Logistics Systems in StarRupture

Introduction

Logistics is the backbone of any factory. When your production lines are healthy but output is low, logistics is usually the culprit. This guide focuses on practical systems that keep materials moving reliably as your factory scales.

1) Start With Throughput Targets

Before you place a single belt or pipe, answer one question:

How much material per minute does this line need to move?

Once you know the target flow, you can pick the right transport tier and avoid guesswork.

Quick rule

• If a line is always full, you're overproducing upstream.
• If a line is always empty, you're underfeeding downstream.

2) Belt Basics That Scale

Choose a consistent belt tier

Mixing belt speeds creates invisible bottlenecks. Use one tier per line and upgrade the whole line when needed.

Use straight runs

Straight lines are easier to debug and expand. Save curves for the last step into machines.

Keep intersections minimal

Every intersection is a potential slowdown. Use splitters/mergers in simple, predictable patterns.

3) Splitters and Mergers That Don't Jam

Splitting cleanly

• Use splitters to divide flow evenly.
• If one branch is priority, route it first, then split the remainder.

Merging safely

• Merge lanes with similar throughput.
• Avoid merging multiple partially full belts into one belt that can't handle peak load.

Tip: balance with buffers

A small buffer after a splitter helps absorb uneven demand without choking the whole line.

4) Fluids and Pipes

Fluids behave differently from solid items. Plan for:

• Shorter runs when possible
• Consistent diameter (don't mix pipe tiers)
• Regular pumps or boosters for long distances

If a pipe line drops pressure, add a booster and check for hidden elevation changes.

5) Buffering Strategy

Buffers make your logistics resilient.

Good buffer placement:

• Between raw intake and processing
• Between processing and assembly
• Before final outputs

Keep buffers reasonable: too big, and you hide real bottlenecks; too small, and you get constant stoppages.

6) Modular Logistics (The Upgrade-Friendly Way)

Instead of one giant spaghetti system, build modules:

• Each module handles one output
• Modules have clear inputs/outputs
• Modules can be duplicated when scaling

This approach makes upgrades simple: copy a module, hook it into your main bus, and you're done.

7) Debugging Logistics Issues

When output is lower than expected, run this checklist:

1. Check output machine status (idle or blocked?)
2. Inspect input lines (full, empty, or stuttering?)
3. Look for merges where flow exceeds belt capacity
4. Check for mixed items on the same line
5. Verify pipe pressure on long fluid runs

8) Keep It Readable

A factory that looks clean is easier to maintain:

• Use consistent spacing
• Label key lanes or color-code where possible
• Keep "maintenance lanes" open for future upgrades

Conclusion

Great logistics is simple, measurable, and scalable. Set clear throughput goals, keep lines clean, and build with expansion in mind. A little structure now will save you hours later.

If you want to verify a design, plug your target output into the calculator and compare against your current belt and pipe capacity. Logistics is math--and math is solvable.