# Production Chains

Production chains define how raw materials are processed into finished goods.

## Chains

### Basic Chains (Tier I)
- [Timber Chain](./timber.md) - Woodcutter -> Sawmill -> Timber
- [Tier I Food Chain](./tier-i-food.md) - Fish and Porridge production
- [Porridge Chain](./porridge.md) - Oat Farm -> Porridge Stand
- [Tunics Chain](./tunics.md) - Hemp Farm -> Spinner

### Intermediate Chains (Tier II)
- [Bread Chain](./bread.md) - Wheat -> Flour -> Bread

## Understanding Ratios

Production chains work best when buildings are matched by their cycle times:
- **Same cycle time:** 1:1 ratio (e.g., Woodcutter 30s : Sawmill 30s)
- **Different cycle times:** Calculate based on output/input rates
- **Bottlenecks:** Usually at raw material gathering or logistics

## Common Issues

1. **Transport delays:** Long distances between buildings reduce effective throughput
2. **Storage overflow:** Downstream buildings can't keep up
3. **Resource starvation:** Upstream buildings can't supply enough
