{"id":205,"date":"2021-06-16T19:00:15","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T19:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/?p=205"},"modified":"2025-07-22T17:55:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:55:50","slug":"products-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/products-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Products & Items Management in Cash Flow Inventory: Documentation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cash Flow Inventory\u2019s Products & Items Management<\/strong> module is engineered to provide an industry-leading catalog and stock administration experience. It seamlessly balances enterprise-grade capabilities\u2014such as batch\/serial control, multi-unit support, and AI-powered imports\u2014with intuitive workflows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This module empowers businesses, whether retail, wholesale, manufacturing, e-commerce, or hybrid, to efficiently manage thousands of SKUs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Scalable<\/strong>: Supports up to 500,000 items and 100 locations, accommodating businesses of all sizes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Configurable<\/strong>: Feature toggles allow customization to match SKU complexity, ensuring flexibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Integrated<\/strong>: Native connectors link to major sales channels, ERPs, and shipping partners for seamless operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Actionable<\/strong>: Real-time insights through dedicated tabs (To Order, Stockouts, Deadstocks) enable proactive inventory management.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    1. Product Page Layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Products<\/strong> section, accessible via the main navigation under Inventory<\/strong>, serves as the central hub for product and inventory management. It features eight distinct tabs, each designed for a specific purpose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tab<\/strong><\/th>Purpose<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Categories<\/td>Define and organize hierarchical product categories<\/td><\/tr>
    Items<\/td>Manage core product records<\/td><\/tr>
    Variants<\/td>Edit and bulk-manage variant SKUs<\/td><\/tr>
    To Order<\/td>Actionable reorder list based on safety stock and ROP<\/td><\/tr>
    Stockouts<\/td>Identify variants with zero stock across all locations<\/td><\/tr>
    Deadstocks<\/td>Monitor aging variants with no sales in a configurable period<\/td><\/tr>
    Import<\/td>Bulk upload data via a wizard with AI auto-mapping<\/td><\/tr>
    Export<\/td>Extract data with auto-split and archive features<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Common Features Across Tabs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Search & Filters<\/strong>: Multi-criteria search with saved views for quick data retrieval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Action Bar<\/strong>: Includes shortcuts like “Add new,” bulk actions, and export options.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Insights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Navigation<\/strong>: The left sidebar highlights Inventory > Products<\/strong>, with sub-options like Adjustments, Transactions, and Transfer visible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Tabs<\/strong>: All eight tabs are displayed horizontally be<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. low the “PRODUCTS” title, with “Items” and “Categories” active in different screenshots .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Header<\/strong>: Features the “CF” logo, account name (“Demo Name”), and action buttons like “+ New”.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n\n\n

        2. Global Settings & Configuration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Accessible via Settings \u2192Business<\/strong>, this section allows users to activate or customize features to tailor the module to their business needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Setting<\/strong><\/th>Description<\/strong><\/th>Default<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
        Enable Variants<\/td>Activates multi-attribute variant matrix<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Multiple Units<\/td>Supports secondary units and automatic conversions<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Measurements<\/td>Adds fields for weight, dimensions (L\u00d7W\u00d7H), and volume<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Batch Tracking<\/td>Enables batch\/lot selection on stock receipt and opening balance<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Serial Tracking<\/td>Requires unique serial input for each unit<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Stock Intelligence<\/td>Displays ROP and Safety Stock per location<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Tiered Pricing<\/td>Activates Tier 1 & Tier 2 wholesale pricing panels<\/td>OFF<\/td><\/tr>
        Enable Tax Classes<\/td>Adds purchase and sales tax class dropdowns<\/td>ON<\/td><\/tr>
        Business Type<\/td>Physical, E-Commerce, or Hybrid (controls media field visibility)<\/td>Hybrid<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Insights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Variants<\/strong>: The “Variants” column in the Items tab and Variants count in Categories indicate this feature is enabled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Stock Intelligence<\/strong>: “Reorder Qty” in the Items tab suggests this is active.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Tiered Pricing<\/strong>: “Wholesale Min Qty” and “Wholesale Price” columns imply this is enabled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Multiple Units<\/strong>: Only “Each” is shown in the Units column, suggesting this is disabled.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \n\n\n\n

