Category Logistics Profile
A Category Logistics Profile is the Category setting that explains how Products in that Category can contribute logistics values.
It answers four questions:
| Question | Example |
|---|---|
| What shape is this product class? | Long rigid for pipe, liquid containerized for paint, non-physical for software |
| Which logistics roles make sense? | Pipe uses length and diameter, not fake width and height |
| Where does each value come from? | Product attribute, Package, formula, sold quantity, blocked until packaging, or not applicable |
| Can this be shipped unpacked? | Some long rigid goods can; liquids, bulk goods, live goods, reels, rolls, and kits usually require a Product Pack or Package |
Inheritance
Profiles inherit from the nearest parent Category first, then from approved Universal Category profiles.
In the Category editor, provenance badges show where the saved rule came from:
- This category means the rule is defined directly on the current Category.
- Inherited from Pipe means the current Category has no local override for that rule.
- Universal: Metal Stock means the rule comes from an approved Universal Category profile.
If inherited sources conflict, Actualog reports the conflict instead of silently choosing a value.
Shape recipes
The editor uses the selected Logistics Shape Profile recipe to keep the UI compact.
For a long rigid Category such as pipe, the primary roles are length and diameter. For a rectangular solid, the primary roles are net weight and three outer dimensions. For liquids, volume and optional density describe the product, while shipping dimensions come from the container or package. For non-physical Categories, the physical table is hidden because those roles resolve as not applicable.
Formula selector
The Formula selector is enabled only when Source is Formula.
When Source is Product Attribute, Package, Sold Quantity, Not Applicable, or Blocked Until Packaging, the Formula selector is intentionally disabled because the row already has a different source of truth.
Product Pack and Package precedence
Category rules describe the base product class. Product Pack and Package values remain the highest-priority shipping facts for a concrete packed unit.
For example:
- pipe can derive an unpacked envelope from length and diameter;
- bundled or crated pipe should use the Product Pack or Package values;
- paint takes product volume from Product attributes, but packed dimensions from the can, bucket, drum, or package;
- cement by mass needs bag, pallet, or container dimensions;
- live goods require approved transport packaging and handling data.