When managing products and items, it is important to distinguish between the two. A product corresponds to a generic name (e.g. anti-cut glove), while an article is a specific variation of this product (e.g. a particular size/reference of glove: Size 7).
In order to structure this hierarchy, it is first necessary to create a generic product to which the different items will be associated. The products themselves are integrated into article categories, making them easier to classify and manage.
There are two types of product:
Consumables: products that are consumed on first use and cannot be returned to the machine.
Non-consumable (or returnable): products that can be reused after being returned.
For items, it is also possible to set up reference tracking. There are two types of reference:
Controlled reference: Allows an item to be blocked at a predefined date and for predefined users if required. A check is made on expiry to extend or adjust the validity date.
Expired reference: Permanently blocks the item when the date expires, preventing it from being used.
Here is an example of how a products and articles are organised:
Before creating a product and an item for which you want to add information about its brand, supplier and item category, you need to
Have created the article category manually in the STS
Have created the brand manually in the STS
Have created the supplier manually in the STS