          3. Tab Details & Actions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Each tab provides specialized tools for inventory management, with detailed functionalities as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Categories<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Purpose<\/strong>: Manage hierarchical catalog structures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Columns<\/strong>: Serial Number (SN), Category, Image, Variants, Stock, Purchase Value, Retail Value, Wholesale Value, Wholesale Value2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Actions<\/strong>: Inline edit, delete, activate\/inactivate via a dropdown menu (three dots).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Bulk Actions<\/strong>: Activate, deactivate, or delete selected categories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          5. Insights<\/strong>:\n
              \n
            • Categories like “Home Decor” (Variants: 4, Stock: 1040) and “Jeans” (Variants: 2, Stock: 420) are listed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Filter options include “Category” and “Type” dropdowns, with an “Add new” button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              2. Items<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Purpose<\/strong>: Comprehensive view of all product records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Columns<\/strong>: Action, Image, Item Title, SKU, Units, Stock Qty, Reorder Qty, Purchase Price, Stock Value, Sales Price, Wholesale Min Qty, Wholesale Price; or Checkbox, Image, Name, Variants, Stock, Last Updated, Status, Actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Inline Edit<\/strong>: Edit price, tax, discount, or status directly in the table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              4. Bulk Actions<\/strong>: Activate, deactivate, delete, or export selected items.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                3. Variants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Purpose<\/strong>: Fine-grained control over product variants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Columns<\/strong>: Parent SKU, Attributes, Variant SKU, Location Stocks, Prices, Status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                3. Inline Edit<\/strong>: Modify price, discount, or tax class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                4. Bulk Actions<\/strong>: Activate, deactivate, delete, or export selected variants.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  4. To Order<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Purpose<\/strong>: Proactive reorder list based on safety stock and ROP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Filters<\/strong>: Customize by location or supplier lead time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Columns<\/strong>: Variant, Location, Current Stock, ROP, Suggested Order Qty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  4. Actions<\/strong>: Create purchase orders for single or multiple items.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    5. Stockouts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Purpose<\/strong>: Immediate visibility into out-of-stock products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Columns<\/strong>: Variant, Location, Last Restock Date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    3. Actions<\/strong>: Quickly create purchase orders to replenish stock.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      6. Deadstocks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Purpose<\/strong>: Manage slow-moving or obsolete inventory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Columns<\/strong>: Variant, Location, Last Sale Date, Days Idle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Actions<\/strong>: Archive items or apply discount campaigns.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        7. Import<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Purpose<\/strong>: Streamline data entry with a five-step wizard enhanced by AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Steps<\/strong>:\n
                            \n
                          1. Upload and preview data file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. AI auto-maps columns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Adjust and validate mappings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          4. Correct errors inline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          5. Execute bulk import.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          6. Supported Formats<\/strong>: XLSX, CSV, TXT, PDF.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          7. Insights<\/strong>: An “AI-Powered Import” popup with a “Go to import” button appears across screenshots.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            8. Export<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            1. Purpose<\/strong>: Extract product data for analysis or backup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Features<\/strong>:\n
                                \n
                              • Export all or filtered datasets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Auto-splits datasets exceeding 5,000 rows, packaged in a ZIP file.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                \n\n\n\n

                                4. Add\/Edit Item Workflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Adding or editing items is a two-step process designed for efficiency and detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Step 1: Core Details & Media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Fields<\/strong>:\n
                                    \n
                                  • Item Name & SKU<\/strong>: Text inputs; SKU can be auto-generated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Brand<\/strong>: Dropdown or free-text entry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Category<\/strong>: Multi-select tree picker for hierarchical placement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Supplier<\/strong>: Autocomplete with supplier ID display.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Flags<\/strong>: Checkboxes for Raw Material, Backorder, Non-Purchasable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Measurements<\/strong>: Numeric inputs with unit dropdowns (weight, L\u00d7W\u00d7H, volume).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Descriptions<\/strong>: WYSIWYG editors for short\/long descriptions (visibility based on Business Type).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Tags<\/strong>: Tokenized input with suggestions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Media<\/strong>: Drag-and-drop uploads or URL fetch (E-Commerce only).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Attachments<\/strong>: Multiple file uploads with previews.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Feature Toggles<\/strong>: Enable Variants, Multiple Units, Batch Tracking, Serial Tracking, Stock Intelligence to expand the form.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                    Step 2: Pricing, Stock & Variant Details<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Sections<\/strong>:\n
                                        \n
                                      • Variant Matrix<\/strong>: Manage attributes and generate combinations with a filterable preview.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Units of Measure<\/strong>: Define secondary units, conversion rates, and price differencing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Purchase Pricing<\/strong>: Set cost price, tax class, and tax percentage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Sales Pricing<\/strong>: Configure base price, up to two tiers of wholesale pricing, discount, and sales tax classes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Per-Variant Overrides<\/strong>: Upload images, set stock per location, assign batch\/serial numbers, define ROP and Safety Stock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Remarks<\/strong>: Free-text notes with a character counter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Actions<\/strong>: Save & Continue, Save & Close, Discard Changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                        Insights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        1. The “Add new” button in the Items and Categories tabs initiates this workflow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        2. The “Image” column aligns with media uploads, though currently empty.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                          \n\n\n\n

