How to work with Knowledge Bank

Knowledge Bank: The Central Information Engine

The Knowledge Bank serves as the central operational library for your company. Instead of manually re-entering specs, equipment run-rates, and cost structures every time you build an operational branch, the Knowledge Bank functions as a single source of truth to assemble scenarios and centrally update models using pre-loaded data sets.

Where is Knowledge Bank?

Knowledge Bank is located in your company section (/analytics page).

Core Architecture & Navigation
Opening the Knowledge Bank exposes the foundational categories that drive your business logic:

• PRODUCTS: Defines semi-finished/finished/traded goods, packaging variants, unit configurations, and base sales pricing.
• STAFFING: Houses role definitions, base wages, shift schedules, and operational labor capacities.
• EQUIPMENT: Catalogs production machinery, footprint dimensions, depreciation cycles, and recurring maintenance/rigging costs.
• PROCESS LIBRARY: Stores manufacturing/service steps, batch runtimes, routing rules, and equipment assignments.
• RAW MATERIALS: Maintains the bill of materials (BOM), unit purchasing costs, supplier minimum order quantities, and scrap rates.
• UTILITIES: Models resource consumption profiles (power, water, gas, etc,.) per unit.
• TAX: Stores applicable corporate rates, VAT/sales tax rules, and payroll tax.

How It Drives Decision Critical Models

• Global Cascading Updates: Modifying a master specification in the Knowledge Bank (such as bulk grain pricing or utility rates) instantly cascades across all linked scenarios, eliminating the need to update duplicate formulas manually.
• Modular Scenario Assembly: When launching a new test scenario (e.g., comparing Single-Product Wholesale vs. Multi-Channel Retail), models pull building blocks directly from this bank to project sales, profit, and 5-year CAGR without rebuilding operational logic from scratch.
• Standardized Assumptions: Keeps cross-scenario comparisons valid by ensuring that every scenario runs on the identical physical and operational baseline.

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Knowledge Bank: Products

The PRODUCTS section defines everything your business outputs or resells. Instead of treating all inventory as generic lines, Decision Critical categorizes products into three distinct operational classifications to govern whether items are manufactured in-house, used as intermediate components, or purchased purely for resale.

The Three Product Classifications
Selecting the right type determines the underlying rules for labor, machinery, bill of materials (BOM), and sales routing:

• SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS:
  
  • Role: Physical goods produced using company or outsourced resources (labor, equipment, buildings) that are consumed downstream in further production rather than sold directly.
  • Key Drivers: Raw material consumption rates and production process cycles.
  • Availability: Available strictly as inputs for finished manufactured goods or other complex semi-finished steps.
  • Brewery Example: "Unfermented Wort" or "Base Green Beer" before filtration and kegging.
• FINISHED PRODUCTS (Manufactured Goods):
  
  • Role: Completed products manufactured through internal or outsourced processes, ready for direct distribution and sale.
  • Key Drivers: Full routing through equipment, direct labor touch-time, BOM raw materials, and packaging configurations.
  • Brewery Example: "Golden Ale 16oz 4-Pack" or "Seasonal Stout 50L Keg."
• TRADED GOODS:
  
  • Role: Finished inventory purchased directly from an external supplier and resold without undergoing physical transformation.
  • Key Drivers: Purchase wholesale unit cost, freight/lead time, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and retail markup.
  • Brewery Example: Branded glassware, brewery T-shirts, or imported non-alcoholic beverages.

Product List Management
The catalog interface provides high-level tracking across all items:

• Code: Unique internal SKU or inventory reference code.
• Name: Clear operational title of the product.
• Used in: Displays downstream parent assemblies or finished goods that consume this specific item.
• Cost: Automatically calculates the unit manufacturing cost (COGS) or lowest procurement cost.

Creating a New Product
Click the green [+] button in the bottom-right corner of the table to open the modal:

1. Select Type: Choose between SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS, Manufactured goods, or Traded goods.
2. Product Name: Enter the identifying name.
3. Main Unit of Measure: Select the primary base unit (e.g., liter, barrel, unit, kg).
4. Action: Click CREATE PRODUCT AND PROCEED TO PRODUCT CARD to open the deep configuration sheet (BOM, labor routing, and packaging rules).

Understanding the Product Card

In the Product List, hover over a product and click RULES to open its Product Card, where you can manage its details.

Depending on the product type, you can configure:

• Units: Set the product's unit of measurement.

