Lead Time Configuration
Lead times determine how long it takes to move inventory between locations. Accurate lead times are essential for Tether to recommend orders at the right time and project when inventory will be available.What Are Lead Times?
Lead time is the total time from when an order is placed until inventory is available at the destination. In Tether, lead times are configured as transit days — the number of days for a shipment to travel from one location to another.Types of Lead Times
Supplier Lead Times
Time for orders from suppliers to reach your warehouse. These are configured per SKU in supplier capabilities. Configured in: Supplier → Overview → Capabilities table → Lead Time columnTransfer Lead Times
Time to move inventory between your warehouses. Configured in: Warehouse → Overview → Transit Lead Times sectionConfiguring Transfer Lead Times
Transfer lead times are configured from within each warehouse’s detail page.Accessing Lead Time Settings
The Lead Time Table
The lead time settings display a table showing all other warehouses with the following columns:| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Destination Warehouse | The warehouse name and code (links to that warehouse’s detail page) |
| Lead Time (Days) | The number of transit days to ship from the current warehouse to the destination |
Setting Lead Times
Example Configuration
For a warehouse in New York, the lead time table might show:| Destination Warehouse | Lead Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| LA Warehouse (LA-01) | 5 |
| Chicago DC (CHI-01) | 3 |
| Atlanta (ATL-01) | 4 |
Editing and Canceling
When you modify a lead time value:- The previous value is displayed alongside the new value with an arrow indicator
- Click Update to save the change
- Click Cancel to revert to the previous value
- Changes also auto-save when you click away from the input field (if the value changed)
Supplier Lead Times
Supplier lead times are configured per SKU in the supplier’s capabilities table, not in the warehouse lead time settings.Where to Configure
- Navigate to a Supplier detail page
- The Overview tab contains the capabilities table
- The Lead Time (days) column shows the production/delivery lead time for each SKU
Per-SKU Lead Times
Each SKU-supplier combination can have its own lead time, reflecting:- Manufacturing time for that specific product
- Shipping time from the supplier
- Any processing or customs time
Linked Warehouse Lead Times
If a supplier has a linked warehouse (Supplier Held Inventory), the supplier’s Lead Times tab shows the same transit lead time configuration as a warehouse Overview tab, allowing you to configure transit times from the supplier’s linked warehouse to your other warehouses.Lead Times and Supply Planning
Lead times directly impact supply recommendations:How Tether Uses Lead Times
- Calculates order timing — When to place orders so they arrive before a stockout or safety stock breach
- Projects inventory — When incoming stock will be available at the destination
- Generates alerts — Warns when current inventory coverage is shorter than the lead time
- Forecast visualization — Shows lead time periods in the forecast replenishment rows
Example Calculation
Factors Affecting Lead Times
Consider these factors when setting lead times:| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Distance | Longer distance = longer transit |
| Shipping Method | Ground vs. air vs. expedited |
| Carrier Reliability | Add buffer for unreliable routes |
| Processing Capacity | Larger orders take longer to process |
| Receiving Capacity | Busy warehouses take longer to receive |
| Seasonality | Holiday periods may have delays |
Buffer Time
Consider adding buffer to lead times:Why Add Buffer
- Account for unexpected delays
- Provide safety margin
- Handle variability in transit times
How Much Buffer
| Situation | Suggested Buffer |
|---|---|
| Reliable routes | 0-1 days |
| Standard routes | 1-2 days |
| Unreliable routes | 2-3 days |
| International | 3-5 days |
Example with Buffer
Monitoring Lead Time Accuracy
Track actual vs. configured lead times:Review Process
- Check transaction history for actual delivery times
- Compare to configured lead times
- Adjust if consistently off
Signs of Incorrect Lead Times
- Frequent stockouts despite orders in transit
- Inventory arriving earlier/later than projected
- Alerts don’t align with actual urgency
Best Practices
Start Conservative
Start Conservative
When uncertain, use longer lead times:
- Orders arrive early = extra safety stock
- Orders arrive late = potential stockout
- Better to have buffer than shortfall
Review Regularly
Review Regularly
Update lead times periodically:
- Seasonal changes (holiday delays)
- New shipping contracts
- Route changes
- Performance trends
Document Assumptions
Document Assumptions
Keep notes on lead time configurations:
- What components are included
- What buffer is added
- Why certain routes are longer
Consider Variability
Consider Variability
For routes with high variability:
- Use the longer end of the range
- Consider expedited shipping for urgent orders
- Monitor closely during peak periods
Troubleshooting
Orders Always Late
Possible causes:- Lead time configured too short
- Not accounting for all components (processing, customs, receiving)
- Carrier performance degraded
- Review actual transit times from transaction history
- Add appropriate buffer
- Consider faster shipping methods
Orders Always Early
Possible causes:- Lead time configured too long
- Carrier improved performance
- If consistently early, reduce lead time slightly
- Early arrivals are usually acceptable
- Don’t over-correct — keep some buffer
No Other Warehouses Showing
Possible cause:- Only one warehouse exists in the system
Next Steps
Warehouses Overview
Manage warehouse settings
Suppliers
Configure supplier lead times
Supply Plan
See lead times in action
Forecasts
View lead time impact on projections