# General Information Factories are composed of a global network of factory buildings. They can span across all dimensions, and are not subject to chunk loading, meaning that they run at all times. [Power](../power) is also necessary for factories to run, but can be disabled in the [config](../config). ## Factory Buildings Factory buildings are blocks/[multiblocks](../multiblocks) that perform one specific function in the process of automating resources. Together, they form an entire factory. Factory buildings perform tasks like: - Extracting raw resources - Moving resources between other factory buildings - Transforming resources into different resources, including power - Storing or buffering resources ## Simulation vs Interaction Factory buildings are composed of two separate layers: the simulation layer, and interaction layer. - **Simulation:** Handles all of the work to simulate resources being produced, moved, and transformed. Continues to operate across unloaded chunks or other dimensions. Completely detached from player/world interaction and rendering. - **Interaction:** The blocks/block entities responsible for providing a means to interact with the building in the world, as well as rendering it. Provides a bridge between the simulated component of the building, and what the player can see. This layer also contains the menus used to interact with things like [Machines](machines). ## Ports Each factory building has one or more ports, which connect to [belts](belts) and handle the input and output of resources. Ports are denoted by their protruding square frame with a black background inside the frame. The exact look may vary from building to building, but they will generally all look the same. An example of the output port of a [Miner](miners):