• Storage Rules: Define storage requirements.

• By-products: Specify additional outputs generated during production.

• Waste and Rework: Configure production waste and rework.

• Bill of Materials (BOM): Add the raw materials and other inputs required for production.

• Cost Breakdown: View the product's costs, including materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses.

Select the relevant section in the Product Card to view or edit its settings.

Viewing the Product Map

Product Map is for "Semi-finished products" and "Finished Products" only

The Product Map provides a visual overview of how a product connects to other products and production processes.

To open the Product Map:

1. Go to the Product List.

2. Hover over the product you want to view.

3. Click the Product Map icon (magnifying glass).

The Product Map allows you to:

• View Product Relationships: See how products and other inputs are connected throughout production.

• Explore Production Steps: View the sequence of manufacturing steps associated with each product.

• Understand Product Flow: Follow how materials and intermediate products move through the production process.

Use the Product Map to review product dependencies and understand the overall production structure.

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Knowledge Bank: Staffing

The STAFFING directory defines the organizational roles that supply operational labor, oversight, and administration across your facilities. Rather than modeling payroll as a disconnected total sum, Decision Critical structures staffing by individual positions so labor capacity, hourly rates, and shift schedules link directly to production machinery and process runtimes.

Positions Directory Overview
The main directory window acts as the central catalog for all standardized roles across the enterprise:

• Central Repository: Defines reusable role templates (e.g., Head Brewer, Packaging Line Operator, Quality Assurance Tech, Shift Supervisor).
• Modal Controls: The header includes quick tools to expand to full screen, open in an external view, or collapse back to the navigation bar.
• Creation Trigger: Clicking the green [+] button in the lower right opens the creation modal to set up a new position profile.

Creating a New Position
The creation dialog establishes the primary identifier and naming conventions before routing to detailed compensation and schedule rules:

• Position code: Auto-generated structured alphanumeric tag (e.g., PTN-001) to maintain clear auditing across scenarios and departments.
• Name of position: Clear descriptive title defining the role's primary responsibility.
• Action Buttons:
  
  • CONFIRM AND RETURN: Saves the position to the directory list without immediate further setup, ideal for bulk role mapping.
  • CONFIRM AND PROCEED: Saves the entry and immediately opens the detailed Position Card to configure compensation tiers, hourly burden, working hours, and machine certifications.

Viewing Positions in the Directory

The Positions Directory offers three display views. Use the view selectors in the upper-right corner of the list to switch between them:

• Expanded List: Displays each position's name, code, employment type, working hours, and salary.
  
  
  

• Collapse List: Displays basic position information in a simplified layout.
  
  
  

• Simplified View: Displays positions in a table with their codes and gross salaries.
  
  
  

You can also use the Search field to find a specific position.

Managing Positions in the Directory

Hover over a position to access the available actions:

• Settings (Gear Icon): Open the Position Card to view or edit its details.
  
  
  

• Duplicate: Create a copy of an existing position.

• Delete: Remove a position from the directory. This option may be disabled when the position is in use.

To export the Positions Directory, click the Export icon in the upper-right corner of the directory window.

Understanding the Position Card

In the Positions Directory, hover over a position and click the Settings (Gear Icon) to open its Position Card.

The Position Card allows you to manage:

• Salary (Net): Set the position's net monthly salary.

• Payroll Tax: Configure applicable payroll taxes.

• Total (Gross Salary): View the total salary including payroll taxes.

• Direct Tasks: View tasks directly associated with production.

• Operator Tasks: View equipment-related operating tasks.

• Other Tasks: Add and manage other work activities and their required hours.

• Work Station: Define the workspace area and associated workplace items.

• Materials / Expenses: Manage materials and expenses associated with the position.

You can also access additional position settings using the Gear Icon in the upper-right corner of the Position Card.

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Knowledge Bank: Equipment

The Equipment section allows you to create and manage machinery, equipment, and other fixed assets used in your business.

Equipment Directory Overview

The Equipment Directory displays your equipment records and their associated information, including:

• Equipment Name and Code: Identify each equipment item.

• Purchase Price: View the equipment's purchase cost.

• Useful Life: View its expected useful life and depreciation method.

• Operators: See assigned staffing positions.

• Space Required: View the floor space occupied by the equipment.

• Utilities: View associated utility consumption.

• Expenses: View other recurring expenses.

You can customize which information appears by clicking the Display Settings icon in the upper-right corner and selecting the fields you want to display.

