Quick answer
Trace a shortage from the consumer backward: demand, local storage, warehouse source, Fetcher, connection, producer input, and staffing. Adding another producer before finding the broken link often increases clutter without increasing supply.
Version and source notesUpdated 2026-09-05 · Current for this version
- Updated
- 2026-09-05
- Works with
- PC production and settlement resource chains
- What this guide covers
- Consumer-to-producer trace for common shortage symptoms
- Version notes
- Production balance and route behavior are patch-sensitive
- Update status
- Current for this version
Trace the chain
- Select the building reporting the shortage and read its demand.
- Check its local inventory and chosen input sources.
- Follow the route to the warehouse or producer and inspect Fetcher status.
- Confirm the producer has inputs, workers, and output storage.
- Run the island briefly after one fix and check whether stock rises.
FAQ
Why is production zero when the producer is staffed?
Staffing is only one condition. Missing inputs, blocked connections, full output storage, or a distant route can still stop the chain.
Should I build more storage first?
Only if storage is the observed constraint. Check the complete route before spending space and workers on another warehouse.
Next step
Use building input sources, Fetcher guide, and production chains to isolate the failure.