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Enter order volume, service goals, and node economics. Then submit to get the full plan.
Target coverage is the sum of allocations where node delivery days are at or below your target. Peak utilization estimates each node’s peak daily orders versus its stated capacity.
Use this as a reference for typical starting assumptions. Adjust to your contracts and service maps.
| Example node | Allocation | Fixed/mo | Storage $/cu ft/mo | Pick/pack | Packaging | Ship/order | Delivery days | Capacity/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Hub | 55% | $38,000 | 0.85 | 1.10 | 0.35 | 4.25 | 2.2 | 1,400 |
| East Node | 30% | $26,000 | 0.95 | 1.20 | 0.40 | 3.95 | 1.8 | 900 |
| West Node | 15% | $24,000 | 0.90 | 1.25 | 0.45 | 4.10 | 2.0 | 750 |
Use monthly orders and a realistic peak factor to size the network for surges. Peak pacing converts monthly demand into a daily workload estimate, which is then split by allocation. This highlights when a single hub becomes a bottleneck and when a secondary node reduces risk. For seasonal businesses, compare multiple peak factors and keep the highest scenario as the capacity baseline for staffing and carrier commitments. Track the peak daily figure against pick lines, packing stations, and carrier pickup windows to avoid hidden constraints.
Allocation percentages represent where orders are fulfilled, not where customers live, so delivery days must reflect your service map. Target coverage adds the allocations of nodes that can hit the delivery goal. If coverage falls short, shifting volume toward faster nodes improves the KPI, but may increase fixed overhead or storage. Use the node table to balance service improvement against the cost per order impact of reallocations.
Total monthly cost combines fixed overhead, inbound freight, storage, handling, packaging, shipping, returns, split shipments, and inventory holding. Shipping and handling typically dominate variable spend, while holding cost ties up capital. Apply the efficiency discount to model process gains from slotting, automation, or packaging redesign. Sensitivity testing is straightforward: raise shipping cost per order by 5–10% to see exposure to carrier rate changes.
Capacity is evaluated using peak daily orders versus each node’s stated throughput. Utilization near 95% signals higher overtime, slower cutoffs, and missed SLAs. Consider adding shifts, reallocating volume, or temporarily routing to a third node. Also evaluate returns and split shipment assumptions, because both increase touches and consume labor. A resilient plan maintains buffer capacity at the fastest node during peak weeks.
After calculating, export CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for quick reviews. Share cost buckets with finance, utilization warnings with operations, and delivery coverage with customer experience teams. Keep a monthly baseline, then rerun after contract renewals, carrier changes, or new node launches. Consistent reporting helps spot drift in cost per order and prevents surprise SLA degradation as volumes grow over time.
It adds the allocation percentages of nodes whose average delivery days are at or below your target. The result is your delivery target coverage, which you can compare to the coverage goal you set.
If enabled node allocations do not total 100%, the calculator scales them so the enabled nodes sum to 100% for fair comparisons. This prevents undercounting costs and misreading target coverage.
Peak utilization estimates peak daily orders for each node divided by its daily capacity. Values above 85% merit monitoring, and values near 95% indicate limited buffer for delays, absenteeism, or carrier cutoff issues.
The discount reduces handling and packaging costs only, modeling process improvements like better pick paths, automation, or packaging standardization. Shipping, storage, and fixed overhead are not discounted because they depend on contracts and space.
Returns add processing and return shipping costs based on the return rate. Split shipments add a surcharge for extra touches and labels. Both can indirectly increase labor needs, so validate assumptions with recent operational data.
Use CSV for deeper analysis in spreadsheets, scenario comparisons, and charts. Use the PDF for quick stakeholder reviews, approvals, and meeting notes. Export after each major rate, volume, or network change.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.