Creating a New Equipment Item

To add equipment to Knowledge Bank:

1. Open the Equipment Directory.

2. Click the green [+] button in the bottom-right corner.

3. Enter the equipment's name, code, purchase price, useful life, and depreciation settings.
   
   
   

4. Choose one of the following:

   • CONFIRM AND RETURN: Save the equipment and return to the directory.

   • CONFIRM AND PROCEED: Save the equipment and open its Equipment Card for further configuration.

Managing Equipment in the Directory

In the Equipment Directory, hover over an equipment item to access the available actions:

• Settings (Gear Icon): Open the Equipment Card to view or edit its details.

• Duplicate: Create a copy of an existing equipment item.

• Delete: Remove equipment from the directory. This option may be disabled if the equipment is currently in use.

Additional directory tools include:

• Search: Find equipment by name or code.

• Display Settings: Customize the information shown in the directory.

• Export: Click the Export icon in the upper-right corner to export equipment information.

Understanding the Equipment Card

To open the Equipment Card, hover over an equipment item in the directory and click the Settings (Gear Icon).

The Equipment Card allows you to configure:

• Purchase Price: Set the equipment's purchase cost.

• Depreciation: Define its useful life and depreciation settings.

• Capacity: Set the maximum operating hours per week.

• Space Requirement: Specify the floor space required.

• Operators: Assign staffing positions needed to operate the equipment.

• Utilities: Configure utility consumption.

• Materials / Expenses: Add materials and other expenses associated with the equipment.

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Knowledge Bank: Raw Material

The RAW MATERIAL module in the Knowledge Bank serves as your centralized catalog for all purchased physical inputs, commodities, and packaging components consumed downstream in production. Establishing raw materials centrally standardizes baseline procurement pricing, consumption units, warehouse footprints, and product-driven landed costs across all scenario models. 

1. Raw Material List Overview

The main Raw material list provides an aggregate view of all registered commodities:

• Code: The unique inventory code or SKU assigned to the material.
• Name: The standard operational title of the commodity.
• Used in: Automatically maps and displays which downstream semi-finished or finished products consume this material.
• Cost (lowest): Displays the benchmark lowest purchasing cost configured in the system.
• Header Controls: Options to organize folders, dock/lock the window view, pop out to full screen, and perform keyword filtering.
• Add Material: The green [+] button in the lower right launches the creation modal.

2. Adding a New Raw Material

The Add new raw material dialog defines the initial purchasing parameters:

• Material: Enter the official name of the material.
• Main unit of measure: Set the primary consumption and inventory metric (e.g., Piece, kg, liter).
• Default purchase price: Enter the baseline purchase price in USD.
• Value-added tax (VAT): Displays active VAT rules and calculates the Purchase price (incl. VAT) automatically.
• Creation Action Button:
  
  • Primary (Green Button): Click AND PROCEED TO RAW MATERIAL CARD to save and immediately configure advanced settings (units, storage, and expenses).
  • Dropdown Option: Click the arrow to choose Create material and return to raw material list for rapid catalog entry without entering details immediately.

3. Raw Material Card Configuration

Opening the detailed Product / Raw Material Card provides deep operational and cost controls:

A. Unit Economics & Pricing Display

• Purchase price / pcs: Net purchasing rate per unit.
• Estimated standard cost / pcs: Total landed cost including capitalized procurement overhead.
• Direct expenses / pcs: Any per-unit fees tied directly to purchasing.

B. Unit Conversion Rates

Clicking the gear icon next to Units opens the Unit conversion rates modal:

• General unit: Displays the master inventory unit (e.g., Piece).
• Allow partial units?: Toggle between YES and NO to define whether production recipes can consume fractional units or must consume whole discrete pieces.
• Alternate unit: Configures secondary reporting or procurement units (e.g., converting cases to individual bottles or pallets to pieces).

C. Product Storage Rules

Clicking the gear icon next to Storage rules opens the physical footprint configuration:

• Quantity per one square meter: Defines physical warehouse density (how many units fit within one square meter of storage area).
• Store outside: Flags whether the material can be stored in exterior yards without consuming indoor warehouse space.
• Store off-site: Flags whether inventory sits at third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses rather than the primary facility.

4. Product-Driven Expenses 

Under the Other expenses: all channels card on the right, clicking the list icon (☰) opens the Product-driven expenses configuration. This tool attaches real landed costs (such as inbound freight, customs, handling, or specialized insurance) directly to procurement.

