What are Predictions?
Predictions show how Hive has packed your most common order combinations over the last ~30 days.
They are informational and help you:
- Identify unexpected packing behavior
- Decide whether rules are necessary
Predictions are not enforced and provide full transparency into how your orders are currently packed. This allows you to create rules with confidence and refine them over time based on real data.
What is a Rule?
A Rule is your instruction for which outer packaging Hive should use for an exact order combination, defined by:
- Product Groups
- Minimum and maximum quantities per group
Rules allow you to take control where packaging choice significantly impacts cost, protection, or brand experience.
If no rule exists, Hive automatically selects the best-fitting packaging based on historical data and operational logic.
How does fallback work?
Fallback behavior is controlled through your Portfolio settings.
If your preferred packaging is unavailable (e.g., out of stock), Hive will use the next available suitable option.
Your fallback strategy typically reflects one of two priorities:
Brand-first approach:
Keep your next larger custom box enabled to maintain brand consistency.
Cost-efficiency approach:
Enable Hive Standard Material to optimize space usage and shipping costs.
Hive does not stop fulfillment due to packaging stock-outs.
Do rules apply to partial matches?
No, rules apply only to exact combinations.
If an additional product group appears in the order, the rule will not trigger.
Can I create overlapping or duplicate rules?
No. The system prevents overlapping or conflicting rules.
Can I set the minimum quantity to 0 for optional items?
Not currently.
Best practice: mark optional items as negligible instead.
When do rules become active?
Rules typically become active shortly after creation.
For campaigns or packaging changes:
- Set up rules a few days before launch.
Why is Hive packing differently than my rule?
Common reasons include:
- The order does not match the rule exactly
- An additional Product Group is included
- The intended packaging is not activated in Portfolio
- The material was out of stock
- An operational override occurred at the packing station
How many rules should I create?
Only create rules where packaging choice significantly impacts:
- Shipping costs
- Fit and protection
- Damage prevention
- Premium unboxing experience
Many merchants operate successfully with few or no rules.
Rules are a precision control tool - not a requirement.