Vendor Materials

Learn how to create and manage the bridge between your internal inventory materials and supplier products for efficient procurement and inventory management.

Overview​

Vendor Materials create essential connections between your internal inventory catalog and supplier products. This mapping helps:

• Ensure accurate ordering
• Simplify procurement processes
• Manage unit conversions
• Track supplier relationships
• Maintain product consistency

Key Features​

• Material Mapping: Link internal materials to supplier products
• Unit Conversion: Handle different measurement standards
• Multiple Identifiers: Support various product codes
• Barcode Support: Enable quick product scanning
• Supplier Integration: Maintain vendor relationships

Core Components​

Identification Methods​

• Vendor Material Code: Supplier's unique product identifier
• Manufacturer Part Number: Original manufacturer's code
• Barcodes: Multiple scanning options
• Internal Reference: Your material catalog link

Unit Management​

• Vendor Units: How suppliers sell products
• Internal Units: How you track inventory
• Conversion Rules: Mathematical relationships
• Rounding Control: Precision settings

Managing Vendor Materials​

1. Access vendor materials:

   • Click "Inventory" on the landing page
   
   • Select "Vendor Materials" from menu
   

2. Add new vendor material:

   • Click "+ New Vendor Material"
   

3. Enter material details:

   

   Required Fields​

   Field	Description
   Material	Select the internal material this vendor product corresponds to
   Vendor	Choose the supplier who provides this material
   Vendor SKU	Enter the supplier's unique identifier for this product
   Unit Price	Specify the cost per vendor unit of measure

   Optional Fields​

   Field	Description
   Manufacturer Part No.	Original manufacturer's identification number
   Vendor Unit	Unit of measure used by the supplier
   Conversion Factor	Mathematical ratio between vendor and internal units
   Barcodes	Multiple barcode types and values for scanning
   Properties	Additional attributes specific to this vendor's version

Best Practices​

Material Setup​

• Verify material specifications with suppliers
• Document any variations from standard products
• Keep supplier catalogs up to date
• Track changes to vendor specifications
• Maintain accurate pricing information

Unit Conversions​

• Double-check conversion factors
• Document special conversion cases
• Test conversions in practice
• Monitor rounding precision
• Update when packaging changes

Identification Management​

• Use consistent code formats
• Maintain current barcodes
• Document identifier changes
• Verify codes with suppliers
• Avoid duplicate records

Supplier Integration​

• Keep vendor details current
• Track supplier changes
• Document communication
• Monitor product consistency
• Maintain pricing history

Common Issues​

Conversion Problems​

• Verify factors with suppliers
• Check rounding settings
• Test with sample quantities
• Document special cases
• Monitor high-volume items

Material Matching​

• Use clear naming conventions
• Maintain complete documentation
• Check specifications carefully
• Verify with suppliers
• Update when products change