• Expense Name: Enter the descriptive label for the line item (e.g., Inbound Freight, Customs Tariff, Pallet Surcharge).
• Accounting Rule (Select rule): Determines how the expense is recognized:
   
  
  • On purchase, expense in period: Immediately recognizes the cost on the P&L as an operating expense within the purchasing period.
  • On purchase, capitalize into product: Absorbs the expense directly into inventory, increasing the Estimated standard cost and holding it on the balance sheet until consumed into finished goods.
• Activity Group (Select activity group): Categorizes the cost bucket for reporting:
  
  
  • General
  • Administrative
  • Selling
  • Production
  • Non-operating
• Calculation Method: Select how the cost scales:
  
  
  
  • USD per unit: Applies a fixed dollar surcharge per purchased unit.
  • % of purchase price: Calculates the fee as a variable percentage of the base supplier price.

Row Action Buttons

Navigating across an item row (e.g., RM-0001: Raw Material 1) exposes three primary operational controls on the right:

• RULES (Blue Button): Opens the detailed Raw Material / Product Card to configure unit economics, landed expenses, units of measure, and storage rules.

• Copy (Blue Dual-Square Icon): Clones the material entry along with its assigned unit economics and storage assumptions to speed up duplicate catalog setup.

• Delete (Red [X] Button): Permanently deletes the raw material from the Knowledge Bank directory.

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Knowledge Bank: Process Library

The Process Library stores reusable process records that can be accessed across different scenarios.

You can create processes directly in Knowledge Bank or upload existing processes from a scenario.

When a process is imported into a scenario, it can be used as part of that scenario's production workflow. Operational settings and requirements are managed within the scenario.

Processes can also be linked to Knowledge Bank records, allowing you to identify which processes are shared and which are managed independently.

[Scenario #1] ──Create Process──> [Product / Service]
                                         │
                                  Upload Process &
                             Automatically Get 'Process Code'
                                         │
                                         ▼
                             ┌───────────────────────┐
                             │    Knowledge Bank     │
                             │  Process Library (KB) │
                             └───────────────────────┘
                                         │
                                       Import
                                         │
                                         ▼
[Scenario #2] ───────────────────> [Product / Service]

Two Workflows to Register Processes in the Knowledge Bank

You can register master processes using either a top-down or bottom-up approach depending on your operational setup:

Method 1: Top-Down (Pre-Define Code & Name in Knowledge Bank First)

Use this method when you want to establish company-wide SOPs, strict coding standards, or naming conventions before anyone begins modeling:

1. In the Knowledge Bank, open the Process library and click the green [+] button in the lower-right corner.
2. In the Add new process window, enter the Process name (e.g., Cracking / Milling, Mashing, Dumpling Folding).
   
   
3. For the Process code, choose one of two paths:
   
   • Enter a custom identifier manually to match internal company formatting (e.g., PC-0001, T001, SOP-100).
   • Leave it blank, and the system will automatically provision an incremental code.
4. Click the checkmark button (✓) in the lower right to save the record into the master library.
5. Assigning to Operational Scenarios: Once the master shell exists in the Knowledge Bank, working scenarios can import this record and assign actual equipment, labor runtimes, and recipe touchpoints directly to it.

Method 2: Bottom-Up (Upload Directly from a Scenario Model) - Suggested

Use this method when you develop custom operational recipes directly inside a scenario model and want to promote them into company-wide master standards:

1. In an active scenario, create and configure your transformation step inside a product card or via the scenario Process List.
   
    
2. Click the Upload to Knowledge Bank button (the lightbulb upload icon 💡↑) on the individual step or via the batch actions menu.
   
   
3. The system pushes the step into the Knowledge Bank Process library, automatically provisions an official Process code, and indexes it for other scenarios to reference.

Managing Processes Inside the Knowledge Bank

The master Process Library table provides a comprehensive overview of your procedural assets:

• Process code: The master tracking key assigned to each operation (e.g., PC-0001, T001).
• Process: The standardized title of the step.
• Used in: Displays which downstream products or intermediate stages across models consume this process.
• Performed by: Identifies the machinery or staff positions mapped to execute the step.
• View Toggles (Right Sidebar):
  
  • List View (☰): Displays all operations in a flat tabular format for standard sorting and maintenance.
  • Hierarchy / Tree View (⑂): Shows procedural dependencies, upstream stages, and process parentage.
• Header Controls: Dock or pin the panel, expand to full screen (↗), or filter the catalog using the search bar.

