[IMP] MRP: Subcontracting lead times

[jero-odoo]

Docs task: https://www.odoo.com/mail/view?model=project.task&res_id=4882474&access_token=6d6b342b-72de-48c0-a5e7-842222976069

Adding content for Subcontracting lead times and subcontracting portal.

[robodoo]

[jero-odoo]

Hey @larm-odoo this is ready for review. Thanks!

[larm-odoo]

Hi @jero-odoo - great doc, all optional comments. Approved!

[jero-odoo]

Hey @Felicious this is ready for final/tech review. Thanks!

[Felicious]

Hi @jero-odoo, thanks for tackling this very complex topic and incorporating the SME feedback! I especially appreciate the effort you put into summarizing all the lead times in a table at the end (: that really helps pull the concepts together

That said, there are still some significant areas to revisit. Lead times in subcontracting are tricky, and I think some of the misunderstandings here stem from gaps in the base knowledge of how manufacturing and purchase lead times actually work in this context. I completely understand that the original source material didn’t provide much clarity (and it’s possible even the original author didn’t fully grasp it), but this is where we add value as writers: giving readers the necessary context to understand why they’re configuring lead times a certain way, so they can map them to their own operations.

In my review, I’ve highlighted:

• Reframing opportunities: Some definitions are correct but too generic; reframing them in subcontracting terms would make them much more useful.
• Misunderstandings to correct: A few areas suggest a misinterpretation of how lead times behave. These will need rework, and I’m happy to revisit them together if helpful.
• Context gaps: Some workflows (e.g., around security lead times) can’t be explained without setting up more prerequisite information. Without that context, the reader won’t be able to follow.
• Missing angles: There are also some important features worth noting (like how PO deadlines are tied to lead times) that would strengthen this doc.

I’ve added detailed comments inline, but if you’d prefer, I’m happy to hop on a call to walk through the logic and examples together! My goal is to make sure the background around subcontracting and lead times feels clear and solid, so that future docs in this area are easier and more straightforward for you to tackle (:

[jero-odoo]

Hi @Felicious I've made siginificant updates based on the feedback provided, this is ready for re-review. I have also reached out to the SME for additional insight.
Thank you

[Felicious]

Hi @jero-odoo,

This revision improves the accuracy and clarity of the concepts. Two areas still need clarification: I’ve left comments in the MTO and Desk Combination sections.

Once those are addressed, re-tag me in review. I also recommend involving an inventory/manufacturing expert to confirm the details. Lead times are already complex, and we risk misleading readers if anything here is incorrect.

[Felicious]

kind of seems like these two items are bullet points?

[Felicious]

I'm pretty sure it applies to both subcontracted and purchased products. Just curious whether Magdalena told you otherwise?

[Felicious]

After reading this, I still have a lingering question

My main confusion is: if no MO is created in this flow, how do these manufacturing lead times actually get applied? In other words, if we’re asking users to set manufacturing lead times for subcontracted products, how does the MTO process use that data to notify them about planning deadlines or scheduling constraints?

Could you clarify this point more explicitly in the doc? I think it'll be helpful for the readers!

[Felicious]

Jess, I still need some clarification here.

1. On the BoM for Desk Combination:

• Is Drawer Black purchased directly from a vendor to the company? (5 days)
• Is [random component name] produced by a subcontractor and then sent to the company? (3 days)

Right now, the way the sentence is written—“how each lead time contributes to scheduling”—makes it sound like both items are components that need to be gathered at the company for in-house manufacturing. That isn’t clear in the text. Can you rewrite so the roles of each component are explicit?

2. if in-house manufacturing is part of this example, why isn’t the manufacturing lead time mentioned?

3. Finally, can you explain why we’re using this specific example to tie together all the lead times defined earlier? I’m not saying it’s the wrong choice, but I want to be sure the example actually verifies the reader’s understanding of all the lead times we’ve introduced.