Resupply subcontracting lead times

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Introduction

In Odoo, lead times help you plan ahead by estimating how long it takes to complete key supply chain steps.
 For subcontracted products, getting lead times right is essential. Not only do you need to know how long your subcontractor will take to manufacture and deliver your product, but if you provide them with components you must also factor in the time it takes for those components to arrive.

By setting delivery lead times and manufacturing lead times for subcontracting, you can plan production more accurately, avoid delays, and keep your customers happy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Set the Product Delivery Lead Time
  • Go to Inventory → Products → Products.
  • Select the subcontracted product.
  • Open the Purchase tab.
  • Add your subcontractor as a vendor if they’re not already listed.
  • In the Delivery Lead Time field, enter how many days they need to manufacture and deliver the product.

Example: If manufacturing takes 3 days and delivery takes 2 days, enter “5”.

 

  1. Set the Product Manufacturing Lead Time
  • From the product page, click the Bill of Materials smart button.
  • Open the relevant BoM.
  • In the Miscellaneous tab, set the Manuf. Lead Time to match the delivery lead time.

This tells Odoo when the subcontractor needs to receive the components to start production on time.

 

  1. Create a Purchase Order (PO) or Request for Quotation (RfQ)
  • Go to Purchase → Orders → Requests for Quotation → New.
  • Select your subcontractor in the Vendor field.
  • Add the product and quantity.
  • In Expected Arrival, set a date that allows for component delivery + manufacturing + final delivery.

⚠ Odoo will suggest today’s date + delivery lead time, but you must adjust for the extra time needed to send components to the subcontractor.

 

  1. Manage the Resupply Subcontractor Order
  • Once you confirm the PO, click the Resupply smart button.
  • Check the Deadline field — this is the date the subcontractor must receive components.
  • Update the Scheduled Date so components arrive before the Deadline (allowing for shipping time).
  • Ship components and click Validate when sent.

 

Example Scenario

Mike’s Bikes uses Bike Friends to make unicycles:

  • Manufacture: 3 days
  • Delivery: 2 days
  • Total delivery lead time: 5 days
  • Manufacturing lead time in BoM: 5 days
  • Expected arrival: 30 May
  • Component delivery deadline: 25 May
  • Component shipping time: 2 days → Scheduled Date = 23 May

This ensures Bike Friends has the parts by 25 May, finishes manufacturing on time, and delivers by 30 May.

Tips

  • Always adjust Expected Arrival to include component shipping time.
  • Keep your Delivery Lead Time and Manufacturing Lead Time the same for consistency.
  • Review lead times regularly — real-world delays can change them.
  • Use Odoo’s smart buttons to track both purchase and resupply orders quickly.

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