Networks Overview

A network is a collection of available locations that simplifies Available-to-Promise (ATP) visibility for the storefront. Networks can be structured based on item types, such as hazardous materials, geographic regions, or country/region-specific availability. By combining multiple store locations into a single network, you can create an aggregate inventory view that displays accurate ATP numbers without requiring additional calculations. This provides you with real-time inventory availability, improving efficiency and customer experience.

Use Cases

Item filtering

Networks ensure customers see accurate product availability based on inventory status. When your storefront uses a network to fetch categories such as in-stock, safety stock, backorder, and preorder, fabric can provide the correct purchasing options. For example, if a popular pair of sneakers is in high demand, customers will see whether their size and color are available for immediate purchase, on backorder with an estimated restock date, or open for preorder before the next release. This improves transparency, manages customer expectations, and helps prevent overselling.

Region-based networks

As an international retailer operating in multiple countries, you must account for variations in inventory availability due to regional restrictions, supplier agreements, and demand differences. By structuring inventory networks by country, customers browsing your online store will only see products that are available for purchase in their region. For instance, an item available in the U.S. but restricted in Canada would not appear for Canadian shoppers, preventing order fulfillment issues and improving the shopper experience.

Related Topics

• Creating a network
• Creating a location