The Two-Way Sync Mechanism (Model ⇄ Knowledge Bank)

Connecting an active scenario to the Knowledge Bank enables synchronization controls inside the scenario's Process list:

• Reference Linking: In the scenario Process list footer, set the Reference process list dropdown to point to your company's Knowledge Bank repository.
• Status Indicators:
  
  • Blue Checkmark (✓): The process is linked to the Knowledge Bank, displaying its active master code alongside the name.
    
    

    

  • Upload Lightbulb (💡↑): The process exists only in the local scenario and has not yet been pushed to the master catalog.
    
• Importing to Scenarios (Knowledge Bank ➔ Model): Click IMPORT FROM KNOWLEDGE BANK (💡↓) in the scenario header to review available master codes, check target steps, and import them into the active model. 
  
  
  • The KNOWLEDGE BANK PROCESSES dialog displays all available templates with their master codes.
    
    
• Uploading to Knowledge Bank (Model ➔ Knowledge Bank): Upload individual steps via their row lightbulb icon (💡↑) or click the master upload button in the scenario header to push all unlinked processes at once.
  
  
  
  
• De-linking: If a scenario requires modifying a process without altering the global company standard, use the batch action De-link external association to convert it into a local, independent instance.
  
  

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Knowledge Bank: Utilities

The UTILITIES directory defines the resource consumption rates and grid tariffs required to operate your facility and machinery. Instead of treating power and water as a generic lump-sum operational expense, Decision Critical enables causal tracking by linking utility rates directly to equipment operating hours, batch recipes, or facility floor areas.

Utilities Directory Overview
The main directory serves as the centralized catalog of energy, water, and waste types available across scenarios:

• Central Catalog: Standardizes tariff structures (cost per unit) to ensure all modeled equipment and facilities use identical utility assumptions.
• Window Controls: The header includes a collapse arrow (<) to return to the global dashboard.

Supported Utility Types

Setting Utility Rates

Once a utility is added to the Utilities Directory, you can set its reference rate directly in the list.

1. Click the green [+] button

2. Select the utility type from the dropdown menu.

3. Click the rate field next to the utility.

4. Enter the cost per unit (e.g., 2.00 USD/kWh for electricity).
   
   

To add more utilities, click the green [+] button and repeat the steps above.

Note: Utility rates in Knowledge Bank are reference values, not fixed rates. You can use different rates within a scenario. If a rate differs from the Knowledge Bank reference, Decision Critical flags the difference for review to help identify unintended changes or input mistakes.

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Knowledge Bank: Taxes Module

The TAX directory sets the fiscal and regulatory framework for your entire company. Instead of applying crude, post-model percentage cuts to net profit, Decision Critical separates tax obligations into distinct causal streams so that liabilities hit the balance sheet, payroll, and consumer checkout exactly as required by law.

The Four Tax Pillars

The TAXES DIRECTORY breaks taxation down into four core categories:

• Sales tax:
  
  • Function: Models point-of-sale consumption tax charged directly to the buyer.
  • Financial Impact: Collected on behalf of the government; affects cash flow timing and gross checkout price, sitting as a short-term liability rather than an operating expense.
  • Action: Click the green ADD button to set state, provincial, or local sales tax rates.
• Value-added tax (VAT):
  
  • Function: Models multi-stage consumption taxation common in international jurisdictions.
  • Financial Impact: Tracks input VAT paid on raw materials/equipment versus output VAT collected on finished goods sales, calculating net tax credits or settlements.
  • Action: Click the green ADD button to configure standard, reduced, or zero-rated VAT rules.
• Corporate income tax:
  
  • Function: Directly drives the bottom line by taxing net taxable profits at the entity level.
  • Financial Impact: Informs your after-tax net margin and year-end tax reserve liabilities.
  • Action: Click the green ADD button to define statutory corporate tax rates and brackets.
• Payroll taxes:
  

  • Function: Models graduated, bracket-based payroll tax obligations applied against employee compensation.

  • Configuration (Tax Brackets):

    • Allows creating custom tiered wage thresholds (e.g., from $0.01$ to an upper dollar limit) with a dedicated percentage rate assigned to each tier.

    • Additional tiers can be stacked using the [+] button to model progressive statutory rates or wage caps.

  • Cash Flow Timing (Payroll tax payable): Governs when the accrued tax liability actually leaves your cash account. Defaults to End of current month, with dropdown options to align with local remittance schedules (such as quarterly or following-month filings).