                                          5. In-Context Item Creation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Access<\/strong>: Available from Purchase Orders, Sales Orders, or Stock Adjustments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          2. Modal<\/strong>: Combines Steps 1 and 2 into a streamlined form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          3. Lean Mode<\/strong>: Hides non-essential fields for rapid entry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          4. Variants<\/strong>: Add variants individually if enabled.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                            \n\n\n\n

                                            6. Bulk Operations & AI Import<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            Bulk Import<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                              \n
                                            1. Limits<\/strong>: Up to 5,000 rows per file; larger files auto-split.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            2. AI Mapping<\/strong>: Supports XLSX, CSV, TXT, PDF, JSON; learns from repeated imports for accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            3. Error Handling<\/strong>: Inline correction panel and exportable error list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            4. Insights<\/strong>: The “AI-Powered Import” popup promotes this feature, linking to the Import tab.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                              Bulk Export<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                                \n
                                              1. Features<\/strong>: Export all or selected data, auto-split for large datasets (>5,000 rows), packaged in ZIP files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              2. Automation<\/strong>: Schedule exports via API for regular backups.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                \n\n\n\n

                                                7. Conditional Logic & Feature Toggles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                The module adapts dynamically based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. Global Settings<\/strong>: Toggles show\/hide relevant fields (e.g., Batch Tracking OFF hides batch fields).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                2. Business Type<\/strong>: Physical hides media fields; Hybrid\/E-Commerce shows them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                3. Item-Level Toggles<\/strong>: Enabling features during creation expands the form (e.g., Variants adds matrix).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Examples<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \n
                                                  1. Measurements OFF<\/strong>: No dimension fields in tables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  2. Batch Tracking OFF<\/strong>: No batch fields visible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  3. Stock Intelligence ON<\/strong>: Reorder Qty column appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \n\n\n\n

                                                    8. Best Practices & Performance Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \n
                                                    1. Modular Enablement<\/strong>: Activate only necessary features to maintain performance (e.g., Batch Tracking).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    2. Template Savings<\/strong>: Save AI import mappings for consistent supplier data (prompted by “AI-Powered Import” popup).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    3. Scheduled Exports<\/strong>: Use API for automated data backups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    4. Variant Strategy<\/strong>: Limit to three attributes for optimal matrix performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    5. Stock Thresholds<\/strong>: Set realistic ROP and Safety Stock to balance inventory.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \n\n\n\n

                                                      9. Advanced Scenarios<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \n
                                                      1. Serialized Lot Recall<\/strong>: Trace serial numbers to purchase dates and supplier batches (requires Serial Tracking ON).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      2. Multi-Warehouse Transfers<\/strong>: Leverage the WMS module for inter-location stock moves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      3. E-Commerce Sync Rules<\/strong>: Configure sync frequency and field mappings for online stores (Image column suggests e-commerce readiness).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \n\n\n\n

                                                        10. FAQs & Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \n
                                                        1. Q: What happens if a product is imported twice?<\/strong>\n
                                                            \n
                                                          • A<\/strong>: Duplicates are detected by SKU; users can update or skip the record.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Q: How can I mass deactivate old SKUs?<\/strong>\n
                                                              \n
                                                            • A<\/strong>: Select items in the Deadstocks tab and use the Archive bulk action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Q: Why aren\u2019t batch fields showing?<\/strong>\n
                                                                \n
                                                              • A<\/strong>: Ensure Batch Tracking is enabled in Settings \u2192 Products<\/strong> and item toggles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                \n\n\n\n

                                                                Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The Products & Items Management<\/strong> module of Cash Flow Inventory delivers a robust, scalable, and intuitive solution for modern inventory needs. With features like AI-powered imports, detailed stock insights (e.g., Reorder Qty), and a customizable interface (e.g., branded logo), it supports businesses managing up to 500,000 items across 100 locations. This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to its functionalities, workflows, and best practices, ensuring users can optimize their inventory management effectively.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                Cash Flow Inventory\u2019s Products & Items Management module is engineered to provide an industry-leading catalog and stock administration experience. It seamlessly balances enterprise-grade capabilities\u2014such as…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cfi_subtitle":"","_cfi_read_time":"","_cfi_featured_label":"","_cfi_toc_enabled":false,"_cfi_cta_text":"","_cfi_cta_url":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[14,17,16,22,20],"class_list":["post-205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-documentation","tag-inventory-control","tag-inventory-software","tag-inventory-tracking","tag-purchase","tag-sales"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cash-flow-inventory-products-management-22-07-2025.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205"}],"version-history":[{"count":74,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13894,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205\/revisions\/13894"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashflowinventory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}