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12. Load the supply network

The network defines which locations can supply one another, with which lead time, and for which materials. It does not replace the production model: a lane permits a flow; it does not prove that the material was produced or purchased.

Tutorial flows

flowchart LR
    SE[SUPPLIER_PULP_EAST] -->|RAW_PULP| ME[MILL_EAST]
    SS[SUPPLIER_PULP_SOUTH] -->|RAW_PULP| MS[MILL_SOUTH]
    ME -->|authorized finished goods| DE[DC_EAST]
    MS -->|authorized finished goods| DI[DC_INLAND]
    DE -->|authorized finished goods| RE[REGION_EAST_DIRECT / INDIRECT]

Load sequence

  1. Supply Network Version;
  2. Transportation Lane;
  3. Transportation Lane - Material Level.

Tutorial files

08-supply-network-version.xlsx 09-transportation-lanes.xlsx 10-transportation-lane-materials.xlsx

1. Open the network topics

Hover over Data and open Operations > Data Operations. In the catalog, follow Master Data > Supply Network > Transportation Network.

Data menu with Data Operations

Version, lane, and material topics

2. Create the version

Supply Network Version Id Description Default Origin Location for Raw Materials
SN_2027_TUTORIAL 2027 tutorial network blank

Keep the default raw-material origin blank. If it is populated before every finished good has a complete production model, an incomplete finished good may be inferred as purchasable and receive an unintended temporary lane.

3. Create the lanes

Origin Destination Priority Lead Time (Days) Allow All Materials Active
SUPPLIER_PULP_EAST MILL_EAST 0 7 false true
SUPPLIER_PULP_SOUTH MILL_SOUTH 0 9 false true
MILL_EAST DC_EAST 0 2 false true
MILL_SOUTH DC_INLAND 0 3 false true
DC_EAST REGION_EAST_DIRECT 0 1 false true
DC_EAST REGION_EAST_INDIRECT 0 1 false true

Priority 0 is the highest priority. Keep Allow All Materials set to false on every tutorial lane.

4. Enable materials explicitly

Origin Destination Material Id Priority Lead Time Active
SUPPLIER_PULP_EAST MILL_EAST RAW_PULP 0 7 true
SUPPLIER_PULP_SOUTH MILL_SOUTH RAW_PULP 0 9 true
MILL_EAST DC_EAST FG_TISSUE_DOUBLE_12 0 2 true
MILL_SOUTH DC_INLAND FG_TISSUE_DOUBLE_12 0 3 true
DC_EAST REGION_EAST_DIRECT FG_TISSUE_DOUBLE_12 0 1 true
DC_EAST REGION_EAST_INDIRECT FG_TISSUE_DOUBLE_12 0 1 true

The imported tutorial network reconciles six lanes and six material allowlists. Repeat this pattern only for finished goods that can actually use each lane.

Risk: a supplier sourcing finished goods

If a supplier-to-plant lane uses Allow All Materials = true, every eligible material at both endpoints may flow. That can make a finished good purchasable from the supplier. Use false and an input-material allowlist.

Action to perform

Download the template, populate the version on every row, and import in version > lane > material order. Download each topic again to reconcile the persisted IDs.

Community model boundaries

The network uses lead time, priority, lot constraints, status, and material enablement. It does not represent maps, distance, fleets, freight cost, or economic network design.

Completion criterion

Every lane must have an existing version, valid origin and destination, Allow All Materials = false, and an explicit list of enabled materials.

Return to production data, or continue with the inventory policy.