Why Centralized Tax Configuration Matters

Setting these rules in the Knowledge Bank guarantees that whenever you model a change in selling price, run an extra shift, or acquire high-value assets, all tax calculations update automatically across every scenario without breaking your cash flow projections.

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Knowledge Bank and Scenario intregation

Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model

Product Intregation

1. Uploading Products from an Active Model into Knowledge Bank

Use this workflow to save products configured within an active Scenario to Knowledge Bank for future reuse.

Step 1: Open your active Scenario and navigate to PRODUCT LIST.

Step 2: Select the checkboxes next to the products you want to upload, or use the top checkbox to select all products.

Step 3: In the Batch actions panel, open the Select an action dropdown and choose Upload to knowledge bank.

Step 4: Select the destination Knowledge Bank from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Click the yellow UPLOAD button to upload the selected products.

Result: The selected products are copied to Knowledge Bank and linked to their corresponding products in the Scenario. Product codes are generated automatically.

2. Importing Products from Knowledge Bank into an Active Model

You can import existing products from Knowledge Bank into an active Scenario, including their associated production resources and processes, without configuring everything from scratch.

Step 1: Open your active Scenario and navigate to PRODUCTS.

Step 2: In the PRODUCT LIST window, click the Knowledge Bank Import icon (lightbulb with downward arrow) in the top-right corner.

Step 3: The KNOWLEDGE BANK PRODUCT window displays available products. Select the products you want to import using the checkboxes, or use the top checkbox to select all.

Step 4: Click CONFIRM ACTION to proceed with the selected products.

Step 5: The CONFIRM COMPATABILITY ASSUMPTIONS TO PROCEED WITH UPLOAD window opens. Review the related resources and settings before completing the import.

This includes:

• Raw Materials: Review the materials used by the selected products and choose how they should be added or mapped to the Scenario.

• Equipment: Review the equipment required for production and assign the appropriate departments where necessary.

  • Positions: Review the staffing positions associated with the products and their department assignments.

• Utility Rules and Rates: Choose whether to apply relevant utility settings from Knowledge Bank or retain the Scenario's existing configuration.

Step 6: Once the compatibility assumptions are configured, click CONFIRM UPLOAD to complete the import.

Staffing intregation

Staffing Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
The Staffing module supports full bidirectional synchronization between master corporate templates in the Knowledge Bank and your operational models.

1. For importing from Knowledge Bank into an Active Model
Use this workflow to pull a pre-configured role template into your current scenario:

• Step 1: Create and define the role in the Knowledge Bank.
  
  
• Step 2: Open your active scenario and navigate to Staffing > POSITION LIST.
• Step 3: Click the lightbulb icon in the top-right toolbar of the modal.
  
  
• Step 4: In the KNOWLEDGE BANK POSITIONS window, select the checkbox next to the target role.
• Step 5: Choose the target department via the Select department dropdown (e.g., Brewing, Admin, Sales) and click CONFIRM ACTION.
  
  
• Result: The position imports into the model's active directory. It appears with an initial status of ADD EMPLOYEES TO ACTIVATE THIS POSITION until specific headcount schedules are linked.

Import Note: Positions imported through this interface are not automatically linked as operators to existing equipment or processes. Re-establish these operational links inside the model or configure them via the Equipment and Product sections of the Knowledge Bank.

2. Uploading from an Active Model into Knowledge Bank

Use this workflow to promote a role created manually within a specific scenario up to the global company library:

• Step 1: In your model's POSITION LIST, find the manually created role (e.g., Brewer) and click its RULES button.
  
  
• Step 2: In the top-right corner of the POSITION (ALL PERIODS) window, click the Gear (Settings) icon.
  
  
• Step 3: In the POSITION SETTINGS panel, scroll down to the Knowledge bank integration card.
  
  
• Step 4: The status will indicate that the position does not currently exist in the Knowledge Bank. Click UPLOAD POSITION.
  
  
• Result: The system confirms the upload with a success notice, assigns a formal Knowledge Bank code (e.g., PTN-001), and locks the master template into your global directory for use across all other scenarios.
  
  

Equipment Intregation

Equipment Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
The Equipment module utilizes a two-way synchronization bridge between master templates in the Knowledge Bank and specific operational scenarios.

