Enter Characteristic Codes
Explanation
Use this activity to enter and maintain user-defined characteristics for
an item. This optional task is to be performed by a system administrator or
equivalent person.
Characteristics allow you to identify a particular part among similar products
by specifying certain unique details. You can then search for specific parts
by specifying certain characteristics.
Characteristic codes can be either variable or discrete:
- Variable characteristic codes are used when the attribute value can
have any value, e.g., when length can be any value from 1030 mm. The characteristic
code of an existing variable characteristic cannot be modified, but you
can edit the description and type.
- Discrete characteristic codes are used when there is a limited and defined
number of available attribute values, e.g., when length can only be 10 mm,
20 mm, or 30 mm. For discrete characteristics, you must enter the allowed
values. Only attribute values for defined parts can be entered. The characteristic
value of an existing discrete characteristic cannot be modified, but you
can edit the description and type.
Relevant variable or discrete characteristic codes can be grouped in a characteristic
template, and then connected to inventory parts, purchase parts, and sales parts.
All these parts can be connected to both variable and discrete characteristic
codes, as well as templates with both variable and discrete characteristic codes.
Prerequisites
This activity has no prerequisites.
System Effects
As a result of this activity:
- A characteristic code is created.
- Values for discrete characteristic codes are connected to the code.
- Searches can be performed for specific parts by specifying certain characteristics.
- Characteristic codes can be grouped in a characteristic template, and
then connected to inventory parts, purchase parts, and sales parts.