Development Update: Contract System Overhaul, Spoilage Mechanics, and More

[p]Hi everyone, 😄[/p][p]Thank you for your continued support and feedback for Food Processing Simulator. This update is part of our ongoing development as we work towards the Early Access release. Please note that this update is not available in the demo version. In this update, we introduce a new contract model, spoilage mechanics, and several quality-of-life improvements based on your reports.[/p][p][/p][h2]Main Updates[/h2]

1. [p]New Contract Model with Updated UI We redesigned the project contract system into two clear types, each with its own rules and UI layout.[/p]
   • [p]Basic Contract
     The truck will arrive on the same day and have a loading window longer than one day. If the loading process exceeds the allowed window, a late fee will apply.[/p][p][/p]
   • [p]Bulk Load Contract
     The truck will arrive within a preparation window, giving you time to produce items in large quantities. The loading window lasts only one day, and late fees will be charged for each day of delay.
     [/p]
2. [p]Updated Truck Arrival Rules[/p][p]Trucks now only arrive within specific hours between 08:00 and 15:00.
   If you accept a contract outside of this time range, the truck will arrive the next day. This change gives more structure to the scheduling and planning of production cycles.[/p]
3. [p]New Spoilage System for Products[/p][p]A spoilage mechanic has been added to introduce more strategic storage management. [/p]
   • [p]A new Cold Storage Warehouse is now available to maintain product grades. [/p][carousel][/carousel]
   • [p]The truck model has been updated with a refrigerated container appearance for contracts that require grade preservation.
     [/p]
   • [p]Products stored outside the Cold Storage Warehouse will lose one grade per day.[/p]
4. [p]Automatic End Day System[/p][p]The game now supports an automatic end day system. You will need to manage your time effectively before the day ends to avoid disrupting production tasks or deliveries.[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]Improvements and Fixes[/h2]

1. [p]Machine Flow Diagrams Added
   Each production menu now includes a machine flow diagram. This helps you understand the correct machine sequence and reduces confusion during setup.[/p][p][/p]
2. [p]Fix Input from the Wrong Machine Side
   Some machines were able to accept items through the output side. This behavior has been corrected so machines only accept inputs from the correct side.[/p]
3. [p]Improved Labelling Machine Logic
   The labelling machine will now reject any item with packaging that does not match its assigned label type based on the current menu available.[/p]
4. [p]Improved Load and Save Flow[/p][p]The New Game button has been removed from the Load Game screen to prevent confusion.
   Saving to a slot can only be done through the Pause Menu.
   Automatic saves will always use the Autosave slot by default.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Thank you again for all the feedback you share as we continue refining Food Processing Simulator. This update is part of our ongoing development toward the Early Access release and is not available in the demo version.[/p][p]If you encounter new issues or have suggestions on improving the production flow, please let us know through the in-game Bug Report Menu or the Steam Discussions.[/p][p][/p][p]See you in the next update! 👍🥗[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]