In the context of product and article management, it is essential to distinguish between the two elements.
A product refers to a generic name (e.g., cut-resistant glove), while an article is a specific variation of that product (e.g., a particular size/reference of the glove: Size 7).
To organize this hierarchy properly, you must first create a generic product to which the different articles will be linked.
Products are also grouped into article categories, making classification and management easier.
🧾 Types of Products
Consumable:
Articles that are used up upon first use and cannot be returned to the machine.Non-consumable (or returnable):
Articles that can be reused after being returned.
🆔 Article Reference Tracking
There are two types of reference tracking that can be applied to articles:
Controlled Reference:
Allows an article to be blocked based on a set date and for specific users, if needed.
A check is performed at the deadline to extend or update the validity date.Expired Reference:
Automatically blocks the article after the expiry date, making it unusable.
📌 Example of Product and Article Organization
✅ Prerequisites before Creating a Product and Article with Brand, Supplier, and Category Information
To be able to add brand, supplier, and article category information to a product or article, the following must first be created manually in the STS:
The article category
The brand
The supplier