How to Set Up Item Types and Item Categories
In short
Add item types at Masters → Item Types → Add Type with a Code, a Prefix and a Type Name; the prefix starts every item code of that type, such as RM-00001. Add categories at Masters → Item Categories → Add Category, choosing a Parent Category to make a sub-category.
| Where | Masters → Item Types / Masters → Item Categories |
|---|---|
| Who can do it | Admin, purchase, stores and production. |
| Steps | 5 |
Step by step
- 1
Open item types
Go to Masters → Item Types. The page lists the item type options used in the item master. Click Add Type.
- 2
Fill the type
Enter Code (up to 20 characters, turned into capitals, e.g. RAW_MATERIAL), Prefix (e.g. RM — used in the item code, as in RM-00001) and Type Name (e.g. Raw Material). All three are required. Click Create Item Type.
- 3
Open item categories
Go to Masters → Item Categories and click Add Category.
- 4
Fill the category
Enter Category Code (up to 10 characters, turned into capitals, e.g. SS) and Category Name (e.g. Stainless Steel). Leave Parent Category (Optional) on None (Top Level Category), or pick a parent to make a sub-category. Add a Description and click Create Category.
- 5
Use them on items
In Masters → Items → Add Item, the new type appears under Item Type and the category under Category. The item code is built from the type's prefix and the next free number.
Good to know
- An item type cannot be deleted while items use it — the ERP says how many items use it, and you change their type first.
Common questions
What is the difference between an item type and a category?
The type says what kind of item it is — raw material, bought-out, consumable — and gives the item code its prefix. The category groups items by material or use, such as stainless steel or electrical, and can have sub-categories.
Where does the prefix appear?
In every item code of that type. With prefix RM, items are coded RM-00001, RM-00002 and so on, numbered past the highest code already using that prefix.
Why can't I delete an item type?
Because items still use it. The ERP tells you how many; change those items to another type first, then delete it.
Related
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