1. Uploading or Linking Model Equipment to Knowledge Bank
Promote machinery configured inside an active model up to the master Knowledge Bank or link it to an existing Knowledge Bank record:

• Step 1: In the scenario EQUIPMENT LIST, locate the asset (e.g., Mash Lauter) and click its RULES button.
• Step 2: Click the Gear (Settings) icon in the top header bar of the EQUIPMENT TYPE window.
  
  
• Step 3: Under the Knowledge bank integration section in EQUIPMENT TYPE SETTINGS, choose an action:
  
  • Link to existing Knowledge Bank item: Use the Link to knowledge bank equipment dropdown to map the scenario asset to an existing record.
    
    
  • Upload as new: Click UPLOAD EQUIPMENT to push the local configuration to the global library as a brand-new fixed asset type.

2. Importing equipment from Knowledge Bank into an Active Model

Pull standardized machinery definitions into an active scenario to preserve company-wide cost, footprint, and operating assumptions:

• Step 1: Define the master asset inside the Knowledge Bank EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY.
  
  
• Step 2: Open your active scenario and navigate to EQUIPMENT LIST.
• Step 3: Click the lightbulb icon in the top-right toolbar of the modal window.
  
  
• Step 4: Select the target machine from the Knowledge Bank list to import its specifications directly into the scenario.
  
  

3. Resolving Synchronization & Operator Conflicts
When linking an existing model item to a Knowledge Bank template that has diverged, Decision Critical provides resolution controls:

• Sync Actions: When data diverges, the modal displays two directional choices:
  
  
  
  • REFRESH FROM KNOWLEDGE BANK: Overwrites local scenario parameters with master Knowledge Bank data.
  • UPLOAD UPDATE TO KNOWLEDGE BANK: Pushes local scenario changes up to overwrite the Knowledge Bank master template.
• Confirm Compatibility Assumptions: If assigned labor differs between systems, a compatibility prompt presents two options:
  
  • Synchronize knowledge bank equipment operators to scenario settings: Overwrites Knowledge Bank operator settings to match the scenario (links or de-links roles like Brewer).
  • Ignore (do not synchronize) operators: Updates machine specs while preserving existing operator allocations independently.
• Confirmation: Once applied, the interface confirms that the asset is synced and displays the active Knowledge Bank code with a green confirmation toast.

Raw Materials Intregation

Product Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
The Product module connects products stored in Knowledge Bank with active Scenarios. This allows you to import existing products along with their associated production resources and processes, or upload products configured within a Scenario to Knowledge Bank for future reuse.

1. Uploading Raw Materials from an Active Model to Knowledge Bank

Use this workflow to save raw materials created or configured within an active scenario to your company's Knowledge Bank for future reuse:

• Step 1: Open your active scenario and navigate to RAW MATERIALS.

• Step 2: Select the checkboxes next to the raw materials you want to upload, or use the top checkbox to select all.
  
  
  

• Step 3: In the Batch actions panel, open the Select an action dropdown and choose Upload to knowledge bank.
  

• Step 4: Select the destination Knowledge Bank from the dropdown menu.

• Step 5: Click the yellow UPLOAD button to upload the selected raw materials.
  
  

2. Importing Raw Materials from KB into an Active Model

Use this workflow to bring pre-configured raw materials from your company's Knowledge Bank into an operational scenario:

• Step 1: Open your active scenario and navigate to RAW MATERIALS.

• Step 2: Click the Knowledge Bank Import icon (lightbulb with downward arrow) in the top-right toolbar.
  
  
  

• Step 3: In the KNOWLEDGE BANK RAW MATERIAL window, select the checkboxes next to the materials you want to import. Use the top checkbox to select all available materials.
  
  
  

• Step 4: Click CONFIRM ACTION to import the selected materials.
  
  
  

• Result: The imported materials appear in the scenario's RAW MATERIALS list with their units of measure and purchase prices. Blue checkmarks in the Knowledge Bank window indicate the imported records.
  
  

Import Note: Raw materials imported through this interface are automatically linked to matching processes where available. These links can be removed individually from the Raw Material Card after importing.

Process Intregation

Process Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
The Process module connects production processes in Knowledge Bank with active Scenarios. This allows you to import reusable processes into your models or upload Scenario-specific processes to Knowledge Bank, keeping process definitions organized and synchronized across models.

1. Uploading Processes from an Active Model into Knowledge Bank

You can upload processes created within an active Scenario to Knowledge Bank, making them available for reuse in other Scenarios.

Step 1: Open your active Scenario and navigate to PRODUCTS.

