Multi-Warehouse Rebalancing Use Cases

Internal Rebalancing is most useful when warehouse roles and transfer lanes reflect the real operating network. Configure the global default once, then use Transfer Networks and Planning Rules for exceptions.

Hub supplies stores

Business pattern

A distribution center should supply stores, while stores should not normally donate stock to one another.

Setup

1. Create a Transfer Network for the company.
2. Add the hub with Can Supply enabled and Can Receive as required.
3. Add each store with Can Receive enabled and Can Supply disabled.
4. Set source priority and realistic lane lead times.
5. Use a Planning Rule with Configured Transfer Networks only for the relevant product or category scope.

Regional warehouse pool

Enable both Can Supply and Can Receive for warehouses that can exchange stock. Use Same-country warehouses only or separate Transfer Networks when legal, tax, freight, or operating boundaries must be respected.

Protected store or showroom

Set Transfer Out to Block on a warehouse-scoped Planning Rule. The store can still receive replenishment, but its stock will not be offered to other warehouses.

Buy directly for selected products

Use Buy directly on a product, category, vendor, or warehouse rule when freight, ownership, shelf presentation, consignment, or service constraints make transfers unsuitable. The global transfer-first behavior remains unchanged for other items.

Internal transfer only assortment

Use Internal transfer only for stores supplied exclusively by a central hub. When the hub cannot cover the need, the line shows a transfer-only shortfall instead of creating an external purchase recommendation at the store.

Block replenishment entirely

Use Replenishment for Destination = Do not replenish for product-warehouse combinations that should neither buy nor receive normal replenishment. This differs from blocking transfer-in or transfer-out independently.

How donor safety works

• The donor's own demand and ordering cadence are protected.
• Reservations reduce free stock.
• Timely incoming supply can support protection where applicable.
• Existing outbound transfer commitments reduce available surplus.
• The same surplus is not allocated to two receivers.
• A late route does not count as timely receiver supply.

Review before execution

1. Open the receiver Action Line > Transfer Plan.
2. Review every donor, quantity, protected stock, available stock, and remaining stock.
3. Check transfer lead time against the receiver need date.
4. Create the transfer and open all linked pickings.
5. Coordinate physical execution with source and destination teams.

When transfer and purchase are both needed

Create timely transfers first, then create the RFQ for Remaining Purchase Quantity. Purchase schedules and planner overrides apply to the buy balance, not to the internal transfer.