Item request for inserters/splitters

[AlexPhoenix]

I think that it very usefull to make transport network smarter.
so you can command to inserters to insert needed number of needed items.
the same for splitters, ex spliiter mainly move all at left, but we requests it to move all to right.

BTW, the same usefull for trains

[ssilk]

A setup, where you can configure the number of stored items that should be stored for that LogNet, and the smart inserters are just programmed to look into the setup, instead to be programmed each item on its own?

[AlexPhoenix]

i more think about system of requests, against current based on pure comparing(if items count less then requeared then transport).

but use this system for inserterrs and splitters, that it send request for needed items, and inserter/splitter do it.
also the logistic network can work on it. it will be more flexible.
that for example inserter must insert 5 iron-ore and it will do exactly this.

[ssilk]

But what you request is not what you really need. Look at real logistics: They can take only exactly the needed amount, if the time for delivery is very short. Otherwise they take nearly always more, than needed.
So in consequence you need to define the request AND the storage!

And for the first time I read a bit more about it. The whole theme is extremly good researched in reality:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procurement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telematics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warehousing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materials_management
...

Let's look for cases, how that, what we do in factorio would be done in reality and how it would be changed to improve it (and which makes fun).

[AlexPhoenix]

when i work on metalprocessing factory.
our supply algo was like next
when we have less then 0.5t of 1mm metal plates then we request another 10t.
and we recieve 10t, not more.

[ssilk]

But you didn't request only 0.5 t, which a simple machine (= algorithm) would do, that doesn't know, that you have enough work for the next weeks and was ordered to fill the storage to 1 t minimum, if below 0.5 t.

[AlexPhoenix]

I now more think about condition:
if logisticItemValue < NeededValue then insert by SomeValue.

where SomeValue and NeededValue is setted by network. with correspond items.
and this inserts executed exactly SomeValue.

[ssilk]

Now we go in the right direction.
I think currently to the production info (press P).

It knows the needed amount of the last X minutes.

So simply as possible: someValue is neededValue plus the consumption since the last order.

[AlexPhoenix]

one difference, that in my algoritm this will be possible to requare iron-ore when we need iron-plate.