured inventory management. Instead of relying on scattered notes or manual trackers, FoxStock consolidates your data into consistent, updatable records. A stockpile shows what items are stored, how many are present, when the information was last refreshed, and who updated it.

This centralisation makes logistics decisions clearer: shortages become visible earlier, surpluses can be redistributed efficiently, and operational risks can be spotted through freshness indicators. Stockpiles also support collaboration: members with update permissions can contribute to inventory accuracy, reducing single-point responsibilities and keeping your system reliable.

Because stockpiles appear in any network they belong to, they naturally adapt to complex logistics structures. A depot can be viewed geographically, functionally, or operationally without duplicating data.

How stockpiles are used

Stockpiles are where all item-level data is recorded. Each one maintains:

• Current quantities of all items
• Update history, including timestamps and authors
• Data freshness indicators that show reliability
• Optional targets defined by officers in Hub networks

Members with read permissions can inspect contents at any time, and those with update permissions can record item movements or inventory checks. Officers can assign stockpiles to networks, configure their details, adjust targets, and manage their visibility through organisational permissions.

Types of stockpiles

Most organisations use a mix of stockpile types depending on operational needs. A few common patterns include:

• Operational stockpiles: Frontline or near-frontline depots that require frequent updates and often maintain strict target levels. Their inventories change rapidly, making freshness especially important.

• Distribution hubs: Large central storage points, such as port warehouses or major depots, that gather bulk supplies before redistributing them. They typically have minimal targets because their purpose is movement, not accumulation.

• Production stockpiles: Located near manufacturing facilities and used for storing raw materials and finished goods. They interact heavily with both upstream suppliers and downstream operational depots.

• Reserve stockpiles: Long-term storage locations for strategic reserves. They change infrequently and often operate without targets.

Settings

When creating or editing a stockpile, officers define its name and location details. Stockpiles can then be assigned to one or more networks so they appear in the appropriate organisational views. Assigning a stockpile to an organisation directly or through networks determines who can access or update it.

Networks

Stockpiles can belong to multiple networks, including subnetworks. This allows a single stockpile to appear in different organisational contexts. For example, a frontline depot could be part of both a geographical network (e.g., “Northern Region”) and a functional network (e.g., “Frontline Supplies”).

Permissions

Access control follows standard organisational permissions:

• READ allows viewing
• SUBMIT_ITEMS allows item updates
• WRITE allows editing settings and targets
• MANAGE allows deletion and full control

More information