You can assign a predecessor/successor product to any item in your webshop. Optiply will use the predecessor’s history to provide more accurate purchasing advice for the successor.
Connect a predecessor to a product
Go to the product to which you would like to add the predecessor.
Click Link predecessor in the top right of the product's detail page.
Select the product you would like to mark as the predecessor
Determine if you would like to keep the predecessor in stock. If not, then mark the predecessor as "phased out". From now on, Optiply will not keep the predecessor in stock.
Determine if you want to merge the stock of the predecessor with the successor. This will subtract the amount on the stock position of the old stock to the order up to value of the new one.
Click Save
In the next forecast, the predecessor's data will be used to forecast the successor's expected demand.
NOTE: If you want to remove the old product from Optiply, please check out the data mapping and synchronisation pages of your specific integration here.
🔗 Predecessor and Successor Products
In Optiply, you can assign a Predecessor (old product) to a Successor (new product). This is essential when introducing new versions of an item, as the new product often lacks the sales history required for an accurate forecast.
By linking them, Optiply uses the predecessor’s sales history to calculate the demand and provide reliable purchasing advice for the successor immediately upon launch.
Step-by-Step: Connecting a Predecessor
Follow these steps to link an old product to a new one:
Navigate to the Successor Product: Go to the detail page of the new product (the successor) that you want to set up.
Initiate Link: Click the Link predecessor button located in the top right corner of the product's detail page.
Select Predecessor: Search for and select the old product you want to mark as the predecessor.
Configure Stock Handling:
Phase Out Old Product: Determine if you want to stop restocking the old item. If so, mark the predecessor as "phased out." Optiply will stop generating stock-keeping advice for the old product.
Merge Stock: Determine if you want to merge the stock logic. Enabling this will subtract the predecessor's remaining stock position from the Order Up To value of the successor. This prevents overstocking the new item while you still have units of the old item left to sell.
Save: Click Save to confirm the link.
The Impact on Forecasting
Once linked, the change will take effect during the next forecast calculation (typically overnight).
Data Usage: The sales history of the predecessor is combined with any existing data from the successor to model future demand.
Result: The successor product receives a mature, data-driven forecast instantly, rather than starting from zero as a "new" product.
Note on Removing Products: If you wish to completely remove the old product from Optiply (beyond just phasing it out), this must be handled via your integration settings. Please check the data mapping and synchronisation pages for your specific integration.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I don't "Merge Stock"?
If you do not merge stock, Optiply will treat the two products independently for purchasing. It will advise a full order for the successor based on the forecast, regardless of how much inventory of the predecessor is still sitting on your shelves.
Can I link multiple predecessors to one successor?
Currently, the standard functionality links one predecessor to one successor to ensure a clear history transfer.
Will the predecessor's history be permanently moved?
No, the history remains associated with the predecessor record for reporting purposes, but the forecasting engine uses that data to predict the successor's needs.
Does the successor inherit settings (like Suppliers or MOQ) from the predecessor?
No. Linking only uses the sales history for forecasting. It does not copy product settings, suppliers, or constraints. You must configure the successor's suppliers, lead times, and MOQs separately.