Before adding Item Master records, define your item templates. Item templates control how each item is tracked: by unique handle (serial) or by quantity, along with rule and attribute assignments.

About Item Masters

Item Masters are often referred to as a part number, SKU, item code, or item number. Setting up item master records lets you look up and request items more effectively. When items are uniquely identified (serial tracked), an item master for the same item lets you look up by item master to see the total quantity by facility or area location. Users can request items by item master instead of searching by a unique ID.

There are two main strategies for defining item masters:

• Manufacturer part number or item code: Use the item number you would use to order from a vendor.
• Model number: Useful for tools, where the model is directly associated with a manufacturer. Define model and manufacturer details at the item master level since all assigned units share the same manufacturer.

Example: Model Number as Item Master

Example: Generic Item Master with Intelligent Numbering

If the model and manufacturer have no significance in selecting a specific unit, use a more generic format with intelligent numbering. Assign the model and manufacturer as unit-level attributes instead.

When using a specific numbering system (part number, SKU, or model number), many details you want to track can be added as master-level attributes shared by all units. With a generic numbering system, the attributes may need to be captured on individual unit records instead.

Creating Item Master Records

Prerequisite: Before adding item masters, all item templates must be defined. Templates identify how units are tracked based on their enabled rules and defined attributes.

Item setup hierarchy — Templates define rules and attributes that flow down to item masters and units

Under the Units section on the left menu, select Item Masters. The grid view displays the current masters in the system. Select Next Item Master to add a new record.

Create Item Master screen

Item Master setup with weights and dimensions

• Template: Select the template for the item master. The template dictates the rules and attribute assignment logic.
• Item Code: Enter the item master code (part number, SKU, item number, model, etc.). Must be unique in the system. This code is also used as the handle for quantity-tracked items.
• Description: Enter the item description. The description is inherited by all units assigned to this item master, eliminating the need to enter descriptions individually and providing consistency for lookups and display.
• Base Unit of Measure: If the UOM was set up on the item template, it defaults automatically. You can change it during item master setup. If no default was assigned on the template, select the appropriate UOM.
• External Record Number: Use this field to map to another system when item codes don't directly match.
• Master Attributes: If the item template has master attributes defined, the fields appear for you to enter those attribute values. All units assigned to this item master share these attributes.
• Weights & Dimensions: If tracking weights and dimensions for the item, complete the weight and dimension setup:
  • To define at the item master level, select the unit of measure, enter the data, and leave Capture at Unit Level disabled.
  • To capture for each unique unit record, select the unit of measure and set Capture at Unit Level to either Optional or Required.

Once all required fields are completed, the Create button becomes active to save the item master record.