Item Master Setup

Before adding Item Master records, define item templates. Item templates define how the item is tracked:

• By unique Handle (serial) or by quantity.
• Rule assignments.
• Attribute assignments (to master, unit, transaction).

About Item Masters#

Item Masters are often referred to as a part number, SKU, item code, item number, etc. By setting up item master records, items can more effectively be looked up and requested. When items are uniquely identified in the system (serial tracked), having an item master for the same item allows the ability to look up by the item master to see the total quantity of that item by facility or area location. A user can make a request for an item-by-item master versus having to find and request by a unique ID.

There are a couple of strategies for defining item masters.

• Use the manufacturer part number or item code as the item master. This would be the item number used to order the item from a vendor.
• For tools, use or incorporate the model number as the item master code. Since a model is often then also associated directly with a manufacturer, the model and manufacturer details can be defined on the item master level since all units assigned with the item master would also be units with the same manufacturer.

Examples of tools setup with the model number for the item master:
Item Master: DW235G
Description: 1/2″ Drill

Item Master: 299-20
Description: 1/2″ Drill

Item Master DWE402N
Description 4-1/2″ Grinder

Item Master 9557PB
Description 4-1/2″ Grinder

• Based on the above example, item masters can be set up in a more generic format. The model and manufacturer could then be assigned as an attribute to the unit itself. This option works well when the model and manufacturer have no further significance in which specific unit is selected. Consider incorporating intelligent numbering to make identifying the items easier.

Example of generic item master for 1/2″ Drill and 4-1/2″ Grinder

Item Master: DRL05 (DRL represents drill; and 05 represents 1/2″)
Description: 1/2″ Drill

Item Master: GRD405 (GRD represents grinder; and 405 represent 4-1/2″)
Description: 4-1/2″ Grinder

PanatrackerST is designed to have every item unit tracked in the system defined by an Item Master. When using a more specific numbering system (a part number, SKU, or model number), many of the details that you may want to track can be added as attributes to the item master. These are attributes shared by all units assigned to the item master. If following a more generic numbering system, the attributes may need to be captured on the individual unit records.

Creating Item Master Records#

Before you start adding your item masters into the system, all the item templates must be defined. The item templates identify how the units are tracked based on rules enabled and attributes defined.

Under the Units section on the left menu, select Item Masters. The item master grid view will display the current masters in the system. Select [Next item Master]

1. Template. Select the template for the item master. The template dictates the rules and the attribute assignment logic.
2. Item Code. Enter the Item Master Code (part number, SKU, item number, model, etc.) The item master must be a unique number to the system. This item code is used as the Handle for quantity-tracked items.
3. Description. Enter the item description. The item description is inhered by ALL unit’s setup with this item master code. This eliminates the need to enter descriptions for the units when adding and receiving the unit and provides consistency for look ups and display.
4. Base Unit of Measure. If the UOM was setup on the item template, it will default automatically. The UOM can be changed during the item master setup if needed. If no default was assigned on the template, then select the corresponding UOM for this item.
5. External Record Number. This field is used to map to another system when the item codes would not be a direct match.
6. Master Attributes. If the item template has master attributes defined, then the fields will be enabled to enter those attributes. Similar to the description, the units assigned to the item master would all share these same attributes.
7. Weights & Dimensions. If tracking weights and dimensions for the item, complete the weight and dimension setup.
   • If the weight and dimension is defined on the item master level, then select the unit of measure and enter the corresponding data. Leave the Capture at Unit Level to disable.
   • If the weight and dimensions will be captured for each unique unit record, then select the unit of measure and set the Capture at Unit Level to either Optional or Required.

When the required fields have been completed, the [Create] button will be active to create the item master record.