Overview
When you create a successor-predecessor link, the new product (called the successor) automatically inherits the demand and forecast data from the existing product (called the predecessor).
This allows you to forecast and replenish even for brand-new items, without waiting weeks or months to collect sales data.
Why Use Product Successors?
When you launch new products, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of historical data. Without sales history, forecasting becomes guesswork.
Product Successors solve this by letting you:
Use proven products as references for new ones.
Avoid data gaps when launching new items.
Forecast accurately from day one.
Automate planning decisions for new product lines.
Example:
You’re launching a new T-shirt design that’s similar to a top-selling one.
You can map the new T-shirt as a successor to the existing one, and Tightly will forecast it using the original’s sales behavior.
Core Concept
Each mapping in Product Successors has two roles:
Role | Description | Example |
Predecessor | The product with reliable historical sales and forecast data. | “Classic White T-shirt (2024)” |
Successor | The new or low-data product that inherits the predecessor’s data. | “New White T-shirt (2025)” |
Once the mapping is set:
The successor’s forecasts are automatically generated using the predecessor’s data.
The successor’s own forecast values cannot be manually edited while the mapping is active.
How to Create a Product Successor Mapping
You can create a mapping in just a few steps.
Step-by-step:
Go to the Demand > Product Successors tab.
Click “New Mapping”.
Select the Predecessor Product, the product with rich data.
Select one or more Successor Products, the products you want to inherit from that predecessor.
Review your selections.
Click “Create Mapping” to finalize the mapping.
That’s it! The successor products will now use the predecessor’s data in demand planning and replenishment calculations.
How It Works in Demand Planning
Once a mapping is created, you’ll start seeing the effects directly in the Demand Planning or Smart Replenishment pages.
Here’s what happens:
The successor product will display a “Successor” tag next to its name.
Hovering over the tag shows a message explaining that its forecast is inherited from its predecessor.
The predecessor product will have a corresponding “Predecessor” tag, indicating that its data is being used by one or more successors.
This makes it easy to see at a glance which products are linked and where their data comes from.
Removing a Mapping
You can easily update or delete existing mappings anytime.
To edit or remove:
Open the Product Successors tab.
Find the mapping you want to change.
Click “🗑️ (Trash icon)” that's placed at the end of each mapping line to remove the mapping.
When a mapping is removed:
The successor stops inheriting data from its predecessor.
It starts generating its own forecasts based on its individual sales data (once available).
Rules and Limitations
To ensure data consistency, Product Successors follow a few key rules:
Same Location Requirement
Successors can only inherit data from predecessors in the same location.
This prevents mismatched forecasts between warehouses or regions.Succesor Forecasts Can’t Be Manually Edited
Successor forecasts are locked while the mapping is active.
Any manual changes must be made to the predecessor, not the successor.One-Way Relationship
A successor inherits from a predecessor, not the other way around.
Visibility in Planning Pages
On the Demand Planning page, users can clearly identify mapped products through visual indicators:
Indicator | Meaning |
🟢 Predecessor Tag | The product’s forecast data is used by its successors. |
🔵 Successor Tag | The product inherits its forecast data from a predecessor. |
Hovering over these tags displays helpful tooltips explaining the relationship and behavior.
💡 Best Practices
Map carefully: Always select a predecessor with stable, reliable data.
Use it for new SKUs only: Successors work best for items with little or no history.
Review regularly: As new products gain data, consider removing mappings so they rely on their own performance.
Check locations: Make sure mappings are done within the same warehouse or store group.
Leverage tooltips: Hover tags to understand which data source is driving your forecast.
💬 FAQs
Q: Can one product have multiple successors?
Yes. One predecessor can have several successors mapped to it.
Q: Can one product be a successor to multiple predecessors?
No. Each successor can only inherit from one predecessor at a time.
Q: Will removing a predecessor affect forecasts immediately?
Yes. Once unmapped, successors revert to their own forecast values.
Q: Can I map products from different warehouses?
No. Both products must belong to the same location.
Q: Can I manually edit successor forecasts?
No. Successor data is automatically inherited and locked until the mapping is removed.