Step 2: In the PRODUCT LIST window, click PROCESSES in the top-right corner to open the PROCESS LIST.

Step 3: Locate the Reference process list dropdown at the bottom-right corner. By default, it displays No reference process list indicated. Open the dropdown and select your company's Knowledge Bank.

Step 4: Select the checkboxes next to the processes you want to upload, or use the top checkbox to select all processes.

Step 5: In the Batch actions panel, open the Select an action dropdown and choose Upload to knowledge bank.

Step 6: Select the destination Knowledge Bank and click the yellow UPLOAD button.

Result: The selected processes are uploaded to Knowledge Bank and linked to their corresponding processes in the Scenario. New processes are created in Knowledge Bank where no linked process exists.

Utilities Integration

Utilties Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
Utilities Integration allows you to manage utility rates between Knowledge Bank and your active Scenarios. You can import reference utility rates from Knowledge Bank or upload utility settings from a Scenario, helping maintain consistent cost assumptions while allowing different rates when needed.

2. Uploading Utilities from an Active Model into Knowledge Bank

Use this workflow to transfer utility settings from your active Scenario into Knowledge Bank.

Step 1: Open your active Scenario and navigate to UTILITIES.

Step 2: Locate the Reference utility set dropdown at the bottom-right corner and select the Knowledge Bank you want to connect to.

Step 3: Once the Knowledge Bank is selected, click the Upload to Knowledge Bank icon (lightbulb with upward arrow) in the top-right corner (for all) OR in specific utility.

2. Importing Utilities from Knowledge Bank into an Active Model

Use this workflow to apply utility rates configured in Knowledge Bank to your active Scenario.

Step 1: Open your active Scenario and navigate to UTILITIES.

Step 2: Locate the Reference utility set dropdown at the bottom-right corner. By default, it displays No reference utility set indicated. Open the dropdown and select your company's Knowledge Bank.

This establishes the selected Knowledge Bank as the reference for the Scenario's utility settings and enables the Knowledge Bank integration options.

Step 3: Once the reference is selected, the system displays the synchronization status of each utility. Click IMPORT FROM KNOWLEDGE BANK to import utility settings from the selected Knowledge Bank.

Understanding Synchronization Status

Once a Reference Utility Set is selected, the Utilities window displays the relationship between Scenario utility settings and their Knowledge Bank references.

• Blue checkmark: The utility is synchronized with Knowledge Bank.

• Lightbulb with upward arrow: The utility has settings that are not synchronized with the Knowledge Bank reference.

• Synch all: Synchronizes the remaining utility settings with the selected Knowledge Bank.

Note: Knowledge Bank utility rates serve as reference values, not mandatory fixed rates. You can use different rates within a Scenario, and Decision Critical identifies differences to help you review whether they are intentional.

Tax Intregation

Tax Integration: Knowledge Bank ⇄ Active Model
The Tax module uses a centralized link between your company-wide tax profiles in the Knowledge Bank and active scenarios. This lets you push updates across models or build locally and upload to the central library.

1. Uploading Tax Settings (Active Model ➔ Knowledge Bank)
Use this workflow when you define custom tax rules directly inside an active scenario and want to save them as master corporate standards:

• Step 1: Configure the custom rates and schedule manually 
  
  
• Step 2: Click the lightbulb upload icon with the upward arrow in the top right corner of the window header.
  
  
• Result: The scenario's custom tax profile uploads directly to the Knowledge Bank master directory, standardizing it across all future models and branches.
  
  

2. Importing Tax Settings (Knowledge Bank ➔ Active Model)
Use this workflow to pull pre-set tax rules into an operational model:

• Step 1: In the Knowledge Bank, set up your target tax profile under the TAXES DIRECTORY.
  
  
  
• Step 2: Open your active scenario model and click TAX.
  
  
• Step 3: Set the Reference tax set dropdown to match your company's knowledge bank (e.g., knowledge bank '...' ).
  
  
• Step 4 (Importing Rates):
  
  • Import Specific Tax: Inside an individual tax card (e.g., Sales tax), click the dedicated IMPORT FROM KNOWLEDGE BANK button to pull only that specific stream.
    
    
  • Import All: Click the master IMPORT FROM KNOWLEDGE BANK button (with the lightbulb icon) on the top right header to pull all four tax types at once. Alternatively, click Synch all at the bottom.
    
    
• Result: The tax card updates with the Knowledge Bank rate and displays a blue checkmark indicating active synchronization.

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